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Faculty of Health

Building a Healthy World for All

At York University’s Faculty of Health, we are striving in all we do to be leaders and partners for a healthy and just 21st century world.

Our six degree programs — Global Health, Health Studies (Policy, Management, Digital Health), Kinesiology & Health Science, Neuroscience, Nursing and Psychology — expand our understandings of health, bring innovations to health education, and contribute to the wellbeing of people and communities all around the world.

Through our teaching and research excellence, and with our community partners — locally and globally — we are acting every day to build a healthy world for all. Because we believe health is a fundamental human right. For everyone.


By helping students succeed academically and build their leadership skills, Global Health student and peer mentor, Amina Fadzha Abam, is building a healthy world for all.


A new third edition of the book About Canada: Health and Illness, written by Health Policy and Management Professor Dennis Raphael, explores social determinants of well-being in Canada and provides updated information connecting health and illness to the worsening levels of inequality throughout the country.


The Faculty of Health is Building a Healthy World for All toward our vision of a healthy and just 21st century.


Nursing Professor Nazilla Khanlou’s article on advancing knowledge of nursing care for persons with developmental disabilities was among the top 10 percent most downloaded papers in its first 12 months of publication.


Psychology Academic Advisor Valerie Thomas' work helping students succeed is an example of how we are seeing, hearing, and supporting each other.


Health Policy & Management Professor Lora Appel and her research team's work in virtual reality in health care is changing lives for patients and their caregivers.


Psychology Professor Amy Muise published a review that challenges the core tenets of Gary Chapman's 'Five Love Language' philosophy.


As part of the 2024 Budget, the Ontario government has announced $9M in start-up funding toward a new School of Medicine at York University.


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Michael Rotondi received a CIHR 2024 Applied Public Health Chair to focus on Indigenous health, in partnership with Indigenous health service partners.


A research paper co-authored by Psychology professor Robert T. Muller in the Canadian Bar Review has been recognized with the Pierre Janet Award by The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.


Psychology Professor Joseph DeSouza and Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Michael Kalu are among recipients of seed grants that have been issued by the Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society project.


Psychology Professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell spoke to CTV News about the World Happiness Report findings that show Canada slid to 15th from 13th place last year,


Global Health Professor & Co-Director of York’s Global Strategy Lab, Mathieu Poirier, spoke to CP24 on the 4th anniversary of COVID-19 pandemic border closures and whether they were effective in keeping Canadians safe


Dr. Ambreen Sayani, Health Policy & Equity PhD alumna & Principal Investigator for the Improving Cancer Care Equity Research Program at Women's College Hospital, spoke to CTV news about closing the gap to access cancer care in Canada.


The Government of Canada has issued a new Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointment to Global Health Professor Godfred Boateng in Global Health and Humanitarianism.


The forthcoming third edition of About Canada: Health and Illness, by Health Policy & Management  Professor Dennis Raphael, shows how inequitable distribution of the social determinants of health are determined by public policy decisions.

Catriona Buck


In a new study, Nursing
Professor Catriona Buick along with other YorkU Kinesiology & Health Science researchers have found women with high-risk HPV and metabolic syndrome have almost three times the risk for mortality.


Faculty of Health researchers, including Psychology professors Ellen Bialystok & Gord Flett along with Faculty of Health Dean David Peters, are among 90+ York researchers included on an annual list that tracks the world's top 2% most impactful research.


A pilot program in the Department of Psychology, offered to 29 students in Fall 2023, is providing marginalized and racialized students with opportunities to gain experience in a psychology research lab, a critical requirement for graduate school applications.


PhD student Erin Flanagan and Health Policy & Management Professor Dennis Raphael won the 2023 award for best paper in the journal Human Geography for their work about the public discourses of climate change.

Ali Abdul Sater


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Ali Abdul-Sater's work on blocking inflammation in gout has been named one of the most significant advancements in arthritis research in 2023 by Arthritis Society Canada.

CIHR grant recipients


Faculty of Health researchers Elham Dolatabadi, Skye Fitzpatrick, Anthony Scimè and Jeffrey Wardell are among five YorkU faculty members awarded a combined total of more than $3 million in new funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Children playing soccer


Kinesiology & Health Science Research Associate Meghan Harlow and Associate Professor Jessica Fraser-Thomas are investigating the benefits and risks of organized sports programming for children aged six and under.


Global Health Professor and York’s Global Strategy Lab Co-Director, Mathieu Poirier, and Susan Rogers Van Katwyk, GSL Managing Director, shared their expertise at Government of Canada meetings on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.


In the latest issue of The York University Magazine, Global Health Professor Mary Wiktorowicz discusses the global rise of antimicrobial resistance and the effectiveness of regulations that have been passed in several countries surrounding the issue.


In the latest issue of The York University Magazine, Nichol Edwards Snagg a York University psychology graduate student discusses the impact of the university’s Work Integrated Learning for Black Students in Health initiative.


In the latest issue of The York University Magazine, professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science David Hood emphasizes how exercise is beneficial in helping to slow the aging process and how it restores mitochondrial function.


In the latest issue of The York University Magazine, psychology professor Jeffrey Wardell dives into the highs and lows of cannabis use among Canadian youth outside of the healthcare system.


A World Health Organization Collaborating Centre at York University's Global Strategy Lab that specializes in the global governance of antimicrobial resistance has had its impact recognized with a four-year extension of its mandate.


