Isabela Roque Marçal

Isabela Roque Marçal is a PhD student in Human Kinetics in the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Isabela is driven by the well-established benefits of exercise in improving the health and well-being of people with cardiovascular disease. Her current research lab introduced her to the world of exercise physiology, focusing on sex differences and gender-related factors in this population. Importantly, Isabela states that women are under-represented in science and that there is a need for sufficient samples of them in exercise trials. For the next few years, Isabela is committed to addressing this issue by working to facilitate exercise prescription, participation, clinical guidelines, and understanding of the needs of women with cardiovascular disease in research.

Isabela is also one of the CHAT Travel Award Winners. She goes on to say, “this amazing opportunity allowed me to present our work “Exploring the Associations Between Gender-related Variables and Physical Activity Levels in Women With Atrial Fibrillation” at the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences (OSSD) 2022.

My first international conference as a PhD student led me to acquire new and important knowledge regarding sex differences and gender-related factors, sharing novel research and clinical ideas, enhancing my experiences, and positive impacting my academic training progress.”

When asked about what it means to be a CHAT member, Isabela says, “My short experience being a CANet has been incredible. I became a member as soon as I moved to Canada to start my PhD studies, as many colleagues endorsed the importance of their health initiatives. Weekly newsletters, featured trainees, and most importantly, awards to postgraduate students, help us to improve our knowledge, network, and research skills, and consequently, strengthen our career development.”

When she’s not working, Isabela enjoys going to the gym, practicing outside activities, watching shows, games, and movies, gathering with friends, and video calling her family. To stay up-to-date on Isabela and her journey as a researcher, follow her on Twitter @isabelarmarcal