Andrée-Anne Parent is the first-ever female kinesiology professor at UQAR. Under his leadership, the baccalaureate program began with the training of the first cohorts and the joining of several partners in the field. Portrait of a kinesiologist with infectious dynamism.
Professor Parent joined UQAR in early 2019.
“I didn’t know much about the university, but I was motivated to get the job. It’s not every day that we have the chance to start a new high school diploma program. In addition, it coincided with the opening of the Desjardins Sports Complex, just a stone’s throw from UQAR. Looking back, I can say that the last few years have gone by really quickly,” she notes.
The Université du Québec à Rimouski has welcomed approximately 90 high school graduates in kinesiology since its opening in fall 2019, thanks to an expansion of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi program.
Meanwhile, a university teaching and research clinic in kinesiology has started its activities in the Desjardins sports complex in the city of Rimouski and two professors have joined Ms. Parent, viz Matthew Tremblay And Felix Antoine Savoie.
“As soon as she arrived, Professor Andrée-Anne Parent put all her energy into making kinesiology a brilliant education at UQAR,” notes Frédéric Banville, Professor of Health Sciences. “Given her commitment as a module leader, in running several courses and in the university kinesiology clinic, it is clear that she has mastered her challenge! »
Field and practice
Kinesiology is a science that uses movement for prevention, treatment and performance purposes. The competency-based approach strongly influences Professor Parent’s teaching. “Kinesiology is a very practical and hands-on course,” she emphasizes.
“In addition, the A-level includes three internships where students observe in the classroom, then look after a clientele from the UQAR community and finally are accepted into an organization that employs kinesiologists. »
Additionally, partnerships have been established with several organizations to welcome kinesiology graduates. These partners include Loisir et Sport Bas-Saint-Laurent (formerly URLS), the Océanic ice hockey team, the Manoir des Generations and several health clinics in the region.
UQAR counts Océanic among its partners to welcome kinesiology graduates. (Photo courtesy of Iften Redjan-Folio Photo)
“Professor Parent has demonstrated great leadership in the partnerships she has built with community partners,” continues Professor Banville. “In addition, the support it provides to the program’s students, faculty, support staff and teaching staff is of high quality. She is really very dedicated in everything she does. »
Be creative and adapt to needs
Andrée-Anne Parent, who holds a doctorate in biology from the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), devoted her doctoral thesis to physiological responses in extreme environments. L’Assomption’s professor previously completed master’s and bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology at UQAM and the University of Montreal.
Before she decided on kinesiology, Andrée-Anne Parent wavered between medicine and technology.
“I was actually very interested in astronaut training and microgravity. However, because kinesiology offers a complete continuum ranging from rehabilitation to performance enhancement to physical activity promotion, I realized that this is exactly what I was interested in. And above all, the fact that it is a field in which you have to be creative and adapt to the needs and abilities of each individual. »
The desire to adapt to clients’ needs is at the heart of Professor Parent’s teaching.
“It is important that the programs offered by students reflect the reality of the people they consult. For example, if the client is used to walking their dog, we can use this time to encourage them to be more active while walking. The key is to focus on what the person enjoys doing. »
innovative solutions
In terms of research, Professor Parent is interested in cardiorespiratory responses in extreme environments such as Antarctica.
Andrée-Anne Parent really appreciates the closeness at UQAR, especially on a human level. (Photo courtesy of UQAR)
“My research focus is on developing innovative solutions for physical preparation, improving human performance and developing telemedicine in extreme environments,” summarizes the kinesiologist from the BORÉAS research group.
As a fan of hiking, paddle boarding, cross-country skiing, running, surfing and Zumba, Andrée-Anne Parent really appreciates the proximity to UQAR, especially on a human level.
“If I go to get a coffee, it can take 15 minutes! I meet a lot of people with whom I chat informally to advance projects. Human contact is very present at UQAR and that is what sets it apart from other universities,” concludes Ms Parent.