Students

Ph.D.

Jessica Nachman

Jess (she/they) is a PhD student at York University, studying under the supervision of Dr. Lyndsay Hayhurst. Jess’ research interests include decolonial methodologies, arts-based methods, physical culture, and mobility. Jess completed their undergraduate degree of Kinesiology at the University of Toronto, and their MA degree of Kinesiology and Health Science at York. Jess’ MA research involved collaborating with a non-profit mutual aid bicycle organization to support racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ cyclists.

Julia Ferreira Gomes

Julia (she/her) is a PhD student in Kinesiology and Health Sciences at York University, studying under advisor Dr. Lyndsay Hayhurst. Her research interests include intersectional feminist methodologies, participatory action research methods, trauma-informed sport and physical activity, and health equity. Julia approaches critical issues in kinesiology and health by integrating sociocultural and psychosocial perspectives.

Masters

Tayler Sinclair

Tayler Sinclair is a second year MA student in the Development Studies program at York University. Having interned in the humanitarian and development space, this has informed her perspective on issues including gender equality, refugee resettlement, trauma- and violence-informed approaches and sport for development. Through her own research on Caribbean immigrant women, she is exploring the intersections of health, well-being, social support and time poverty.

Undergrad

Isra Iqbal

Isra is a 4th year student in Kinesiology and Health Sciences at York University, who is currently completing her undergraduate Independent Study, "Exploring Trauma-and Violence-Informed Bicycle Justice Organizations in Toronto", under the supervision of Dr. Lyndsay Hayhurst. Her research interests include sport for development and peace, and public policy based interventions that target sport and social inequity. In addition, she hopes to explore the field of physical therapy to expand her knowledge on improving current rehabilitative practices through the integrated approaches of the biomedical and sociological models that could help tackle the issues of gender disparity, decolonization, race, class and health rights.

Graduated Students and Alumni

Kelvin Leung

Kelvin received his MA in 2019. His research explored the roles of Sport for Development (SDP) stakeholders in Norway on SDP policy development, implementation and evaluation, in addition to the ways in which SDP programmes are taken up, resisted, and/or reshaped at the local level. He pursued a graduate exchange to the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences during his data collection. Kelvin has co-authored several publications, including in Sport Management Review; and presented his work at a number of international and national conferences, including the International Sociological Association. Overall, his studies are situated at the intersection of his passion for social justice and the sport of judo, and he aspires to continue to take part in the ongoing discussion of the inclusion of sport in the realm of international development.

Dr. Mitchell McSweeney

Dr. Mitchell McSweeney (he/him) is an assistant professor in Sport Management at the University of Minnesota. His research agenda focuses on social entrepreneurship, innovation, sport for development, and livelihoods, and he often utilizes postcolonial theory, institutional theory, and diaspora to critically investigate these areas.

Emerald Bandoles

Emerald received her MA in Kinesiology and Health Studies at York University in 2021, working with Dr. Hayhurst. Her research interests explore the intersections of sport for development, community health and postcolonial feminism in the Philippines. Specifically, Emerald conducted participatory action research with a sport for development NGO in Siargao. Her MA research was supported by the David Wurfel Award through the York Centre for Asian Research.