Shane Sweet

Dr. Shane Sweet is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education at McGill University's Faculty of Education, where he serves as the KPE Graduate Program Director for M.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs. He holds a prestigious Canada Research Chair, Tier 2, in Participation, Well-Being, and Physical Disability, and directs the Theories and Interventions in Exercise and Health Psychology Lab (TIE). Dr. Sweet also leads the Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Community-University Partnership, a pan-Canadian initiative uniting students, researchers, and community organizations.

Dr. Sweet's educational background includes a PhD in Experimental Psychology and a BA in Psychology, both from the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on two primary streams: adapted physical activity and spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support. The adapted physical activity stream aims to develop understanding of processes that help people with physical disabilities engage in physical activity while identifying and testing solutions to overcome barriers. His SCI peer support research involves a community-university partnership dedicated to understanding, promoting, and optimizing SCI peer support programs and services.

Dr. Sweet's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on exercise psychology, disability, peer support, behavior change, and physical activity theory. His recent work spans multiple areas including high-intensity interval training for stroke survivors, self-compassion programs for peer mentors, physical activity maintenance among adults with disabilities, COPD interventions, and walking interventions for traumatic brain injury. His research often employs community-based participatory methods and addresses practical applications for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities.

• Canada Research Chair, Tier 2, in Participation, Well-Being, and Physical Disability

As Graduate Program Director, Dr. Sweet oversees M.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs in Kinesiology & Physical Education and is currently accepting Master's and Ph.D. students starting in Fall 2024. His research is conducted through the Theories and Interventions in Exercise and Health Psychology Lab (TIE) and the Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Community-University Partnership. These initiatives involve collaborations with community-based organizations, researchers, and students across Canada, focusing on developing evidence-based interventions to improve participation, well-being, and physical activity among individuals with disabilities. Dr. Sweet's work emphasizes knowledge translation and community engagement to ensure research findings directly benefit the populations he studies.