Kinesiology and Health Science alumna and former York University women’s soccer coach and Lions star soccer player, Farkhunda Muhtaj, will be a keynote speaker on inclusivity in soccer at the Ontario Soccer Summit

Amy Muise


Psychology Professor Amy Muise spoke with CBC Ontario about reigniting romance, expressing love in a broad sense outside of romantic relationships and why putting the work in is key.


Since Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society launched in spring 2023, the $318.4-million project has already achieved several milestones pushing forward the project – and York University – as a leader in socially responsible emerging technology.


Arthur Cheng, Kinesiology & Health Science professor, spoke with USA Today weighing in on how hot tubs and Jacuzzis are beneficial for muscle recovery especially "after prolonged endurance exercise."

Olasunkanmi Adegoke & Stephen Mora


New research from Kinesiology & Health Science professor Olasunkanmi Adegoke and PhD student Stephen Mora has helped advance understanding of cachexia, a body- and muscle-wasting condition experienced by cancer patients.

Ali Abdul Sater


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Ali Abdul-Sater has been recognized in the Arthritis Society of Canada's Top 10 Research Advances of 2023 for his research on gout and inflammation.

Amy Muise


Happy wife, happy life? Research by Amy Muise, Psychology associate professor, is referenced in a new article that debunks popular myths about love.

Photo of students delivering a presentation


The Faculty of Health's Global Health Travel Award provides students with funding to help cover travel and accommodation expenses, empowering them to pursue global learning opportunities that can make an impact on their academic and career paths.

HNES building


Attend the Faculty of Health's Research Spotlight Series on Feb. 12 to hear Nursing professor Saeed Moradian give a presentation on "V-Care: Pioneering Real-Time Management of Immunotherapy Toxicity." RSVP by Feb. 9.


Two Faculty of Health professors – Lora Appel and Matthias Hoben – have received Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants to further their contributions to the study of individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Stone with YorkU logo


The Faculty of Health invites tenured faculty members who are passionate about advancing student success and building a sense of community to apply for the position of head of Stong College.

York University Keele campus


Discover York Academics is a new electronic curriculum vitae (CV) tool offering a streamlined process for faculty to update and maintain one online profile at York.

Students participating in a Kinesiology activity


Students in Kinesiology & Health Science Assistant Professor Stephanie Bowerman's Adapted Physical Activity course put theory into practice by working with students with disabilities from a local high school.


The new global learning page on the Faculty of Health's website looks to further the Faculty’s commitment to advancing global engagement.

Nursing professor Ruth Robbio and her team


A recent three-month pilot project connected fourth-year nursing students with nursing graduate students for online mentoring that would better prepare them to enter the workforce.


Psychology Professor Emerita Esther Greenglass will give a keynote address titled 'Coping, Happiness and Well-Being' at the 33rd International Congress of Psychology in Prague.


Health Policy & Management Professor Agnès Berthelot-Raffard will moderate a panel discussion about mental health challenges faced by Black students at the Feb 5 Black Student Mental Health Symposium. 


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Michael Riddell weighs in on how people with type 1 diabetes can navigate and maximize the benefits of exercise.


A new research report for the City of Toronto led by Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Alison Macpherson highlights data gaps in cyclist and pedestrian injuries that advocates say should help the city's Vision Zero efforts to end road deaths.


Kinesiology & Health Science Professors Hernan Humana (former Chilean national volleyball player) and Amanda De Lisio's article "Half a century later, the military junta still haunts Chile" is featured in The Conversation.


The Connected Minds project was featured as one of York University's top 10 moments for 2023. With $318 million in funding, it is the largest York-led research program in the University’s history.

Sherry Grace


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Sherry Grace has received a KITE Research Institute Innovation and Impact award in the senior scientist category for her outstanding global impact in the field of cardiac rehabilitation.

Jessica Vorstermans and graduate students


School of Healthy Policy & Management Professor Jessica Vorstermans' Human Rights & Health Equity course provides experiential education opportunities for graduate students to learn directly from those experiencing inequity.


Congratulations to Psychology Professors Matthew Keough (L) and Joel Katz who were named among the top most productive clinical psychology professors in Canada according to the journal Canadian Psychology.


New research from Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Antony Chum (pictured) and postdoctoral researchers Gabriel John Dusing and Chungah Kim shows bisexual women face a  higher risk of substance-related acute events than other sexual orientations & genders.


Partnering with community organizations, Nursing Professor Cheryl van Daalen-Smith (L) and Health Policy & Management Professor Marina Morrow produced a new report with recommendations around girls' and young women's mental health.


Nursing Professor Karen Campbell was part of a research team that developed the new iHEAL app to provide support for women experiencing partner violence and abuse.


Learn about the many ways Faculty of Health faculty members, staff, students, and donors are creating positive change in the Fall 2023 Impact Report.


Congratulations to all of the undergraduate and graduate student award winners at the 2022-23 Psychology Student Awards Ceremony.


A new research report co-authored by School of Health Policy & Management Assistant Professor Agnès Berthelot-Raffard investigates the lack of evidence-based data for Black women’s health care in Canada.


The Faculty of Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Monique Herbert as the Faculty’s inaugural Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Inclusiveness.


Psychology Professor Debra Pepler is one of four York University faculty members who have been named 2023 Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, one of the country’s highest honours in arts, social sciences and sciences


Congratulations to Tolu Faromika, an MA student in Clinical Psychology, who has been awarded a Personnel Award for Black Scholars, funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Brain Canada Foundation, and the Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health - CIHR. The award is worth $50,000 over two years.

