Leigh Vanderloo, BHSc’10, MSc’12, PhD’17

Recipient of the 2022 Young Alumni Award

Scientific Director at ParticipACTION, Dr. Leigh Vanderloo is aiming to make children in Canada as healthy as they can be. This young alum and three-degree scholar is honing in on how best to support healthy movement behaviours among young children.

Globally, the dire consequences of physical inactivity is resulting in devastating chronic illnesses, and children are no exception. Surged on by the pandemic, sedentary lifestyles are taking a toll and Leigh’s aim is to shift this pattern of inactivity through measuring, understanding, and encouraging healthy movement. Leigh’s research is seeing a direct correlation with increasing body and mental health issues in children with increased screen use.

Leigh’s CV goes on for miles, and includes academic, post-doctoral and graduate level awards, scholarships and distinctions – including three consecutive prestigious CIHR Research Awards and a coveted fellowship with SickKids Hospital. With 89 published papers(and another 17 under review), she is making strides in understanding children’s movement behaviours, including children with disabilities.

Impressing the need for individuals to incorporate activity anyway they can, Leigh has garnered an impressive $800,000 as principal investigator in funds and grants to advance this important work.

Surprised to see the steadfast support from her colleagues, who recognize her as a champion for health and wellness, Leigh was touched when she heard about the award nomination.

Calling herself “one voice of many” in trying to improve health outcomes for children, her humbleness is astounding as she is such a highly accomplished young alum and a notable role model for young women in science.