Áine Brislane

Area of Study / Keywords

women's health; cardiovascular health; exercise; physical activity; sedentary behaviour

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About

I am an exercise physiologist and research professional with experience spanning academia, maternal health, and public sector research. I previously served as an Assistant Professor in Exercise Physiology at York St. John University in the UK, where I taught across the curriculum and supervised undergraduate and master’s research projects.

In 2021, I moved to Canada and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, contributing to research on maternal and fetal well‑being. I also apply my expertise in a practical setting as a Certified Personal Trainer with Pre‑ and Postnatal Exercise Specialization, supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals in reaching their movement goals safely and confidently.

I now work in the provincial government, where I lead a team of research analysts conducting public opinion research across a wide range of portfolios. This role allows me to combine my analytical training with my commitment to evidence‑informed decision-making.

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Research

My research examines how physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and exercise shape cardiovascular health across the female lifespan. I am particularly interested in vascular adaptations during key life stages, and my work has explored peripheral and cerebrovascular outcomes in pre‑menopausal, post‑menopausal, and pregnant individuals.

During my postdoctoral fellowship, I contributed to studies on maternal and fetal health, focusing on how movement behaviours influence both immediate and long‑term cardiovascular outcomes. As an Adjunct, I hope to continue advancing this work by supporting research that promotes healthy pregnancies and lifelong cardiovascular well‑being.

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Teaching

My teaching experience is grounded in my background as an exercise physiologist and my commitment to helping students build strong scientific and practical skills. As an Assistant Professor in Exercise Physiology at York St. John University in the UK, I taught across the curriculum including laboratory‑based courses, applied physiology, and research methods.

I supervised undergraduate and Master’s research projects, guiding students through study design, ethics, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing. Working in both classroom and applied settings allowed me to create an evidence‑informed, hands‑on learning environment where students could confidently translate theory into practice.

I continue to value mentoring emerging professionals; both academically and within my current workplace, and enjoy supporting learners with interests in women’s health, cardiovascular physiology, and exercise science.

Currently accepting practicum and/or dissertation students. 

Áine Brislane, Ly-Anh Reid, Gyan Bains, Kelly Greenwall, Rshmi Khurana, Margie H. Davenport

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023 April; 10.3390/ijerph20085500

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Áine Brislane, Brittany A. Matenchuk, Rachel J. Skow, Craig D. Steinback, Margie H. Davenport

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 2022 July; 10.1139/apnm-2021-0691

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Áine Brislane, Melanie J. Hayman, Margie H. Davenport

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022 March; 10.3390/ijerph19052909

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