Marina Morrow


School of Health Policy & Management Professor and Chair Marina Morrow's case study “Mental Health Crisis Support Rooted in Community and Human Rights” published in Human Rights Watch.


Dean David Peters shares an update on the Faculty of Health's strategic planning process and the development of a final draft plan.


The 9-day Environmental Psychology course (Feb 17-25) will allow you to study the interaction between people and their environments through an immersive experience in Costa Rica at York's Las Nubes EcoCampus.


Check out the Experience Cuba program where you will get to spend 2 weeks in Cuba to explore their right to health, education, art, history, and culture.


Psychology professor Jennifer S. Mills, speaks to Global News about the increasing popularity of AI-generated influencers on platforms like Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.


Through a partnership in India, Global Health Associate Professor Amrita Daftary is investigating social determinants of tuberculosis (TB).


VISTA: Vision Science to Applications has played a significant role in growing York University's reputation in the field of vision science and will continue to create positive change as part of the Centre for Vision Research.


In the prestigious Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings by Subject, York University’s Psychology program ranked 5th in Canada!


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Alison Macpherson and postdoctoral visitor Emily McCullogh visited Monash University, Australia to collaborate on the CapaCITY/É project focusing on sustainable transportation interventions.


Faculty of Health Professor Lynda Van Dreumel and Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Professor Carolyn Steele lead Envision YU, prioritizing seamless student transitions with holistic support 


Psychology professor Dr. Ami Rokach stresses importance of meaningful relationships for well-being amid rising adult loneliness.


The School of Global Health World Health Assembly Simulation was an excellent teaching tool giving students first-hand experience of how global health policymakers at the World Health Organization make decisions.


In an article in Sage Journals, Health Policy & Equity PhD student Stella Medvedyuk and Professor Dennis Raphael identify a need for a new definition of health that includes the role that economic and political systems play.


Research by Kinesiology & Health Science Professors Michael Riddell (L) and Mazen Hamadeh (R) is mentioned in a Scientific American article calling for a rethink of the 'Man the Hunter' theory of human evolution.

Christo El Morr


As part of a YorkU & Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care MOU, Digital Health Professor Christo El Morr will create an early warning system to identify at-risk mental health inpatients to allow proactive modifications to their care.


Trauma- and violence-informed approaches can potentially enhance safety across Canada’s abusive, patriarchal sporting culture argues Kinesiology Professor Lyndsay Hayhurst in The Conversation.


A study co-authored by Psychology Professor Jennifer Steele shows summer camp conversations lead boys to have more positive views of girls' STEM ability.


Congratulations to the faculty award winners of the 2023 Dean's Awards for Excellence in the categories of educational leadership and/or curricular innovation; teaching; research; and Service & Engagement Impact.


Why don't more women participate in cardiac rehabilitation? Lack of awareness is a big barrier, says Kinesiology & Health Science professor Sherry Grace, whose research tested some mitigation responses that women found highly useful.


The achievements of Faculty of Health faculty members, students, and staff are highlighted in the President's September 2023 Kudos Report.


Distinguished research professor of Psychology, Ellen Bialystok, was interviewed in a Toronto Star article on the benefits of bilingualism. Dr. Bialystok says there's a difference between being completely bilingual and knowing other languages, but that both are beneficial.


Join us Oct. 4 (3pm) at 320 Bethune College for a research seminar on the "Impacts of Wildland Fires and Air Pollution on Microvascular Health" presented by Kinesiology & Health Science
Prof Emilie Roudier and Toussaint Barboni, associate professor, University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli.

Gord Flett


Mattering is a core, universal human need and is more than feeling like you belong in a group, it’s also being missed by people in that group if you weren’t there, Psychology Professor Gordon Flett tells the New York Times.


Research by Psychology assistant professor Cindel White found that people from diverse religious backgrounds view curiosity about religion as morally virtuous.


Dean David Peters contributed a chapter on health systems frameworks to the newly published textbook "Global Health Essentials" that offers an overview of the main challenges, issues and solutions in global health.

Monique Herbert


Congratulations to Psychology Professor Monique Herbert on being named one of Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch from CIBWE (Canada International Black Women Excellence)

Kinesiology & Health Science Professor David Hood received a $1M+ Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant over five years to study the role of exercise, sex and age on muscle decline.

Welcome and congratulations to the newest faculty members in the Faculty of Health.

Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Dr. Christopher Perry has been appointed the new Director of York's Muscle Health Research Centre.


Faculty, Staff & Students: We are seeking your input on the Faculty of Health's Draft Strategic Plan by Wed Sept 20, 2023. You can review the Draft Strategic Plan and offer your feedback through a brief survey.


Congratulations to Distinguished Research Professor in Psychology and Officer of the Order of Canada, Debra Pepler, one of Canada's foremost researchers and experts on youth bullying and aggression, on her election to the Royal Society of Canada in recognition of her career achievements and contributions to public life.


The Faculty of Health offers students multiple opportunities for global learning, including student exchanges, practicums and internships, globally networked learning, and more.


Congratulations to six Faculty of Health researchers who received SSHRC funding for their projects. L-R top row: D. Pepler (Psyc), T. Pathman (Psyc), A. Rutherford (Psyc); L-R bottom row: S. Adam (Nurs), A. Chum (Kine) & R. Cribbie (Psyc)


Congratulations to PhD candidates Greg Procknow (Critical Disability Studies) and Anna Waisman (Clinical Psychology) who were awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for 2022-2023.


