Sandra Dorman

Dr. Sandra Dorman is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Health at Laurentian University and is currently the Director of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH.ca). She completed her doctoral degree in physiology/pharmacology, and her research program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention in the occupational setting. She has authored over 40 papers and received over $9 million in research funding.

My research team continues to lead participatory, field research and evaluation interventions to understand how to build successful health intervention programs to solve workplace problems and comprehensively protect workers from injuries and illness. My current areas of focus are on heat stress prevention, fatigue management and respiratory hazards, particularly with wildland firefighters and mine workers. 

• Doctorate (PhD)             Physiology/Pharmacology (2004), Firestone Respiratory Institute, Faculty of Health, McMaster University

• Bachelor of Science,      Biology (1995) College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph

   

Full Professor, Faculty of Health and Education, Laurentian University (2018).

Research interests are Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Current projects in Dr. Dorman's laboratory include:
1. Evaluating dermal and respiratory hazards in wildland firefighting
2. Evaluating a novel wearable technology for heat stroke prevention 

Major research contributions have included:

Creating resource guides relevant to current workplace challenges. E.gs. include:

1. Reproductive health in the mining environment chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://crosh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HealthyPregMiningWorkplace-Guidebook.pdf 

2. Heat Stress management: https://www.ohcow.on.ca/heat-stress-toolkit/

3. Evaluating the fitness and psychological intervention programs amongst wildland firefighters.

Year                Nature of Award/Prize

2025                Top Women in Canadian Occupational Safety Award.

2020                Top 10 – Research Innovation Award for the Workplace Simulator

2018                15 Years of Service Recognition Award – Laurentian University

2018                CROSH Impact Award

2018                Top 10 – Research Innovation Award for the Mobile-Lab

2018                Faculty of Health – Excellence in Research Award

2017                Honourable Mention: Best Intervention - American Psychology Association (APA)/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) International Competition at: Work, Stress, and Health Conference. Minneapolis Minnesota, USA.

2016                Faculty of Health: Top Researcher 2016.

2015                Faculty of Health: Top Researcher 2015.

2013-14           Nominated for: Laurentian University Professional Schools Research Excellence Award

1998-2004       Research Grant Scholarship

1998-2004       University Scholarship

1993, 1995      Deans list, University of Guelph

1999-2003       Deans list, McMaster University

1991                Ontario Scholar.

1991                Ontario Provincial Police Scholarship

1. Strickland j, Ghisoni M, Marshall H, Whitehead T, Nenchev B, Pellegrini B, Phillips C, Tassenberg K, Davey S, Dorman SC, Sol J, Ferguson D & G Conduit. (2025). Degrees of uncertainty: Conformal deep learning for core body temperature prediction in extreme environments. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5705569/v1 

2. Zarnke, A., Rhodes, S., DeBono, N., and SC Dorman. (2024) Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in a Cohort of Mine Workers Exposed to Ultrafine Aluminum Powder in Ontario, Canada. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. Accepted for Publication May 2024. http://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23646 

3. Zarnke, A., Oliver, C., and SC Dorman. (2022) McIntyre Powder and its potential contributions to cardiovascular disease risks: a literature review through the McIntyre Powder historical lens. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 65 (10):318-82. Published July 21, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23415 

4. Leduc Caleb, Giga Sabir I., Fletcher Ian J., Young Michelle, and SC Dorman. (2022) Effectiveness of fitness training and psychosocial education intervention programs in wildland firefighting: a cluster randomised control trial. International Journal of Wildland Fire 31, 799-815. Published July 25, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1071/WF21126 

5. Leduc, C.; Giga, S.I.; Fletcher, I.J.; Young, M.; Dorman, S.C. (2021) Participatory Development Process of Two Human Dimension Intervention Programs to Foster Physical Fitness and Psychological Health and Well-Being in Wildland Firefighting. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 7118. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137118 

6. Munten S, Menard L, Gagnon J, Dorman SC, Mezouari A and DD Gagnon. (2021) High-intensity interval exercise in the cold regulates acute and postprandial metabolism. Journal of Applied Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1142/japplphysiol.00384.2020 

7. Tetzlaff EJ, Goggins KA, Pegoraro AL, Dorman SC, Pakalnis V, Eger TR. (2020) Safety Culture: A Retrospective Analysis of Occupational Health and Safety Mining Reports. Safe Health Work. 2021 Jun;12(2):201-208. doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.12.001. Epub 2020 Dec 15. PMID: 34178397; PMCID: PMC8209318. 

May 15, 2025 10 

8. Gagnon DD, Perrier L, Dorman SC, Oddson B, Lariviere C and O Serresse. (2020). Ambient temperatures influences metabolic substrate oxidation curves during running and cycling in healthy men. European Journal of Sport Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2019.1612949. 

9. Tetzlaff E, Eger E, Pegoraro A, Dorman SC and V Pakalnis (2020) Analysis of Recommendations from Mining Incident Investigative Reports: A 50-Year Review. Special Issue: Mine Safety: Safety 2020, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety6010003 

10. Gagnon DD, Dorman SC, Ritchie S, Mutt SJ, Stenbäck V, Walkowiak J, K Herzig. (2019) Multi-day prolonged low- to moderate-intensity endurance exercise mimics training improvements in metabolic and oxidative profiles without concurrent chromosomal changes in healthy adults. Frontiers in Physiology, section Exercise Physiology: 10; 1123. Original Research Manuscript ID: 442693 

11. Gagnon D, Perrier L, Dorman SC, Oddson B, Lariviere C & Serresse O. (May 11, 2019) Ambient temperature influences metabolic substrate oxidation curves and the crossover point during running and cycling in healthy men. European Journal of Sport Science: May 11:1-10. DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1612949 

