Catrine Tudor-Locke (BASc (BA) '85)
Dr. Catrine Tudor-Locke is a well-respected scholar whose research is foundational to the application of wearable technologies that many of us wear on a daily basis to track physical activity. As a leading researcher in the field of walking behavior, Catrine is a guiding force in the effort to tackle prominent health issues that are faced in the public sphere.
Through analysis of physical activity as captured by pedometer and accelerometer-measured walking habits, Catrine’s assessment of steps per day paints a picture of the impacts of physical (in)activity in populations. As public health problems associated with physical inactivity continue to persist, Catrine’s research provides a much-needed glimpse into the data-grounded realities surrounding this issue, setting guidelines for “how many steps per day are enough”. Her work has an important place in conversations about intervention strategies that can improve population health, especially as cases of obesity and diseases such as Type II Diabetes increase at alarming rates.
Catrine’s close involvement in the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE), one of the largest studies of childhood obesity worldwide, led to the establishment of a 24-hour accelerometry measurement protocol. She was also a key contributor to the Canadian Physical Activity Levels Among Youth (CANPLAY) survey in 2005, a milestone project for how physical activity measurements in Canada. On top of this, Catrine is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Academy of Kinesiology.
Her impressive career as a researcher includes over 300 peer-reviewed publications and over 90 invited academic lectures. As a highly cited academic, Catrine’s work informs the research of other scholars, ultimately contributing to the future of population health studies. Beyond the remarkable accolades and distinctions that Catrine has earned, she actively seeks to translate her research into practical applications within communities. As a trained program evaluator and adult educator, she is able to bring the realities of her research to those that could most benefit from its findings.
Recently, Catrine was appointed as UNC Charlotte’s dean of the College of Health and Human Services. Catrine’s dedication to excellence and the breadth of her accomplishments thus far have catapulted her into positions of influence that will allow her to further mentor young academics looking to make significant research impacts. Her education at uLethbridge was undoubtedly the foundation for a thriving and nuanced career, positioning Catrine and her groundbreaking work on the worldwide stage.