I love that I have the power to create a community and a family.”
Cerina Dubois (she/her)
PhD Candidate in the Health Sciences Integrated PhD Program
Cerina Dubois is a PhD candidate in the Health Sciences Integrated PhD (HSIP) Program in the Feinberg School of Medicine. She currently studies medical cannabis use and its association with pain, quality of life, and psychological well-being in the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Opioid Alternative Pilot Program. Cerina is also a group fitness instructor at Northwestern Recreation, where she teaches cardio kickbox, high intensity interval training (HIIT), and yoga, including virtual sessions for the Well-being Breaks offered to Northwestern faculty and staff.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
Since 2017, I have been studying the health outcomes of Canada’s largest epidemiological cohort of medical cannabis users. From this, I transitioned into researching how medical cannabis affects the health of the first cohort of the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program. This program is the first of its kind in the US, aimed at reducing harm by allowing individuals to use cannabis as a direct substitute for opioids. I hope to understand how regulations on cannabis can influence health outcomes, and what we can learn from different approaches on both sides of the border.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
When I was 14 years old, I attended my very first aerobic step class at a local YMCA. In 2008, I began teaching figure skating to adults at the University of Alberta, Canada, which ignited my passion for fitness coaching. This led me to pursue public health to integrate my passion into research and promoting healthier lifestyles.
I was also inspired by seeing public health professionals practice what they preach. I wanted to be the embodiment of a public health leader who provides evidence-based guidelines that I, myself, also follow. I love that I can intersect my passion for health and fitness directly into research and helping people make healthier choices.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
I feel extremely blessed to have been selected as one of the few instructors to teach live Zoom classes for Northwestern Recreation during the pandemic. This was such an amazing way for me to continue to build community and share my passion during what was a stressful time for many. There were times when close to 50-60 people would attend from across the globe—just to work out with me!! I had people from Chicago making connections with my Canadian fitness friends back home. It was truly unprecedented and magical.
Whom do you admire in your field and otherwise, and why?
At Northwestern, the two most amazing ladies that I work for: 1) Nancy Tierney; and 2) Evelyn Cordero. These two superwomen go out of their way to create an inclusive community within Northwestern. I have been blown away by their huge efforts to ensure that everyone and anyone can access our programs—and feel healthy and welcome.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
Teaching fitness online to an audience is extremely difficult as you cannot physically see your participants' faces, their reactions, or gauge their fitness levels. At the same time, this has taught me how to make my exercises more accessible, fun, and inclusive for all body types and skill levels.
What is the biggest potential impact or implication of your work?
I love bringing positivity to my fitness class participants. Even a smile, a wave, and a high-five at the end of class can make or break someone’s day. I love that I have the power to create a community and a family.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
I have always been afraid of heights. But in the past three years, I have overcome my fears of flying and have been certified in antigravity aerial yoga as well as being certified as a level 1 and level 2 aerial hoop instructor at Movati Windermere. Today, I lead the club’s aerial hoop club with over 30 members.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
“Always check someone’s shoe size and style.” One of my fitness mentors told me this quote and I use it to this day. Essentially, it means that offering advice or guidance to someone else should be done cautiously, and only when you truly understand their situation, preferences, and needs.
Publish Date: March 12, 2023
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