Kayla Fewster

Kayla Fewster headshot

Assistant Professor

Contact Infomation

Education

  • PhD, (University of Waterloo)
  • MA (McMaster University)
  • BSc Hons (Laurentian University)

Graduate Program Supervision

  • Integrative Biosciences MSc | PhD

In Profile

Professor Kayla Fewster’s Research Program focuses on how exposure history and situational factors—such as sex, age, and obesity—interact to influence the risk of lumbar spine injury during sudden or impact loading events. Her research emphasizes the role of passive spinal structures in low back injuries and explores how modifiable factors can reduce injury risk. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative strategies for preventing low back injuries. Additionally, she has secondary interests in lumbar spine stability, particularly in its potential to reduce injury risk in high-performance sport. Undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students interested in these areas of research are encouraged to contact her directly for training and research opportunities.

Featured Publications and Projects

Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals

  • Trevorrow, R. M., Zehr, J. D., Barrett, J. M., Callaghan, J. P., & Fewster, K. M. (2024). Exploring the Influence of Facet Orientation and Tropism on Neutral Zone Properties. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 146(10). [DOI: 10.1115/1.4065406]
  • Fewster, K. M., Gallagher, K. M., & Callaghan, J. P. (2024). Prolonged Standing-Induced Low Back Pain Is Linked to Extended Lumbar Spine Postures: A Study Linking Lumped Lumbar Spine Passive Stiffness to Standing Posture. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 40(3), 201-208. [
  • Fewster, K. M., Barrett, J. M., & Callaghan, J. P. (2022). The influence of simulated low speed vehicle impacts and posture on passive intervertebral mechanics. Spine, 47(8), E362-E369.[doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004208]

Visit for a comprehensive list of publications.

Current Grants and Research Projects

  • Fewster, K.M. (2023-2024). Exoskeleton uses in under-represented workplaces. WorkSafe BC Applied Innovation. $50,000.
  • Fewster, K.M. (2022-2027). Relating the mechanical responses of the lumbar spine during sudden impacts to preceding mechanical exposures. WorkSafe BC Applied Innovation. $160,000.

Graduate Student Opportunities

Please contact Kayla Fewster at kfewste@uwo.ca for more information.

Additional Information

Academic Appointments and Research Affiliations

  • Bone and Joint Institute (BJI) – Member since 2024
  • American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) – Member since 2017
  • Canadian Society of Biomechanics (CSB) – Member since 2016

Professional Activities

  • Member, American Society of Biomechanics (Since 2017)
  • Member, Canadian Society for Biomechanics (Since 2016)
  • Member, Association of Canadian Ergonomists (Since 2016)