Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Laboratory

Current Team Members

Matheus Mistura, MSc, Clinical Research Manager

Matheus received his MSc. in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria. His research focused on examining nudge-based approaches to increase the purchase of vegetables among young adults in British Columbia. Matheus was also involved in Eat, Play, Live: a population intervention to promote nutrition guideline implementation in recreational facilities across three Canadian provinces.

Matheus enjoys working in a research environment and learning. Prior to starting grad school, Matheus worked as a registered nutritionist in Brazil for three years, working with athletes of different modalities.  When not at work, he enjoys going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, and hiking.

Tasuku Terada, PhD, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Terada completed his PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of Alberta. The primary focus of his doctoral dissertation was to investigate the efficacy of different exercise protocols on improving cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and glucose metabolism of individuals living with type 2 diabetes. He studied a variety of approaches to optimize the use of exercise for improving these conditions, including high-intensity interval exercise and fasted-state exercise. After completing his doctoral program, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, he worked closely with the Bariatric Care and Rehabilitation Research Group led by a multidisciplinary research team. Through this experience, his research interest expanded to better understand the impact of obesity in patients undergoing coronary artery treatment. He has become interested in a unique phenotype of age and/or inactivity-dependent obesity characterized by the coexistence of low muscle mass and high fat mass (i.e., sarcopenic obesity). His future research interests lies in exploring the role of exercise in counteracting the development or progression of chronic health conditions including, but not limited to, obesity, diabetes and the risks associated with these conditions.

Sol Vidal Almela, MSc, PhD Candidate

Sol Vidal Almela is a PhD candidate in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, and an integral member of the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab led by Dr. Jennifer Reed.

Sol completed her Bachelor of Science degree in physical activity and sports science at the University of Valencia. She then earned her Master of Science degree in clinical exercise physiology from Liverpool John Moores University. She is interested in improving sex-specific research in the cardiovascular rehabilitation and exercise science fields. Her PhD projects focus on sex differences in the acute and chronic responses to exercise training in patients with atrial fibrillation. While completing her PhD, Sol received an International Peace Scholarship by the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), and a University of Ottawa Heart Institute Research Scholarship, each for two academic years.

She is dedicated to communicating science in an engaging way. Outside of school, she enjoys running, cycling and skating.

Indyanara Ribeiro, MSc, PhD candidate

Indyanara received her MSc in Pulmonary Physiology from the Federal University of São Paulo. She is currently a PhD student in Cardiovascular Physiology in the Applied & Nutrition Research Group at the University of São Paulo and is the newest International Virtual Intern with the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab (EPCHL) at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Indyanara’s research focuses on the modulation of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory responses during exercise in chronic diseases. During the previous 6 years, she has worked closely with laboratory/hospital staff and has been actively engaged in a number of clinical activities in a multi-disciplinary laboratory. She enjoys working in a research environment which offers continuous learning opportunities. In her spare time, Indyanara enjoys spending time with friends and family, and she loves to engage in exercise which involves adventure and challenges such as climbing, hiking, and swimming.

Takumi Noda, PhD candidate

Takumi Noda is a doctoral student in Japan specializing in cardiac rehabilitation. He recently joined the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab (EPCHL) at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute as a visiting research student to study the effects and treatment of cardiac rehabilitation. Dr. Jennifer Reed and Dr. Tasuku Terada are his co-supervisors.

Takumi is a Ph.D. candidate in Rehabilitation Science (Sensory and Motor Control) at Kitasato University in Japan. He previously completed his master's degree in Functional restoration science at Kitasato University. His research in Japan focuses on the relationship between liver function and motor functions such as muscle strength and walking speed in patients with heart failure and ischemic heart disease undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.

He is interested in how exercise in cardiac rehabilitation can be related to liver and metabolic function, and how these mechanisms may play a role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular events.

Outside of research, he enjoys playing baseball on the weekends, studying English, and spending time with friends.

Isabela Marçal, MSc, PhD Candidate

Isabela is the successful recipient of the inaugural Virtual Student Research Internship with the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab (EPCHL) at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Reed. She obtained her BSc in physical education at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Bauru, Brazil, and subsequently earned a specialization in cardiac rehabilitation at Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology in São Paulo.