Recent PhD graduate in Kinesiology & Health Science, Durdana Khan, was interviewed on CP24 about her newly published research that suggests working night shifts could impair memory in middle-aged and older adults.


Kinesiology and Health Science Professor Parissa Safai has been elected to serve as president of the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA), leading the way in the world of sociology and sports.


Health Policy & Management Professor Dennis Raphael & grad student William MacGregor examine four poems with a focus on health in a new paper, looking at how the poems can be applied to the education of health workers.


Kinesiology & Health Science Professors Emilie Roudier and Olivier Birot published new research calling for a rethinking of the potential long-term health risks of wildfires.


Poetry by Critical Disability Studies Professor nancy viva davis halifax, is listed as one of 33 Canadian poetry collections to watch for in fall 2023. davis halifax’s "act normal" is a collection of poetry that reconstructs "normalized" notions of disability.


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Lyndsay Hayhurst’s research project, the Wheels of Change, looks at how access to bicycles can help address poverty, gender equity and sustainability for self-identified girls and women in Nicaragua, Uganda, and Canada, using a trauma-informed approach.


Congrats to the Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award winners: Alita Gideon (Top L), Amireza Nikzadfar Goli (Top R), Mohamed Elsayed Elghobashy (Bottom L), and Kaye Trishia Canoy (Bottom R), for their outstanding achievements.


This summer, 18 Black undergraduate students from Psychology, Global Health, and Kinesiology & Health Science participate in work-integrated learning opportunities with 6 health-sector organizations.


Kinesiology & Health Science Postdoctoral Fellow Emily McCullogh, Prof Alison Macpherson and colleagues published a new research paper that examines the built environment and active transportation safety of children and youth


A study by Psychology Prof Jennifer Mills examines the impact of social media on human relationships. The study found comparing body images online could heighten body concerns in young women.


Health Policy and Equity Prof Tamara Daly says access to publicly funded care for seniors continues to be an issue in Canada.


Digital Health Professor Christo El Morr and Critical Disability Studies Professor Jessica Vorstermans supervised international students as part of the Mitacs’s competitive Globalink Research Internship program.

Ami Rokach


Psychology Professor and Clinical Psychologist Ami Rokach, offers 17 easy things to do when you’re feeling lonely.


Faculty of Health faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to read an update on the Faculty of Health's Strategic Planning process and submit feedback on a draft strategic plan by September 20.


Congrats to Nursing PhD candidate Danielle Washington who received the Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award for her research into the mental well-being of Black women living in poverty and at risk of intimate partner violence.


In Psychology Today, Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Sherry Grace explains why women who drink have a higher risk of certain alcohol-related problems compared to men.


A new paper by Kinesiology & Health Science Assistant Professor Antony Chum and Postdoctoral Researcher Chungah Kim published in the journal Psychological Medicine delves into cannabis usage rates, emergency department visits and impact of legalization.

Carly Magnacca and Aala Ibrahim


Psychology doctoral candidates Carly Magnacca and Aala Ibrahim have been awarded the Autism Scholars Award from the Council of Ontario Universities for their leading research in autism.


Students from York University and Queen’s University have organized the annual Ontario Exercise Physiology Conference to showcase research in exercise physiology and related fields from July 25 to 27.

Sherry Grace


Sleep and heart health are connected, writes Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Sherry Grace. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia has been shown to help in 75 to 80 per cent of cases and is more effective than sleep medications long term.


Join us for the next Scholars’ Hub @ Home online session July 26, 12pm with Psychology Prof Thanujeni Pathman for her presentation: “How do children remember? Insights from research about memory and brain development”

Jennifer Kuk


Kinesiology and Health Science Prof Jennifer Kuk’s new research shows we all have room for improvement when it comes to our health as lifestyle health-risk factors are more prevalent today, increasing mortality risk.

Rachel da Silveira Gorman (SHPM), Monique Herbert (Psychology), and Yuka Nakamura (Kinesiology)


Congrats Profs Rachel da Silveira Gorman (SHPM), Monique Herbert (Psychology), and Yuka Nakamura (Kinesiology) who received funding from York to develop Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives.

James Elder and Lauren Sergio


James Elder (Psychology) and Lauren Sergio (Kinesiology) appointed York Research Chairs, supporting their work in Human and Computer Vision, Brain Health, and Gender in Action.

Jennifer Connolly and Jennine Rawana


Psychology Profs Jennifer Connolly and Jennine Rawana to lead new youth mental health research projects thanks to a $300,000 gift from Co-operators.


Faculty, staff and students came together to share ideas on the values, mission, and goals for the Faculty of Health and ways to achieve them at the recent second strategic planning retreat. Stay tuned for updates.


Dean David Peters is part of the Lancet Commission on Evidence-Based Implementation in Global Health to improve the equitable, scalable, and sustainable interventions in low and middle-income countries.


Faculty and Staff: Participate in the Maclean’s University Ranking survey. This influential ranking aids student decisions and boosts reputation in higher education.

YorkU Researcher


Researchers Tara Haas, Joseph Desouza, Katarina Kovacevic, Amy Muise, Matthias Hoben, and Brad Meisner, are featured in the Summer 2023 issue of The York University Magazine.

Dennis Raphael


Health Policy & Management Prof Dennis Raphael examines Friedrich Engels’ insights into the health effects of Victorian-era and contemporary Canadian capitalism.

Essete Makonnen Tesfaye


Congratulations to Global Health graduate Essete Makonnen Tesfaye who has received York's prestigious Murray G. Ross Award.

