Research Group

Dr. Bennett is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in the area of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Her background is in Psychology and Kinesiology. She completed her B.A. in Psychology at UBC, M.A. and Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology at UBC, as well as Postdoctoral Fellowships in Medicine and Kinesiology at UBC. Dr. Bennett conducts research in the areas of physical activity, aging, and the body, as well as in athlete stress, coping, and adaptation. Her teaching focus is in the two main areas of sport and exercise psychology as well as qualitative research methods. Alongside and informing both her research and teaching, Dr. Bennett works with community organizations to find ways in which to make physical activity spaces more inclusive via program and policy recommendations and health and wellbeing workshop creation and delivery.

Kassi is a third-year PhD student in the School of Kinesiology supervised Dr. Bennett. She was born and raised in Ontario where she was an avid hockey player prior to relocating to Vancouver to start her undergrad. Kassi completed her BKin at UBC in 2019 and her MA in Kinesiology in the summer of 2023. Her MA thesis research using narrative inquiry focused on retired athletes living with long-term pain and their experiences of identity. In her PhD, Kassi is continuing her work in narrative methodology and will examine how individuals  navigate identity (re)construction and physical activity after limb amputation. In addition to her doctoral studies, Kassi works as a graduate research assistant on several projects. These include examining older queer adults’ experiences with physical activity and aging, investigating how prosthesis funding policies in British Columbia shape the lives of individuals with limb absence, and contributing to international research on the gendered experiences of aging, cardiorespiratory illness, and physical activity.

Regan is a second-year PhD student in the School of Kinesiology supervised by Dr. Erica Bennett. She completed her BA in Psychology at UFV, and her previous experience as a competitive dancer and interest in the psychological aspects of sport led her to pursue graduate schooling in the field of sport psychology. Regan completed her MA in Kinesiology in 2024, in which she used life history interviews and body mapping to explore retired women ballet dancers’ experiences with embodiment over time. In her PhD work, Regan continues to explore how ballet dancers navigate dance culture, with a focus on how they story their embodied experiences using arts-based methods and digital storytelling. Regan also works as a graduate research assistant on various projects concerning well-being, body image, and embodiment across sport and physical activity settings. 

Marta is a third-year PhD student at the University of Valencia, Spain*, currently undertaking a research stay as a visiting scholar supervised by Dr. Erica Bennett. She completed her BA in Sports Science at UV in 2020 and also holds an MA in Secondary Education with a specialization in Physical Education, as well as an MA in Research in Sport Sciences. Her BA thesis, using narrative inquiry, explored experiences of humiliation in sports contexts In her PhD, she is examining humiliation using narrative pedagogy in the fields of sport, Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE), and Physical Education (PE). Marta is also involved in various projects related to gender stereotypes and the promotion of physical activity from a critical perspective. In her free time, Marta enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, as well as reading.

*Marta Oliver-Álvarez is a PhD student in the Department of Physical Education, Artistic and Music at the University of València and a member of the AFES research group.

Hannah is a second-year MSc student in the School of Kinesiology supervised by Dr. Erica Bennett. She completed her Bachelors in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto and played on the varsity field hockey team during her time there. Her research interests include understanding adults’ experiences of chronic illness from a stress and coping perspective. In her MSc work, Hannah is using qualitative methodology to examine the lived experiences of individuals with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus both pre- and post-operative treatment. Outside of school, she enjoys skiing, golfing, and cooking.

Carmen is a first-year Master’s student in the School of Kinesiology, supervised by Dr. Erica Bennett. She completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, where she worked at the Centre for Accessibility, supporting students with sensory disabilities and promoting campus accessibility. Her thesis examines the psychological well-being and participation of students with sensory disabilities, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder, who are D/deaf or have hearing loss, or who are blind or have low vision, in UBC recreational sport leagues and facilities. Using Ryff’s multidimensional model of psychological well-being, she studies how UBC recreational sport environments affect environmental mastery, personal growth, autonomy, and positive social relationships. By addressing barriers in facility infrastructure, sport program designs, and staff training, Carmen aims to develop evidence-based strategies that optimize recreational environments and promote inclusive participation for students with sensory disabilities.

Dominic is a first-year Nursing student at UBC, who graduated with his Bachelor of Kinesiology from UBC in 2025. He is currently a research assistant on a study supervised by Dr. Erica Bennett that examines how to make the sports sector more inclusive for all youth. Dominic is passionate about pursuing a career in transgender health and advocating for equitable access to healthcare for marginalized communities. In his free time, Dominic enjoys reading, playing video games, and working out at the gym.

Andy is a fourth-year Kinesiology student at UBC, specializing in the Multidisciplinary Sciences stream. They are completing a Directed Studies supervised by Dr. Erica Bennett, examining the importance of physical activity in relation to the multiple facets of health and well-being of transgender individuals. Andy is passionate about fostering sport and physical activity as a space where transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. In their free time, you’ll often find Andy running, cycling, or napping.