Meet Our Researcher - Julia Barker
Oct 10, 2024 | Research Centre
Julia Barker is a passionate educator and researcher with a rich background in physiology, biochemistry, and fitness. She currently teaches in the Sport & Recreation Program at Canadore College and serves as a part-time Research Officer at the Canadore Research Centre, where she leads the project management and direction aspects of related projects.
Originally from Ontario, Julia earned both her undergraduate (HBSc) and master’s (MSc) degrees in physiology and biochemistry at Western University. Her research focused on how varying concentrations of nutrients and different environmental conditions (such as pH and temperature) influenced the toxicity levels of selectively toxic algal cells. This work was part of a larger international project involving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and several partner universities. After completing her studies, Julia moved to Bermuda, where she worked as a Research Technician at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) for several years.
During her time at BIOS, Julia’s interest in health and fitness grew exponentially. She became a distance runner, built strength through regular weightlifting, and paid close attention to her nutrition. “I saw first-hand how exercise and nutrition transformed my own life; I was faster and stronger than ever, got sick less, slept better, and experienced improved mood and cognition,” she recalls.
Inspired by her personal journey, she transitioned into a second career focused on health and wellness. After returning to Canada in 2017, Julia certified as a personal trainer and began teaching in Georgian College’s Fitness and Health Program. She launched her own training studio, providing one-on-one and small group personal training. Currently based in Powassan, she coaches at CrossFit705 in North Bay, and continues to operate her personal training studio.
Teaching at Canadore College has been deeply fulfilling for Julia, and she is especially passionate about witnessing her students’ progress. “Being able to witness students progress and improve over the course of the semester or program has to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job,” she says. Julia’s commitment to student success is evident in the way she balances her roles as a teacher, personal trainer, and coach.
Julia’s research interests align with her commitment to enhancing quality of life through fitness and health. She is currently involved in a project investigating whether a specific exercise protocol can improve neck strength, with potential implications for reducing concussion risks in athletes and the general population. “I hope we can contribute to the literature on neck strength and its benefits,” she shares. Her goal is to uncover new insights and disseminate knowledge that can have a lasting impact on others.
Julia’s research experiences span across the globe, from examining sediment cores from Lake Naivasha, Kenya, to studying algal cells in Puget Sound and San Francisco Bay. “My role at BIOS involved using molecular techniques to study bacterial abundance and community structure over time,” she explains. Julia’s broad research expertise now enriches her work at Canadore, where she looks forward to collaborating on new projects.
For those considering research at Canadore, Julia advises starting by reaching out. “Although I am still in the early days of research with Canadore, I can advise that you should let your Program Coordinator or Dean know if you are interested in engaging with research related to your program,” she suggests.
Julia also encourages students to explore various areas of research before narrowing down their focus. “You want to find something you’re truly passionate about—enough to make the trials and tribulations of research worth it in the end,” she adds.
As Julia continues her work at Canadore, her passion for improving lives remains at the forefront. “I truly enjoy helping people improve. I hope to continue this through my roles as a teacher, personal trainer, coach, and researcher for years to come,” she says.