Natalie Schwarz
MSc. Biomechanics, McGill University (2025)
BSc. Kinesiology & Exercise Science (Honours), McGill University (2023)
Current Research:
- Ice Hockey Skating Biomechanics
Personal Statement:
I began my Master of Science in Kinesiology - Biomechanics in Fall 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Shawn Robbins. Originally from San Antonio, TX, I moved to McGill University in Fall 2019 to pursue my B.Sc. in Kinesiology - Honours, which I completed in May 2023. My journey in research started in Winter 2022 when I began volunteering with the IHRG. During this time, I conducted my Honours Practicum with Dr. Robbins, focusing on Arm Technique Comparison during a Figure Skating Jump, which I had the opportunity to present orally at two conferences. In addition to my academic pursuits, I was an active member of the McGill Figure Skating Club from 2019 to 2023, competing in ice dance and synchronized skating. I also served as the VP Finance for the club from 2020 to 2023. With a 20-year background in figure skating, my passion for the sport, combined with the hands-on research experience I gained in the lab, inspired me to continue my studies at McGill and pursue a master’s degree to further develop my research skills.
Tayfun Ertekin
MSc. Biomechanics, McGill University (2025)
BSc. Kinesiology & Exercise Science, McGill University (2023)
Current Research:
- Ice Hockey Skating Biomechanics
Personal Statement:
Ethan Wilkie
Ph.D. Biomechanics, McGill University (2027)
MSc. Kinesiology & Exercise Science (Biomechanics & Ergonomics), University of New Brunswick (2023)
BSc. Kinesiology & Exercise Science (Honours), University New Brunswick (2022)
Current Research:
- Ice Hockey Stick Biomechanics
Personal Statement:
I began my PhD – Biomechanics in the Ice Hockey Research Group at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Shawn Robbins in Fall 2023. My journey into biomechanics began in my undergrad and further developed during my master's program at the University of New Brunswick, where I specialized in Kinesiology & Exercise Science with a focus on Biomechanics and Ergonomics. Under the mentorship of Wayne Albert, I conducted extensive research on human movement within the sporting and occupational setting, utilizing advanced motion capture technology and complex statistical analyses to improve sports performance and injury prevention. Simultaneously, I worked as a Research & Development Consultant with PUMA in their Running Division. This role allowed me to manage research projects involving athlete recruitment, motion capture model development, and data analysis, contributing to the design of innovative footwear for world-class athletes. Concurrently with my PhD, I am engaged in a software engineering internship which is enabling further development of my coding skills and familiarity with artificial intelligence. These invaluable experiences not only honed my technical skills but also reinforced my passion for applying biomechanics to real-world sports contexts. The combination of my master's research and industry experience with PUMA has profoundly shaped my approach to sports biomechanics, ultimately leading me to have the opportunity to join in on the cutting-edge research being conducted by the McGill Ice Hockey Research Group.
Andrew Phillips
MSc. Biomechanics, McGill University (2024)
B.A. Major in Sports Studies, Major in Business Management, Bishop's University (2022)
Current Research:
- Ice Hockey Stick Biomechanics
Personal Statement:
Caitlin Mazurek
Ph.D. Biomechanics, McGill University (2022)
M.S. Kinesiology, Point Loma Nazarene University (2017)
B.S. Exercise Science, Saginaw Valley State University (2014)
Current Research:
- Ice Hockey Skating Biomechanics
Personal Statement:
In Fall 2018, I began doctoral studies in the Ice Hockey Research Group under the supervision of Dr. Shawn Robbins and Dr. David Pearsall. I discovered a passion for biomechanics during my master’s program at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. Working under Arnel Aguinaldo, I was fortunate to assist with pitching research focusing on segmental energy flow and elbow valgus load with teams such as the Texas Rangers. I also conducted my own master’s research in combat sport biomechanics, evaluating differences in individual cross punch and combination cross punch mechanics. This experience, combined with my lifelong interest in ice hockey ultimately led me to discover the research being done by the IHRG at McGill.