Eléonor Riesco

Professor Eléonor Riesco serves as Full Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Sherbrooke's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, while also holding the position of Deputy Director at the Research Center on Aging (CIUSSS de l'Estrie – CHUS). Her academic career spans over a decade with significant leadership roles including Program Director for the Kinesiology Bachelor's program (2016-2019).

Her educational background includes a Doctorate in Kinesiology from Université Laval (2009), followed by postdoctoral training at Université de Sherbrooke (2011). Additional qualifications include Master's and undergraduate degrees from Université de Toulouse III.

Riesco's research critically examines chronic diseases in aging populations through the lens of non-pharmacological interventions, with particular focus on physical activity's impact on obesity, cardiometabolic profiles, and immune function. Her work bridges exercise physiology with geriatric medicine, investigating how tailored exercise programs can mitigate cancer-related fatigue, improve diabetes management, and enhance quality of life in elderly patients.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant research trajectory centered on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) applications for elderly populations with chronic conditions, particularly examining immune responses in cancer patients and metabolic outcomes in type 2 diabetes. Her methodology frequently combines transcriptomic analysis with clinical exercise interventions, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to aging research.

• FRQS Postdoctoral Scholarship recipient
• Sherbrooke University Teaching Excellence Award winner
• CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS Quality Care Award (2019) for ACTION project
• Scientific President for Expo-sciences Hydro-Quebec (2019)
• International Women's Day Recognition honoree

Riesco leads substantial research funding including a $500,000 Research Chair for Healthy Aging (2021-2026) and multiple CIHR/FRQS grants exceeding $200,000 for cancer rehabilitation studies. She directs the Mobile Research Laboratory at the Research Center on Aging and has developed innovative tele-rehabilitation programs like Cardio Plein Air – Cancer. Her academic supervision extends to graduate students through courses including GER710 (Biosante Approach to Aging) and KIN318 (Obesity and Diabetes).