Isabela is an MSc candidate at UNESP working on high-intensity interval aquatic exercise in patients with hypertension. As a part of her master's, she completed a research internship in the department of rehabilitation sciences at KU Leuven in Belgium. 

She is planning to become a Ph.D. candidate soon and hopes to continue studying and learning about exercise in cardiac rehabilitation, how it can prevent and manage primary and secondary cardiovascular events, improve health and well-being, and be accessible for all individuals. 

When she is not working, Isabela enjoys going to the gym, watching sports and movies, practicing languages, and visiting her family and friends.

Katelyn Comeau, BSc, MSc Candidate

Katelyn is currently enrolled in the MSc in Human Kinetics program at the University of Ottawa. She will be specializing in clinical exercise physiology and is co-supervised by Dr. Jennifer Reed and Dr. Lara Pilutti. 

Katelyn obtained her BSc at Liberty University, during which she completed a summer internship at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute supervised by Dr. Jennifer Reed. After two summers working with the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab (EPCHL) she decided to undertake her MSc as she gained substantial interest in the fields of exercise physiology and women’s heart health research.

She is a certified ACSM Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and NASM Personal Trainer. She plans to deepen her knowledge in cardiac rehabilitation by working with patients with atrial fibrillation and exploring sex and gender difference research. Katelyn loves finding ways to use exercise to treat various chronic diseases.

Alan Fok, BSc, Research Assistant

Alan graduated from the University of Ottawa with a BSc in human kinetics. He is an avid badminton player and coach. He has coached many players who have represented Ottawa provincially and nationally. Badminton is the reason Alan pursued an undergraduate degree in human kinetics and why he fell in love with exercise physiology. He is currently pursuing his CSEP certification. Alan is very excited to be part of the team.

Alan is motivated to encourage his community to pursue exercise. He loves to bike and run. He believes daily aerobic exercise is critical in preventing many cardiovascular diseases. Alan wants his work with the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Laboratory to promote this message. Alan believes research will continue to promote the immense benefits of exercise.

Jennie Wong, BSc, MSc candidate

Jennie is currently a candidate student working toward her MSc in human kinetics at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Jennifer Reed and Dr. Kristi Adamo are co-supervisors. Jennie is a graduate of Carleton University where she completed her BSc in biology with a concentration in health science.

Jennie’s time as a varsity athlete sparked her interest in exercise physiology. She is interested in exercise training, cardiovascular health and how different training strategies can benefit patients in cardiac rehabilitation. Apart from research, Jennie is an avid soccer player and coach. She enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Robert Pap, BSc, MSc Candidate

Robert is an MSc candidate in the Epidemiology program at the University of Ottawa, supervised by Dr. Jennifer Reed and Dr. George Wells. He completed his bachelor’s degree in health science with a minor in Biology from Carleton University.

Robert’s passion for health and fitness began at an early age from his involvement in competitive sports. During his time at Carleton, Robert was a member of the Ravens powerlifting team, a hobby that he continues to this day. Robert is interested in how exercise and cardiac rehabilitation programs affect outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease and improve patients’ overall quality of life. Outside of academics, Robert enjoys travelling, hiking, and painting miniatures.

Ida Olaye, BSc, MSc Candidate

Ida is a Master of Science candidate in the University of Ottawa’s Epidemiology program. He has a keen interest in cardiac pathophysiology and is completing his thesis under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Reed and Dr. George Wells. Ida completed his Bachelor of Science at McMaster University with a major in Kinesiology. Ida grew up playing competitive basketball and truly loves the sport and the health and wellness it affords. His passion for basketball and his success in the sciences sparked his interest in the exercise sciences. While at McMaster, his favourite course was human anatomy and physiology for which he served as a Teaching Assistant. Ida volunteered at the Physical Activity Center of Excellence (PACE) rehabilitating clients with multiple sclerosis. The McMaster PACE is home to the MacCardiac rehabilitation program which Ida was able to observe frequently. He also completed a research practicum in the McMaster Protein Metabolism Lab. As his undergraduate studies progressed, he became particularly interested in the cardiac physiology courses offered by the Kinesiology Department at MacMaster. Ida is fascinated by how exercise can be used to significantly improve the health outcomes of people battling cardiac diseases. This interest led him to research opportunities at the Ottawa Heart Institute in pursuit of a Master of Science under the supervision of Dr. Reed and Dr. Wells.