Dr. Maeghan James is an Assistant Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa. Dr. James holds an MSc and PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Toronto and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. Her research advances health and well-being through the promotion of healthy movement behaviours (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, screen time and sleep) across early childhood, with a particular focus on reducing health inequities experienced by children with disabilities and other equity-deserving groups.
Drawing on her background in kinesiology, behaviour change, child development and childhood disability, Dr. James uses community-engaged and mixed-methods approaches to identify the barriers families face in supporting children’s healthy development and to co-develop inclusive, evidence-based public health strategies and interventions. By focusing on health promotion in the early years, her work aims to build the foundation for lifelong wellbeing and to create healthier, more inclusive communities. Her research informs health policy and practice related to active play, outdoor play, early childhood education, health and recreation.