August 10, 2026
20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT
What happens when students get the chance to put their research skills into action and share their ideas with the people who could help bring them to life?
In KINE 4680, learning extended beyond the classroom through a hands-on mini-conference focused on physical activity and psychology. With guidance from graduate student mentors, students developed their own mock research projects and presented their work to faculty, peers and community partner.
The initiative was created through a FIT grant led by Rebecca Bassett-Gunter in collaboration with Jessica Fraser-Thomas and Larkin Lamarche, with a focus on creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn across academic levels and connect with the wider community.
Graduate students in KAHS 6645 became mentors to KINE 4680 undergraduate students, supporting them as they designed and developed their mock research projects. This intergenerational approach gave undergraduate students the chance to learn from graduate students while giving mentors an opportunity to strengthen their own leadership and mentoring skills.
The experience came together on November 26th, 2025, at a mini-conference where students presented their projects to their peers, graduate mentors, faculty and community partners. Representatives from the YMCA, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment LaunchPad, Active Abilities Canada, and York Recreation and Active Living, attended the event; offering feedback and engaging directly with students.
For students, the experience was about more than presenting a project. It was a chance to build confidence, exchange ideas, receive feedback from professionals and discover new possibilities for their future. The event also created opportunities for students to network with community organizations and see how their academic interests can connect with work happening beyond the university.
By bringing students, mentors, faculty and community partners into the same room, the initiative created a learning experience that students could take with them beyond the classroom. It reflects the Faculty of Health’s commitment to experiential education and to creating opportunities for students to learn, connect and contribute as they prepare to make an impact in their communities.