Jennifer Brunet
Jennifer Brunet
Full professor

2011: PhD, Exercise and health psychology, McGill University
2007: MA, Exercise and health psychology, McGill University
2005: BEd, Physical education, McGill University

Room
MNT 339


Biography

Jennifer Brunet is a full professor at the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa. Her research seeks to identify innovative ways to promote physical activity in people at risk of or diagnosed with cancer. This has critical implications for individuals’ health and well-being, as data show unequivocally that physical activity reduces the risk of certain cancers, disability, morbidity, and mortality.

She is also a cross-appointed associate professor at the School of Psychology of the Faculty of Social Sciences (University of Ottawa), a research member at the Institut du Savoir Montfort and an affiliate investigator at the Cancer Therapeutic Program of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI).

As a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, her research:

  • provides knowledge of the causes of physical inactivity, to guide planning and implementation of physical activity interventions
  • offers evidence of the benefits of physical activity
  • assists with national and international initiatives to create physical activity interventions
  • involves developing, implementing and evaluating hospital-, community- and home-based physical activity interventions for cancer prevention and control

Professor Brunet’s research is multidisciplinary, involves many different collaborators and partners, and uses various study designs featuring qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.

Professor Brunet is accepting new students for thesis supervision for the following programs: Master of Arts in Human Kinetics (MAHK), Master of Science in Human Kinetics (MScHK), Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Kinetics (PhD), Combined Master and Doctorate in Experimental Psychology (MA-PhD in Experimental Psychology) and Master in Experimental Psychology with Major Research Paper (EXP. MRP), in the research areas noted below.

Research interests

  • Physical activity participation and behaviour
  • Theoretical and psychological aspects
  • Applied and translational research
  • Diverse populations and lifespan
  • Methods and research design for determinants and outcomes
  • Emerging technologies and interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Multidisciplinary and interprofessional teamwork with patient and public engagement

Research

Study designs include:

  • Experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational studies 
  • Quantitative and qualitative evidence syntheses (i.e., reviews and meta-analyses or syntheses)

Current research projects focus on:

  • Effects of physical activity (e.g., structured exercise, walking, boxing, yoga)
  • Advancing theory-driven research
  • Communities and specific populations (e.g., persons with physical and/or mental health needs or chronic conditions, youth)
  • Interventions to promote physical activity
  • Technology (e.g., wearables, telehealth)
  • Factors related to initiation and maintenance of physical activity 

Emphasis on: 

  • Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed -methods
  • Self-report and objective measures
  • Open science
  • Equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility
  • Knowledge mobilization and translation
  • Robust methodologies and high ethical standards
  • Innovation
  • Engagement with research users 

Learn more about Jennifer Brunet's laboratory.

Publications

Peer-reviewed articles

Conferences and presentations

  • Brunet J, Price J, Gillison F, Standage M, Beauchamp M, & Srikanthan A. Exploring potential mechanisms of action in the ‘physicAl aCtivity Counseling for young adult cancEr SurvivorS’ (ACCESS) intervention: a qualitative study. Presentation given at the 2026 annual International Society of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.
  • Brunet J, Hussien J, Bernard P, Asselin M, Romain AJ, Bond D, & Baillot A. Describing change in self-determination theory and social cognitive theory variables after physical activity counselling in adults awaiting metabolic and bariatric surgery: an N-of-1 feasibility trial. Presentation given at the 2026 annual International Self-Determination Theory conference, Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Brunet J, Price J, Gillison F, Standage M, Taljaard M, Beauchamp MR, Hussien J, Reed J, & Srikanthan A. (2025). Online physical activity behavior counseling for young adults diagnosed with cancer: feasibility and acceptability results from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 33(1), 583.
  • Brunet J, Hussien J, Pitman A, Henry C, Polskaia N, Wurz A, Conte E, Seely A, & Seely D. (2025). Impact of yoga therapy on autonomous nervous system functioning and heart rate variability among cancer survivors: a single-subject exploratory experimental study. Current Oncology, 32(4), 241.
  • Brunet J & Sharma S. (2025). “Chemo Brain”: understanding it in light of current research. Presentation given at the Lymphoma Support Group of Ottawa April meeting.
  • Brunet J, Zadravec K, Taljaard M, Sabri E, & Campbell KL. (2024). Effects of exercise during chemotherapy for breast cancer on patient-reported outcomes: secondary data analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Exercise, Movement, and Sport, 55, 1.
  • Brunet J. (2024). The role of exercise motivation in high-risk breast cancer. Presentation given online at the Canadian Cancer Society Research Reveal pilot showcase. Knowledge users/stakeholders in attendance.
  • Brunet J. (2023). Physical activity and cognition after cancer: an overview of research in pediatric populations. Presentation given at the Society for Integrative Oncology conference, Banff, AB, Canada.

Media

  • Aerobic exercise and CogniTIVe functioning in women with breAsT cancEr (ACTIVATE): a randomized controlled trial. Article featured in the Canadian Cancer Society October 2025 Newsletter.

Featured articles