Dr. Heather O'Reilly (Johnston)

Dr. Heather O'Reilly (Johnston) is assistant professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Science at McMaster University. She was previously a Ralph McGinn Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Institute for Work & Health, funded through WorkSafeBC. 

O'Reilly holds a PhD in kinesiology and health science, as well as a diploma in health psychology, from York University in Toronto. She earned her MSc in kinesiology from Dalhousie University in Halifax. 

With a background in biomechanics and ergonomics, O'Reilly's earlier research investigated musculoskeletal function, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and the measurement of workspace design. Having learned through this research of the strong connection between musculoskeletal function and psychological modifiers, she adopted an interdisciplinary approach to research, largely encompassed by the biopsychosocial model. Her interdisciplinary approach lends itself well to her practice as an associate ergonomist, in which she is passionate about optimizing the interaction among a worker, their work and their environment to prevent work-related injury. 

O'Reilly's recent research explores the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related outcomes like psychological injuries and mental stress to improve occupational health and safety programs, policies, and practices.