Janet Lawson, PhD

Biography

Janet’s research aims to promote and improve the participation experiences of persons with physical disabilities in sport and exercise using co-produced and qualitative methods. She is particularly interested in parasport classification and understanding how members of the parasport community navigate this unique aspect of adaptive sport.


In the classroom, Janet draws on her experience working for the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Athletics Canada to bring course content to life. She is additionally a CSEP Certified Personal Trainer and has worked extensively with community-based exercise programs for persons with disabilities in this capacity. When not working, Janet can usually be found outdoors with her dog, Nessie.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy – Health Promotion, Queen’s University (2024)
  • Master of Science – Health Promotion, Queen’s University (2020)
  • Bachelor of Sport and Fitness Leadership, Camosun College (2017)
  • Certified Personal Trainer, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (2015)
     

Research Summary

  • Classification in parasport
  • Quality participation of persons with disabilities in physical activity
  • Novel methods of co-producing qualitative research
  • Sport/exercise psychology
  • Physical activity behaviour change

Recent Publications

Birchall, I., Lawson, J. A., Williams, T. L., & Latimer-Cheung. A. E. (2023). What is a parasport coach’s role during athlete classification? Exploring how parasport coaches learn about classification and their role within this process. International Sport Coaching Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2022-0044.


Lawson, J. A., Williams, T., and Latimer-Cheung, A. E. (2022). Classification in Para sport: Exploring athletes and classifiers experiences with and understanding of classification. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise, and Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2022.2152084.


Lawson, J. A., Turnnidge, J., and Latimer-Cheung. A. E. (2021). An exploration of the content and quality of online, text-based coach development programs specific to parasport. International Sport Coaching Journal, 9(1), 143–149. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2020-0072.


Walters, A., Lawson, J. A., and Latimer-Cheung, A. E. (2022). Striking a balance: Promoting quantity and quality of participation in Para Sport. In Dehghansai, N., Pinder, R. A., and Baker, J. (Eds). Talent Development in Paralympic Sport. Routledge.  https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003184430.

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