Thomas Deshayes

Thomas Deshayes is a Researcher at the University of Sherbrooke's School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences and the Research Center on Aging (CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS). His work focuses on thermoregulation, aging, and climate change health impacts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable older populations and heat stress physiology.

His educational background includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physical Activity Sciences from the Montreal Heart Institute (2025), a PhD (2022), Master's (2018), and Microprogram in Research Skills Enrichment (2022) from the University of Sherbrooke, and a Bachelor's in STAPS from the University of Maine (2016).

Dr. Deshayes' research spans exercise physiology, thermoregulation, and climate-health intersections, investigating hydration, electrolyte balance, and heat acclimation in aging populations. His work develops practical interventions for climate adaptation, particularly for older adults with cardiovascular conditions. Recent publications reveal growing emphasis on sex differences in thermal responses, occupational heat stress solutions, and innovative cooling technologies.

His scientific awards include:

• Relève Étoile FRQ-S Award (2025)
• International Early Career Physiologist Travel Award (2025)
• Top 10% Most-Viewed Paper in Experimental Physiology (2025)
• Water & Electrolyte Homeostasis Section Research Recognition Award (2024)
• Excellence Scholarship for Foreign Postdoctoral Fellows (2024)
• Over 20 additional distinctions including multiple best presentation awards and research fellowships

Dr. Deshayes has secured significant research funding as principal investigator, including a $47.5K IRST project on caffeine's thermoregulatory effects (2025-2027) and $40K INSPQ grant for climate change training of kinesiologists (2024-2025). As co-investigator, he contributed to major awards including a $1.2M CIHR Project Grant (2025-2030) on physiological heat strain and $290K Heart and Stroke Foundation grant for cardiac rehabilitation in heat.

He leads research within the Research Center on Aging and collaborates extensively with the Montreal Heart Institute and Daniel Gagnon's research group. His team focuses on developing evidence-based climate adaptation strategies through interdisciplinary approaches combining clinical physiology, public health, and community engagement.