OUR SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Cindy Barha, PhD

Cindy is a translational researcher with expertise in exercise neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, and aging. Her research focuses on determining why females are more likely than males to develop Alzheimer’s disease and examining how exercise can be utilized as an intervention to promote healthy brain aging. In MOMENTUM, Cindy is interested in examining how different reproductive history variables (e.g., number and health status of previous pregnancies) can alter the trajectory of brain aging across the menopause transition and the potential role physical activity. 

Patricia (Tish) Doyle-Baker, Dr PH/PhD

Dr. Patricia Doyle-Baker is a sport scientist and Doctor of Public health researcher specializing in women’s and girls’ health. She studies how hormonal transitions—fromthe menstrual cycle through menopause—interact with exercise, cardiovascular and bone health, and quality of life in active women. Her current work includes leadership within MOMENTUM, a major transdisciplinary study on menopause, movement, and health at the University of Calgary. Known to her students as “Dr. DB” she alsoconducts research on menstrual‑cycle tracking (apps and hormone monitors), ovulation, and low energy availability in female athletes to inform safer trainingpractices. With a new knee, Tish likes to say she has a leg up on recovery and staying active, bringing lived experience to her work on movement and rehabilitation. At Perspectives, she will share evidence‑informed, ready‑to‑use takeaways for exercise professionals, policy makers, clinicians, and facility leaders who want to better support the health and physical activity of women and girls.

Laurie Hillis, MA

Laurie is an executive coach, team coach, speaker and leadership development practitioner whose purpose is to help others examine and create their most courageous self as they rumble with the daunting arenas they navigate in this world. Laurie has a Master’s degree in Leaderhsip and Learning from Royal Roads University, and many other professional designations including Psychological Safety, Professional Certified Coach, Certified Trauma-informed Coach, and Conflict Informed Coach. She is a senior faculty member at the University of Alberta Executive Education and former Director at the Banff Centre for Leadership, where she earned a faculty of the year award.

Nicole Culos-Reed, PHD

Nicole Culos-Reed is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, and also holds appointments with the Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, and with the Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Nicole is the director of the Health and Wellness Lab and the Thrive Centre, a dedicated fitness facility for individuals living with and beyond cancer. Nicole's expertise is in health and exercise psychology, with a focus on health behaviour change. Nicole’s research focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating sustainable community-based exercise oncology programs, building exercise into standard cancer care.

Keely Shaw, Phd

Keely Shaw is a postdoctoral scholar in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Cumming School of Medicine at UCalgary. She conducts research in exercise physiology and nutrition, examining iron levels in female athletes. She is also a two-time medal winner in paracycling, earning a Bronze medal in the women’s C4 3000m individual pursiuit at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.