QMPL Lab Members

Brendon Gurd

Principal Investigator

613-533-6000 x 79023

Kristi Storoschuk

Ph.D. Candidate

Kristi is a Ph.D. candidate in the �鶹��’s Muscle Physiology Lab, interested in the adaptations to exercise that improve carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Specifically, she is interested in how pre-exercise nutrition affects these adaptations. Before joining the QMPL, Kristi worked in science communication with a focus on nutritional ketosis and metabolic therapies. Outside of the lab, Kristi loves CrossFit, comedy, and cooking.

Lauren Pacitti

Ph.D. Candidate

Lauren is a 4th year PhD candidate from Toronto, Ontario. She completed her B.Sc. in Kinesiology from McMaster University and completed her M.Sc. with Dr. Gurd in the QMPL. She researches exercise prescription methodologies, with a specific focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying individual responses to exercise.

Josh Aube

Ph.D. Student

Originally from Mississauga Ontario, Josh completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University and Master’s in the QMPL. He is currently a PhD student in the QMPL studying exercise before surgery as “prehabilitation”.

Lucas Beaupre

Ph.D. Student

Lucas is a first-year Ph.D. student from North Vancouver, British Columbia. He completed his B.Sc. in Biology from Mount Allison University, and completed his M.Sc. with Dr. Gurd in the QMPL. His work investigates skeletal muscle regulation, and the role non-coding RNAs play in skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise. He is also interested in sport performance, and the physiological differences between elite athletes and recreationally active individuals. During his Ph.D. he is also interested in investigating how non-coding RNAs play a role in skeletal muscle regulation in disuse settings. Outside of the lab Lucas can be found running, biking or working with the Belleville Senators.

Laura Nixon

M.Sc. Student

Laura completed her BScH in Kinesiology at �鶹�� in 2025 and is now a Master of Science student in the Muscle Physiology Lab. Her research focuses on clinical Prehab for surgical oncology patients, specifically evaluating a multimodal program combining exercise, nutritional support, and behaviour-change coaching. Outside of the lab, Laura works as a personal and small-group trainer and enjoys strength training and supporting people in building sustainable, active lifestyles.

Adrianne Kamerman

M.Sc. Student

Adrianne completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at �鶹��'s in 2025 and is now in the second year of her M.Sc. in the QMPL. Adrianne's thesis is exploring how behaviour change theory-informed coaching may influence adherence to prehabilitation for patients with ovarian masses undergoing cytoreductive surgery.

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