Biography

Dr. Porter’s BPHE (Laurentian University), MSc (Community Health, University of Toronto) and PhD (Kinesiology, UWO) were capped by a multi-site MRC Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Boston and Scandinavia. She has studied many aspects of physical activity and aging, as well as neuromuscular function and aging. For several years she has been involved with an international research team studying older drivers, called Candrive. Her current aging-related work spans ageism, quality of life in long-term care, WHO’s healthy aging action plan, age-friendly environments, and an international project in artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles. Michelle is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.

Michelle is the Director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba, a position she has held since 2015. Dr. Porter is a leader in the age-friendly university movement, and was instrumental in UM becoming one of the world’s first age-friendly universities (Canada’s first). She has held executive positions with provincial and national organizations, including the Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS) in Manitoba and Active Aging Canada.

Research areas

  • Mobility and aging
  • Driving and aging
  • Age-friendly environments
  • Physical activity and aging
     

Education

  • PhD, Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario (1996)
  • MSc, Community Health, Exercise Science, University of Toronto (1989)
  • BPHE, Physical and Health Education, Laurentian University (1987)

Selected publications