Ali Samani


Congratulations to Psychology undergraduate student Ali Samani who was awarded the Governor General's Silver Medal for outstanding academic achievement.

Tara Haas


A new study from Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Tara Haas found men are more likely than women to develop conditions associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

Ali Abdul-Sater


A research team Led by Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Ali Abdul-Sater found that 6 to 8 weeks of daily exercise helps to curb inflammation.

Ramesh Venkatesa Perumal


Trailblazing Achievement: York University Celebrates First Nursing PhD Graduate, Ramesh Venkatesa Perumal.

Christo Morr


Digital Health Prof Christo El Morr’s second edition book, Introduction to Health Informatics, is now out. The book explores how health informatics impacts Canadian health-care practitioners and patients.

Vrati Mehra


Kinesiology & Health Science graduate and medical school student, Vrati Mehra, published a study showing more than one-quarter of Indigenous Peoples go to the dentist only for emergencies, raising the need for policy to improve oral health for the population.


Congratulations to all Faculty of Health grads, our Agents of Change, crossing the convocation stage on June 16 & 19 for their degrees!

Mental Health


Social justice and equity and new methodologies in mental health care were key themes at the latest Research Spotlight Series entitled Mad Studies: Critical Interventions in Mental Health.

Antony Chum


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Antony Chum was interviewed on Breakfast Television about his research into bisexual women facing higher suicide risks. Chum offers strategies to support those in need.

Ghana UHS summer school launch


Faculty of Health students, faculty and staff celebrated the launch of a new summer school program at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana.

Devin Phillips


Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Devin Phillips tells CityNews we need to exercise caution by minimizing smoke exposure as forest fire smoke blankets the GTA.

Aline Nizigama


Congratulations to Health Studies Alumna Aline Nizigama who was appointed the new CEO of the YWCA.

Jennifer Mills


A study by Psychology professor Jennifer Mills and PhD candidate Jacqueline Hogue found that when women looked at pictures of friends on social media who they thought were more attractive than themselves, they reported feeling negative about their appearance.

Simon Adam & Marina Morrow


Join us June 7 at 12pm in 402 HNES, or virtually, for the next Research Spotlight Series featuring a presentation from Professors Simon Adam (Nursing) & Marina Morrow (Health Policy & Management).


Canada's largest academic gathering - the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences (Congress) - will be held in person from May 27 to June 2 at York University.


Writing in the Globe & Mail, Psychology Professor Skye Fitzpatrick calls for a radical re-imagining, including collective forms of intervention, when it comes to solving the mental health crisis.


In a newly published paper on Artificial intelligence-based computer aided detection (AI-CAD) in the fight against tuberculosis, Global Health Professor Amrita Daftary says the risk of using AI-CAD could reduce the fight against TB to one that is purely technical and technological, while neglecting its social determinants and effects.

Antony Chum, Judith MacDonnell


Join us May 24 at 12pm in 402 HNES, or virtually, for the next Research Spotlight Series with presentations from Professors Antony Chum (Kinesiology & Health Science) & Judith Ann MacDonnell (Nursing).


Psychology Professor Raymond Mar weighs in on how viewers see the fictional characters in the billionaire family in Succession.


Kinesiology & Health Science professor Michael Riddell speaks with Diabetes Daily about the largest real-world study of exercise in type 1 diabetes and takeaways that can be put into practice.


Studies by Lora Appel (Health Policy & Mgmt), Godfred Boateng (Global Health), Catriona Buick (Nursing), & Shayna Rosenbaum (Psychology) will shed new light on anxiety thanks to a $200,000 Anxiety Research Fund powered by Beneva.


Faculty of Health students, alumni, staff & faculty are invited to read an update on the Faculty's strategic planning process and provide feedback on proposed revisions to the Faculty’s values, mission and vision statements until May 26.


Kinesiology & Health Science professor Sachil Singh was honoured by Japan with a knighthood for his accomplishments in karate-do. Singh will teach a practicum course on karate-do in the YorkU Kinesiology program in Fall 2023.


Congratulations to professors Rachel da Silveira Gorman (Health Policy & Mgmt), Mary Wiktorowicz (Health Policy & Mgmt) & Jonathan Weiss (Psychology) who were among seven YorkU researchers awarded a combined $2.4 million from Canada's New Frontiers in Research Fund.


Join Professor & Helen Carswell Chair in Dementia Care, Matthias Hoben, and the Faculty of Health team for the Walk for Alzheimer's 2023 on May 27 in support of the Alzheimer Society or make a donation.


Join moderator Sean Hillier on May 30 for a panel discussion on "Thinking across differences: Queer, Two-Spirit, and critical disability perspectives" as part of Congress 2023 at YorkU.


A new study from Psychology Professor Joel Goldberg found close family members of those with serious mental health issues also experience stigma. "Family members were not receiving the social support they needed,” said Goldberg.


York University leads groundbreaking research to ensure technology revolution leaves no one behind


Congratulations to all of the exceptional Faculty of Health students who received awards at this week's Calumet & Stong Colleges Awards night.


Join us May 3 at 12noon for the Research Spotlight Series. Dean David Peters will present "Addressing Health Services Inequity through Data, Engagement and Learning: Examples from India and Afghanistan."


A collaborative research project led by Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Ali Abdul-Sater has received a $664,356 grant from The Krembil Foundation to help develop more effective therapies for psoriatic arthritis.

David Peters


Join us May 3 for the
Research Spotlight Series. Dean David Peters will give a presentation entitled "Addressing Health Services Inequity through Data, Engagement and Learning: Examples from India and Afghanistan."

