Current Lab Members
Alex Wilson
Alex is an experienced Research Coordinator working in the Buckler Lab. She holds a MSc from the University of British Columbia, and undergraduate degrees in Physical Health and Education and Biology. She has spent the past 15+ years engaged in all aspects of the project management life cycle with national, provincial and community level initiatives promoting physical activity and equitable access to sport and recreation opportunities. Alex lives in Victoria with her family where you can find her cycling to explore the beaches, parks and trails.
Braeden McKenzie
Dr. McKenzie (he/him) is a post-doctoral fellow working in Dr. Buckler’s Lab. He received his MSc and PhD from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto where his research focused on understanding the intersection of risk, risk communication, and injury throughout diverse sport spaces. Working with Dr. Buckler, Dr. McKenzie’s research interests have expanded to focus more broadly on participation in recreation and physical activity across diverse populations. Facilitating inclusive and adaptive recreation and physical activity programming is a primary goal of his on-going work. Dr. McKenzie’s work has been funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). He’s taught multiple graduate and ungraduated courses at the University of Victoria, the University of Alberta, and the University of Toronto.
Chris Wright
Chris started his PhD in May 2022 with a focus on understanding the behaviours of adults in early years spaces and the impact they have on the physical activity levels of children in their care. He also works as the Manager of Physical Literacy Development at PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) overseeing diverse programs to engage children and youth in quality physical activity experiences. In addition, I work as a physical activity consultant on a number of provincial projects including Appetite to Play, spend the winter weekends as a ski instructor at Mount Washington, am a Master Coach Developer for the National Coaching Certification Program and a Lead Learning Facilitator for many Sport for Life workshops. Prior to his PhD he completed an MSc in Kinesiology at Uvic and a BSc Honours in Sport Development at the University of Lincoln. Since 2020 he has also been sharing my expertise at UVic as a sessional instructor for motor development and inclusive physical activity. His two children also keep him busy coaching their soccer and baseball teams!
Justin Tremblett
Justin is a first year Ph.D. student working under the supervision of Dr. Jean Buckler in the Exercise Science, Physical and Heath Education program. Prior to University of Victoria, Justin completed his master’s degree at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario and his undergraduate degree at Western University in London, Ontario. Justin has strong interests in physical activity, physical activity and health psychology with a particular interest in increasing and maintaining physical activity levels in various populations. Outside of academia, you can generally find Justin paying golf, tennis, and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Grace Grant
Grace is a graduate student at the University of Victoria, studying adolescent mental health in relation to physical activity with Dr. Jean Buckler. Grace focuses on improving adolescents’ mental health by implementing physical activity and mindfulness practices into school curriculums. She is a part of the ADL study with Dr. Buckler and is eager to continue researching the intricacies involved in mental health today. In her off time, Grace is a dance teacher and loves working with youth within the community. She hopes to become an influential government member who can impact health education among adolescents on Vancouver Island after completing her graduate degree.
Autumn Timby
Autumn is a Graduate Student of Kinesiology at the University of Victoria, studying the impacts of bilateral coordination and midline crossing tasks on early elementary students’ fine motor skills, visual motor integration, and attentiveness during school tasks with supervision from Dr. Jean Buckler and Dr. David Kennedy. Their previous education includes a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Central State University and a Diploma in Occupational Therapy Assisting Science from PIMA Medical Institute. They have worked in a variety of settings as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, including work injury rehabilitation, outpatient pediatric therapy and school-based therapy. While working at the school district they provided therapy services to students from preschool through grade six, as well as participating on an interdisciplinary early screening team to identify students in need as they begin school. Recently, they have volunteered with Brave Trails, a summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth in California. Outside of work, you can find them reading about trees and beachcombing.
Araela Steidl
Araela is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology (BSc) at the University of Victoria. She is studying adolescent mental health with Dr. Jean Buckler, focusing on the relationship between physical activity and anxiety. Araela is passionate about accessible health education and reducing barriers to physical activity. She is eager to continue learning and working with youth in the community. In her spare time, Araela enjoys coaching minor hockey and training for triathlons. Following her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue graduate studies in public health.
Past Lab Members
Sharan Srinivasa Gopalan
Celia Payne
Caitlin Mann
Courtney Hall
Sarah Kirkhope
Hanna Stoddart