Dr. Kevin Shoemaker Appointed as Scientific Director
We are delighted to announce the three-year appointment of Dr. Kevin Shoemaker as the new Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging (CCAA).
Dr. Shoemaker is a Distinguished University Professor at Western University and a Professor in the School of Kinesiology. He is also a Canada Research Chair in the Integrative Physiology of Exercise and Health (Emeritus). He brings to his new role an impressive academic background. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Wilfrid Laurier University and then completed his graduate training at the University of Waterloo. In 1996, Dr. Shoemaker earned his doctorate in Work Physiology, and subsequently completed three years of Postdoctoral training at Penn State’s College of Medicine, Division of Cardiology.
Dr. Shoemaker began his academic career at Western University in 1999, and in 2017 he was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Overall, Dr. Shoemaker’s research strives to understand and enhance the connections between the brain, heart, and blood vessels to support acute responses to stressors such as exercise. His work includes long-term benefits of exercise on these neural and vascular connections between the brain, heart and muscle for health and vitality across the lifespan.
His extensive network of local and international collaborators provides rich opportunities for research, trainee experiences, and networking, enabling the translation between basic science to clinical outcomes in conditions associated with aging.
In his new role, Dr. Shoemaker will lead the dedicated and talented CCAA staff and a committed, multidisciplinary Steering Committee to advance the CCAA’s impact on aging well. His leadership will be instrumental in promoting evidence-based educational courses and training programs and expanding access to these programs for aging adults. Dr. Shoemaker and the CCAA team will also collaborate with research and community partners to develop and implement strategies focused on generating knowledge and disseminating information about the benefits of physical, social, and mental activity for overall vitality of aging adults.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kevin Shoemaker to his new role and supporting him as he leads the CCAA toward continued success and innovation.
