Laurier Kinesiology PhD student Kelly Robb awarded $180,000 Mitacs Accelerate Grant

Kelly Robb, who recently defended her PhD dissertation as part of Laurier’s Kinesiology program, has been awarded a $180,000 Mitacs Accelerate Grant, in partnership with Kintec Group, to continue her research at Laurier with Professor Stephen Perry in a postdoctoral position. Mitacs is an organization that funds projects intended to grow research and development initiatives between industry and institutions.

Robb and Perry will use the funding to grow their understanding of how textured foot orthoses can improve patient care in the foot orthotic industry. In Robb’s research, she has explored how the addition of texture in foot orthoses design can capitalize on the physiological properties of skin in the plantar foot sole. During her PhD studies, Robb mastered the technique of intramuscular fine-wire electromyography, which involves the insertion of needles into the lower leg and small muscles of the foot to record muscle activity while participants walk.

“I’ve worked hard to push the boundaries between maintaining academia’s high level of scientific rigor and translating data into clinically meaningful results which can improve Canadian foot care,” said Robb. “I am honored to receive this award and excited to grow our understanding of how textured foot orthoses can improve patient care in the foot orthotic industry.”

In addition to her research, Robb served three years on Laurier’s Research Ethics Board and mentored fourth-year thesis students in the Neuromechanics Laboratory. Robb is also the current president of the Pedorthic Association of Canada, an instructor in the Pedorthics diploma program at Western University and a busy mother of two young children.

Mitacs powers research and development creation by connecting the private sector with post-secondary institutions to solve organizational challenges in Canada and internationally. For more than 20 years, Mitacs has funded cutting-edge research, creating job opportunities for graduate students and helping companies reach their goals.

To read more about Robb’s research and advice she has for students interested in graduate studies, read her Q&A.