Heather-Edgell


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Heather Edgell is one of the featured speakers at the 14th annual Muscle Health Awareness Day (MHAD) on May 19 that brings together experts from across Ontario, Quebec, and the U.S.

Gord Flett


Psychology Prof & Canada Research Chair in personality and health, Gordon Flett, weighs in on “freudenfreude” - a German word for cultivating joy for other people’s success – but that in western, individualistic countries, empathy for others is on the wane.


Global Health professors Mary Wiktorowicz and A.M. Viens, and PhD candidate Raphael Aguiar, have co-authored a study looking at how prevention of zoonotic spillovers from the wildlife trade should be incorporated into a pandemic treaty.

Dale Stevens


Psychology professor and neuroscience researcher Dale Stevens speaks to Popular Science magazine about a new study looking into how complex languages might shape bilingual brains differently.


Dean David Peters is getting out and about meeting faculty, students and staff (and the occasional special guest). Check out his campus visits in the new photo gallery on the Dean’s Corner page.


Global Health Professor Godfred Boateng recently launched the “Retooling Black Anxiety” project that examines increased anxiety among Black youth and families who have had encounters with the criminal justice system.


Congratulations to the nine Faculty of Health alumni included in the #YorkU 2023 Top 30 Alumni Under 30! We are so proud to see how they are creating positive change.

Psychology student presenting a poster of her research


York’s Psychology program ranked in the top five psychology programs in Canada (#5 in Canada and tied for #2 in Ontario) in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Sherry Grace


A paper co-authored by Kinesiology & Health Science Professor Sherry Grace investigating COVID-19’s impact on cardiac rehabilitation worldwide has earned the World Heart Federation's Best Global Heart Journal Paper Award.

Dennis Raphael


Health Policy & Management Professor Dennis Raphael talks to CBC about the growing problem of infant mortality in Canada, which averages 4.4 deaths for every 1000 births, and more than double for Indigenous people. Raphael says Canada's poor performance is a warning.


Congratulations to Psychology Professor Julie Conder who was named to the inaugural position of Distinguished Fellowship in Learning and Teaching Excellence in the Faculty of Health.


A new paper by postdoctoral researcher Beauty Umana and Global Health Professor Amrita Daftary says a wholistic approach is needed to eradicate tuberculosis (TB), an illness that kills more than 1.4 million people a year globally.


The Government of Canada announced $38.3M over 5 years for dementia research that aims to reduce the risk of dementia and improve care and services.


Join us for the Research Spotlight Series on March 28 where Professors Godfred Boateng (Global Health) and Mia Biondi (Nursing) present on resource insecurity and health, and re-thinking viral hepatitis in Canada, respectively.

York students in Costa Rica


Registration for Summer Study Abroad Courses now open. Register for a hands on education and life changing experience.

Costa Rica dye making materials


Course registration now open for Promoting Global Health (HH/GH 4000) starting in May 2023.


Nursing Profs Kristine Pedernal & Andria Phillips received an ON Ministry of Colleges & Universities Award of Excellence in the category Future-proofing Ontario’s Students, for VR Escape Rooms supporting new ways of learning.

Leeat Granek


Health Policy & Management Prof Leeat Granek received a $100,000 grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to research the accessibility of pediatric palliative care for Canadian children and families.

David Peters


Dean David Peters announces the launch of the Faculty of Health’s 2023 Strategic Planning Process and invites faculty, staff, and students to get involved and help shape our Faculty’s future.


Psychology Prof Thanujeni Pathman spoke to CTV News about her newly published study that suggests we may be underestimating children’s memory capabilities.


Research by Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Tara Haas found that men are more likely than women to develop conditions associated with obesity such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes.


Projects by four Faculty of Health Researchers are part of York University’s $4.05M to support interdisciplinary research for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Jennifer Kuk


Research by Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Jennifer Kuk found that regressions in weight loss are learning experiences and possible steps toward sustained weight loss and improved overall health.

Christine Jonas-Simpson


Nursing Prof Christine Jonas-Simpson has launched a digital learning platform to guide learners through an immersive experience to inspire alternative ways of thinking on dementia.

Gord Flett


Psychology Prof Gord Flett says giving employees a sense of meaning is the solution to low productivity. Feeling like you matter boosts morale while feeling insignificant may cause employees to act out in destructive ways.

Oghenowede Eyawo


Global Health Prof Oghenowede Eyawo is among a group of York professors creating an interdisciplinary research cluster focusing on adaptive knowledge, response, recovery and resilience in transnational Black communities.


Psychology Prof John Eastwood says being glued to our smartphones may limit creative capacity as smartphone users feel bored easily and seek greater stimulation from screens with creativity suffering as a result.


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Alison Macpherson is a co-principal investigator with the CapaCITY/É project to explore sustainable transportation interventions that can support health, mobility, and equity outcomes in cities.

Mattias Hoben


Health Policy & Management Prof Mattias Hoben was named the Helen Carswell Chair in Dementia Care, funded by the Carswell Family Foundation, to evaluate day programs for older adults living with dementia.


With a $8.7 million grant from the Wellcome Trust, York’s Global Strategy Lab will tackle the urgent global health threat of antimicrobial resistance through the AMR Policy Accelerator intersecting scientific research and evidence-based policy to urge governments to act.

Joe Baker


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Joe Baker tells the Globe and Mail that natural athleticism exists but there is no one formula for success. He advises parents to focus on their child’s interest as a guage.


