Jennifer Heisz

Jennifer Heisz is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. She directs the NeuroFit lab, which examines how physical activity affects brain function to promote mental health and cognition across various populations including young adults, older adults, and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Her research integrates exercise science, neuroscience, and mental health to develop evidence-based interventions for cognitive enhancement and disease prevention.

Her primary research interests include:

• Behavioral neuroscience of learning and memory
• Cognitive sciences
• Mental health applications of exercise
• Neurological disorders and exercise interventions
• Sport and exercise psychology
• Brain health and aging processes

Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on the intersection of exercise, cognition, and mental health across the lifespan. Her work particularly emphasizes innovative approaches like orienteering (which combines physical activity with navigation challenges), high-intensity interval training, and tailored exercise programs for specific populations including older adults, university students, and individuals with ADHD. A significant portion of her recent research examines sleep-exercise-cognition interactions and the development of practical exercise prescriptions for brain health.

Her notable scientific recognition includes the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging. She has authored the book Move the Body, Heal the Mind which translates her research into practical applications for overcoming anxiety, depression, and dementia while improving focus, creativity, and sleep.

Dr. Heisz has been actively involved in teaching courses such as Cognitive Neuroscience of Exercise, Health Psychology, and Neurophysiology. Her scholarly activity spans over 93 publications in the last 10 years, with research supported by various funding mechanisms that enable her to investigate the complex relationships between physical activity, brain function, and mental health outcomes.