Team

Geri Ruissen, PhD: Lab Director

Hello! I'm Geri Ruissen, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. Born and raised in Calgary, I ventured to the West Coast for a while, completing my B.Sc. Hons at University of Victoria (psychology), my M.Sc. and Ph.D. at UBC (Kinesiology) in Dr. Mark Beauchamp's PEHPA Lab, followed by a brief postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Guy Faulkner and ParticipACTION. Now I am back home in Alberta, having to remember what it is like to have a proper winter.

My research interest broadly focus on affect (how pleasant or unpleasant something something feels), ecological momentary assessment (measuring peoples thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the real-world and in real-time), mobile health interventions, quantitative methodology, and mental health and wellbeing. Specifically, I have adopted a continuous-time framework to explain how the bidirectional relationship between affect and physical activity unfolds over time. I am particularly interested in examining how these dynamics vary within a person over time, as well as examining how these dynamics unfold in person-specific ways. By better understanding these person-specific dynamics, my goal is to use this information to develop just-in-time adaptive interventions to promote physical activity behaviour, particularly among individuals with a clinically diagnosed mood disorder (e.g., major depressive disorder).

I believe in practicing what I preach, so outside the lab you can often find me unwinding through various outdoor adventures (e.g., skiing/hiking) and or at the gym. Otherwise, I also love making and eating good food, and new hobby that I took up during COVID is woodworking and furniture restoration.

Contact: bacchus@ualberta.ca

Emma Bacchus, MSc Student

MSc Project: How Physical Activity Impacts an Individuals Inertia in Anxiety: An Ecological Momentary Assessment

Undergraduate: BSc, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Puget Sound

Hi! I'm Emma, a Master’s student deeply interested in the role of physical activity in mental health, and I'm using statistical tools to delve into this connection. My academic journey brought me to Seattle, Washington, for NCAA competitive volleyball. During my time as a student-athlete, I completed a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, focusing on Neuroscience. However, after starting a Neuroscience master's program, I realized it wasn't quite right for me and thus ventured into Geri’s lab. My background, which primarily focused on biology, led me to this exciting path where I can combine my love for physical activity with an understanding of our brains to make a difference in society.

When I'm not immersed in research, you can find me on the sidelines of a volleyball court, coaching younger athletes. My passion for volleyball keeps me active, participating in leagues and tournaments. Off the court, I enjoy watching movies, rooting for the Oilers, and cozying up with a book — I read all kinds of genres! I am super excited to be part of such a supportive and awesome lab. Geri has been fantastic in pushing me to grow and helping me find my path.

Contact: namartin@ualberta.ca

Noah Martin, Undergraduate Student

Undergraduate (IN PROGRESS): BKin, Kinesiology, University of Alberta

Hey! My name is Noah Martin, and I am an undergraduate kinesiology (adapted physical activity) student here at the University of Alberta. I am a directed study student with the TODAY lab under the supervision of Dr. Ruissen. My interests lie in understanding the health decisions of people who are systemically disadvantaged, whether that be due to gender, disability, socioeconomic status, etc. I hope to discover ways to make physical activity more accessible for those who experience barriers to access.

When I am not in the lab you will usually find me … at another lab, haha. I love research and can’t seem to get my fill. But if you force me off campus you'll find that I love to hike, run, and volunteer with organizations that make a big impact in my community. I am so excited to see what this year has in store, and can’t wait to learn as much as possible!

Contact: embrown@ualberta.ca

Ethan Brown, MSc Student

Undergraduate: BASc. Kinesiology, University of Guelph-Humber

MSc Project: Examining Physical Activity and Subjective Well-being Dynamics using Passive Mobile Sensing: A Machine Learning Exploration

Hi there! I'm Ethan, a Master's student deeply invested in harnessing computational and statistical tools, especially machine learning, to create real-world impact. My academic journey has been quite a ride — from Computer Science to Child Studies to Political Science to Fitness and Health Promotion, and finally landing in Kinesiology. This path reflects my burning curiosity and unwavering desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, combining my technical skills with my passion for human well-being, truth, and love.

When not sat at a desk — staring into a screen, you'll find me amongst barbells or playing guitar or embracing life outdoors, be it through running, skiing, hiking, or yoga, or indoors lost in a good book or podcast on everything from philosophy to engineering (and everything in between). I'm here to learn, connect, collaborate, and grow. Though ultimately, I'm embracing Geri's advice to her younger self, and flowing with what life presents me.

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