Can bicycles be a force for social change? Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Lyndsay Hayhurst’s research explores the question for self-identified women and diverse populations in Canada, Nicaragua, and Uganda.

Jennifer Mills


Psychology Prof Jennifer Mills was quoted in the New York Times on the super-thin ideal for body types and its impact on young women. Mills says the super-thin ideal is very rare in the real world.


Nursing Prof Christine Jonas-Simpson is part of a research team recognized with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aging Betty Havens Prize for Knowledge Mobilization in Aging.


Digital Health Prof Christo El Morr published a new book titled AI and Society: Tensions and Opportunities, that explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human societies.


Research by Kinesiology Prof Joe Baker and Dr. Kathryn Johnston, is referenced in a discussion on the meaning of athletic talent and distance running, including distinguishing between raw talent and trained talent.


The Fall 2022 issue of The York University Magazine includes an article on how people experience grief featuring Nursing Prof Christine Jonas-Simpson and Health Policy & Management Prof Leeat Granek.


Research by Psychology Prof John Eastwood shows successive generations that scored lower on creativity during childhood seemed to carry it through into adulthood.


The Faculty of Health welcomes 4 new faculty members joining us this fall: Donald V. Brown, Jr. (Psychology), Karen Campbell (Nursing), Devin Phillips (Kinesiology) & Sachil Singh (Kinesiology).


Psychology Prof Thomas Teo awarded the 2022 Joseph B. Gittler Award for scholarly contributions to the philosophical foundations of psychological knowledge from the American Psychological Foundation.

Jennifer Kuk


Research from Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Jennifer Kuk finds diet regressions are learning experiences and may even be necessary steps toward sustained weight loss and improved overall health.


Research by Psychology Prof and York Research Chair in Human and Computer Vision, James Elder, found that even the smartest AI models don't match human visual processing.

Steven Hoffman


Global Health Prof Steven Hoffman was among six York faculty members elected to the Royal Society of Canada.


Psychology Prof Joey Cheng and Global Health Prof Adrian Viens were appointed Tier 2 York Research Chairs in Leadership, Collaboration and Teams (Cheng) & Population Health Ethics and Law.

Sherry Grace


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Sherry Grace is the lead author of a clinical practice guideline with 15 recommendations to the cardiac rehabilitation community on how to deliver more effective women-focused programming.

Gord Flett


Psychology Prof Gordon Flett says people who feel like they don’t matter are more likely to have negative mental and physical health and suggests a variety of actions to grow one’s sense of belonging.

Jennifer Kuk


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Jennifer Kuk says advice for millennials struggling with weight loss that focuses on calorie counting overlooks other factors such as stress and unhealthy sleep patterns.


A review of international treaties led by Global Health Profs Mathieu Poirier and Steven Hoffman shows most international agreements fail to deliver intended results.

Christopher Perry


Researchers led by Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Christopher Perry will develop novel therapies that treat muscle weakness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) after receiving funding from Muscular Dystrophy Canada & MITACS Accelerate.


Psychology Prof Alexandra Rutherford received the Career Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association for her contributions to the development of histories of feminist activism, women’s history, and critical gender studies.


Health Informatics Prof Lora Appel discusses her ground breaking Virtual Reality therapy program for people with dementia with Global News.


A new study led by Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Antony Chum looks at the impact of the #MeToo movement in South Korea.


Global Health Prof Tarra Penney was featured in the Summer 2022 issue of The York University Magazine for her research on government taxes on high sugar sodas.

Steven Hoffman


Global Health Prof Steven Hoffman starts a new role as VP corporate data and surveillance at the Public Health Agency of Canada helping to shape the future of public health responses in Canada.

Gord Flett


Psychology Prof Gordon Flett appears on a podcast for Speaking of Psychology to discuss where perfectionism comes from and why it’s an increasing problem.

Christopher Perry


Can our mitochondria help beat long Covid? Kinesiology Prof Chris Perry looks at what we can learn from the mitochondria of elite athletes to help those with muscle diseases and even age-related sarcopenia.

Esther-Greenglass


Psychology Prof Esther Greenglass received a research grant to study psychological distress related to watching the Russia-Ukraine war and feeling threatened by COVID-19.

Sherry Grace


A new article by Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Sherry Grace argues depression is a significant risk factor for developing chronic diseases and is much more common in those who have a chronic condition.

Steven Hoffman


Global Health Prof Steven Hoffman received a $2.5M SSHRC Partnership Grant for research into a global framework for sustainable antimicrobial drug use & preventing the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria.


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Michael Connor received the 2022 President’s University-Wide Teaching Award.


Nursing Prof Cheryl van Daalen-Smith has been appointed new associate dean, academic, in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.


Psychology Prof Jennifer Steeves has been appointed York’s new associate vice-president research (AVPR).


Kinesiology & Health Science Prof and diabetes researcher Michael Riddell received additional grants to support his work on the treatment of insulin-induced hypoglycemia in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Jennifer Kuk


Weight loss programs can be a big cost burden as people with obesity tend to have lower incomes says Kinesiology & Health Science Prof Jennifer Kuk.

Rebecca-Pillai-Riddell


Psychology Prof and Clinical Psychologist Rebecca Pillai-Riddell discusses how parents can talk to kids about school shootings.

Brenda Orazietti


Nursing Prof Brenda Orazietti wrote and directed 5 video clinical nursing simulation games to give nursing students practical experience they weren’t able to get in person due to pandemic restrictions.


Psychology Prof Nicole Muir was awarded a York University Indigenous Research Seed Fund grant for her work to address colonialism and advance excellence in Indigenous scholarship.


