Shanthi Johnson, PhD, RD, FDC, FACSM, FGSA

Email

shanthi@ualberta.ca

My research involves health promotion and falls/injury prevention among older adults with a multidisciplinary perspective, including exercise, nutrition, and other psychosocial components. 

Specifically, my research program is two-fold: 1) epidemiological research related to the surveillance and monitoring of falls and fall-related injuries among seniors, and 2) intervention research focusing on understanding the underlying factors associated with physical function and reducing falls among seniors in community and long-term care settings. My interest also extends to the study of aging in place in rural areas within the population health context, social isolation in seniors and nutritional considerations for long-term care. 

From 2008 to 2014 I served as associate dean (graduate studies and research) in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. I have served on various boards and committees from local to international levels such as Annapolis Valley Health in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, and president of Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. From 2012-2018, I was a member of the National Seniors Council which advises the Government of Canada on aging issues.

Degrees

MAdmin, University of Regina, 2014 
PhD, The University of Western Ontario, 1996
MPhil, Avinashilingam University, 1992
MSc, Avinashilingam University, 1991
BSc, University of Madras, 1989

Awards 

German Academic Exchange Service, Government of Germany, 2017-2018
Global Initiative of Academic Networks, Government of India, 2017-2018
Australian Endeavour Executive Fellowship, Government of Australia, 2016
Fellow, Gerentological Society of America, 2016
US-Canada Fulbright Scholar, Fulbright Canada, 2014-2015
Female Professional of the Year, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, 2014
President's Teaching and Learning Scholar, University of Regina, 2011-2012
Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies Dean's Award, University of Regina, 2010-2011
Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine, 2006
Fellow, Dietitians of Canada, 2005

Keywords

falls/injury prevention
seniors' health
home and community care
long term care
nutrition and exercise intervention research
health promotion
health system improvement
population and rural health
global health