Director, Psychology Research on Exercise & Health
University of Waterloo
Dr. Sheereen Harris (she/her) is the Director of the PsycHology Research on ExerciSe and Health (PHRESH) Lab at the University of Waterloo. Her research integrates exercise psychology and behavioural science approaches to examine the psychological, social, and contextual factors that influence motivation and decision-making related to physical activity. Dr. Harris employs a range of methodologies, including lab-based experiments, mixed-methods studies, and intensive longitudinal data capture techniques such as Ecological Momentary Assessment and accelerometry to better understand behavioural decision-making in real-world contexts. Through this work, she aims to deepen understanding of how complex, interacting factors support or hinder engagement in health-promoting behaviours.
Dr. Harris has long maintained a strong personal and academic interest in sports and exercise. During her undergraduate studies at York University, she was a member of the varsity track and field team, earning seven provincial and six national medals across various sprint disciplines. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Sciences from York University, a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Health Psychology from McMaster University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Child and Youth Studies at Brock University.