Nursing Prof Nazilla Khanlou is quoted in a Globe & Mail article on women doing more "worry work" than men, affecting their mental health and careers.


A new study from Health Policy & Management Prof Dennis Raphael finds corporate domination of food banks fails to address household food insecurity.


Reading to improve language skills? Focus on fiction rather than non-fiction writes Psychology Prof Raymond Mar in The Conversation.

David Peters


The Faculty of Health is very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Peters as the next Dean of the Faculty of Health starting on January 1, 2023.

Faculty of Heath Awards 2022


Congratulations to the faculty recipients of the 2022 Dean’s Awards for Excellence: Joseph Baker, Mary Desrocher, Rachel da Silveira Gorman, and Mazen Hamadeh.

Michaela Hynie


Psychology Professor Michaela Hynie helps refugees access culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services.


Psychology Prof Yvonne Bohr and colleagues received $1.7M from CIHR to develop culturally safe new virtual mental health resources for remote Nunavut communities working with Inuit youth and Elders.


Faculty of Health Profs were among York’s community of changemakers recognized for prestigious research and impact at the 2022 York University Research Awards Celebration.


Kinesiology Prof and Senior Scientist at the Toronto Rehab Institute, Sherry Grace, writes in The Conversation of the need for cardiac rehab for heart patients, only 10 to 25 percent of whom currently access cardiac rehab.

Farkhunda Muhtaj


Kinesiology & Health Science graduate Farkhunda Muhtaj is one of #YorkU's Top 30 Alumni Under 30. In 2021, she played a key role in the evacuation of over 300 Afghans including the Afghanistan Youth National Girls Soccer Team.

Bri Darboh


Psychology PhD candidate Bri Darboh, a #YorkU Top 30 Alumni Under 30, is chairperson of the YU-CARE Trainee Network and co-president of York’s Black Students in Psychology.

Jonathan Clodman


Psychology graduate and TDSB teacher Jonathan Clodman, a #YorkU Top 30 Alumni Under 30, is creating positive change in the classroom and community, including as co-director of Vaccine Hunters Canada.

Banin-Adbul-Khaliq


Banin Abdul Khaliq (BA Psychology ’16) is one of #YorkU’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 creating positive change as an Afghan-Canadian founder and community builder.

Black Students Mentorship Program


The student-led Black Students Mentorship Program offers Black students mentorship opportunities, resources for academic, personal and professional development, and a safe and supportive community.

Rebecca-Pillai-Riddell


Psychology Prof Rebecca Pillai Riddell will lead a revolutionary, $5.54M research training initiative that will support a more diverse, inclusive, accessible, & transdisciplinary approach to mental health research and training.

Sherman Expansion_Enscape


Opening in 2024, the new Neuroscience Laboratory and Research Building, part of the Sherman Health Science Research Centre expansion, will create a world class facility for neuroscience and health science research at York.

Tamara Daly


Health Policy & Management Prof and YU Care Director Tamara Daly explains to CBC news why the failure to publicly report or collect home care data on private home care companies in the way we do for long-term care is a massive problem.

Steven Hoffman


Global Health Prof and York U Global Strategy Lab Director Steven Hoffman is the corresponding author on a lead editorial published in the WHO bulletin that considers global health laws with respect to travel restrictions and variants of concern.

Convocation Spring 2022


York’s 2022 Spring Convocation will take place in person for 2022 grads and for 2020 & 2021 alumni. Invitations to the ceremonies will be sent to those eligible in early May.

Shayna Rosenbaum


Psychology Prof and YorkU Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory, Shayna Rosenbaum, leads a research team investigating the science behind the reasoning that may affect an individual’s health care decisions.


New research by Health Policy & Management Prof Lora Appel shows virtual reality therapy could significantly improve mood and manage symptoms in older adults living with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

 Gord Flett


Psychology Prof Gord Flett co-authored a ground breaking new book on perfectionism in childhood and adolescence.

Internationally Educated Nurses


The University-led Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium, including York U, has received $1.5M from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to help address the province’s demand for registered nurses.

Working-Group-report on racism


The Working Group on Individual and Systemic Racism within the Faculty of Health released their final report with 29 recommendations to address systemic racism and promote greater health equity for all.

Jennifer Steeves


Psychology Prof and member of Vision: Science to Applications (VISTA), Jennifer Steeves, was appointed York’s interim associate vice-president research (AVPR).

Andrea-Josse


Kinesiology Prof Andrea Josse was awarded $125,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to expand her research creating & testing strategies of lifestyle modification (nutrition & exercise) to improve bone, cardiovascular & metabolic health.

Agnès Berthelot-Raffard


Health Policy & Management Prof Agnès Berthelot-Raffard & The Harriet Tubman Institute receive $400K from the Government of Canada to analyze racism in academia, study the mental health of and supports for Black university students.

MEET THE CHANGEMAKERS
Learn more about Faculty of Health students, alumni, faculty and staff who are creating positive change.

STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS
Explore peer mentorship, leadership and development, and peer assisted learning programs for students in the Faculty of Health.

ADVANCING QUALITY EDUCATION
Get more information on how we support student learning in the Faculty of Health.

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TEACHING SPOTLIGHT

“Life-changing” learning at York’s Costa Rica EcoCampus

AFTER TAKING AN IMMERSIVE, community based field course at York’s Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica, associate professor of Psychology and environmentalist Adrienne Perry knew she wanted to become more involved.

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