12. Jago E, Gauthier AP, Pegoraro A, Dorman SC. (March 26, 2019) Validation of an audio-visual method for assessment of dietary quantity, quality and practicality for use in clinical applications. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism: DOI: 10.1155/2019/9839320 

13. Konrad J, Gagnon D, Serresse O, Oddson B, Leduc C & SC Dorman. (2019) Effect of a Simulated Mine Rescue on Physiological Variables and Heat Strain of Mine Rescue Workers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Vol. 61, No. 3 March 2019. DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001530 

14. Gagnon DD, Dorman SC, Ritchie S, Mutt SJ, Stenback V, Walkowiak J and KH Herzig. (2018). Prolonged low-to moderate-intensity exercise improves metabolic and oxidative profiles in health adults. FASEB Journal https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.618.24 

15. Beckett-Brown NT, Dorman SC, Merritt T and DD Gagnon. (2018). Predicting Cardiovascular hemodynamics in Cold and Warm Environments at Rest with Skin and Core Temperature. FASEB Journal. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.722.5 

16. Gagnon DD, McCue A, Dorman SC and O Serresse. (2018). Influences of a cold and warm environment on substrate metabolism in women during running and cycling. FASEB Journal https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.589.1 

17. McGillis, Z, Dorman, SC, Robertson, A, Larivière, M., Leduc, C, Eger, T, Oddson, B, and Larivière, C. (2017) Sleep patterns amongst Ontario wildland firefighters over a low-hazard fire season. J. Occup Environ Med, 59 (12): 1188-1196. DOI:10.1097/JOM.0000000000001175 Published Oct 3, 

18. Robertson AH, Larivière C, Leduc C, McGillis Z, Eger T, Godwin A, Larivière M & Dorman SC. (2017) Novel Tools in Determining the Physiological Demands and Nutritional Practices of Ontario FireRangers during Fire Deployments. PloS One 12(1):e0169390. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0169390 Published: January 20, 2017 

19. Geist J, Tremblay L, Dorman SC and C Rinaldi. (2017) Anglophone culture, Francophone culture, family behaviours, and childhood obesity in Sudbury, Ontario. Diversity of Research in Health Journal. Vol 1 (2017) https://doi.org/10.28984/drhj.v1i0.35 

20. Blouin P, Serresse O, Dorman SC, and Larivière C. (2016) Expression profile of plakin crosslinking proteins in short-term denervated mouse hindlimb skeletal muscle. Cell Health and Cytoskeleton 8(1) 37-46. ID: 111482, Published August 18, 2016. 

21. Thirkill, LJ, Horodziejczyk, CA, Urajnik, D, Gauthier, AP, Larivière, C., Laurence, M. and Dorman, SC. (2016). The Impact of Kindergarten Scheduling on Physical Activity and Classroom Behavior. Health Behavior and Policy Review. 3(3): 269-279. 

22. Robertson A, King K, Ritchie SD, Gauthier AP, Laurence M, and SC Dorman. (2015) Validating the use of heart rate variability for estimating energy expenditure. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences 3(2) :19-26. 6 citations. 

23. Jaunzarins BT, Gauthier AP, King K, Larivière C and Dorman SC. (2014) Assessing the influence of season and time-of-day on physical activity levels during recess. Global Journal of Health Education and Promotion. Vol.16(1), 43-56. 

24. Thirkill LJ, Dinnes CA, Gauthier AP and Dorman SC (2014). Physical activity in kindergarten: Setting the stage for a healthy life. Education Canada, June 2014 

25. Dorman SC, Sutcliffe K and Ritz SA. (2014). Inhalation of nebulized diesel exhaust particles: A safety study in healthy humans. Journal of Respiratory Medicine. Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 797050, 9 pages 2014. 

26. Dorman SC and Ritz SA. (2014). Smoke exposure has transient pulmonary and systemic effects in wildland firefighters. Journal of Respiratory Medicine. Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 943219, 9 pages. 

27. Gauthier AP, Dorman SC, Wenghofer EF, Charbonneau VM, Dignard CY and Fleury DL. (2013). Recommendations for Tobacco Control on Post-Secondary Campuses that are Geographically Isolated. Health Promotion Perspectives. 3(2) 175-184. 

28. Gauthier AP, Jaunzarins B, Macdougall SJ, Laurence M, Kabaroff L, Godwin A and Dorman SC. (2013) Evaluating the reliability of assessing home-packed food items using digital photographs and dietary log sheets. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2013.05.005. 45(6) 708-712. 

29. Gauthier AP, Dorman SC, Wenghofer EF, Charbonneau V, Dignard C and Fleury DL. (2013). Laurentian University Smoking Behaviour Survey and Policy Scan: Preliminary Findings. Report 

prepared for the Laurentian University Vice-President Administration and Executive Director of Organizational Development and Human Resources. Laurentian University, Sudbury, On. Available at: http://www.cranhr.ca/onlrpts.html#2013. 

30. Dorman SC, Gauthier AP, Laurence M, Thirkill L & L Kabaroff. (2013) Photographic Examination of Student Lunches in Schools using the Balanced School Day Versus Traditional School Day Schedules. Infant, Child and Adolescent Nutrition. 5(2): 78-84. 

31. Dorman SC, Gauthier AP and Thirkill L. (2013) The Impact of the Balanced School Day on Student Physical Activity and Nutrition. Physical and Health Education Journal. 78(4); 6-10. 

32. Gauthier AP, Laurence M, Thirkill L and Dorman SC. (2012) Examining school-based pedometer step counts among children in grades three to six using different timetables. Journal of School Health. 82:311-317. 

33. Dorman SC, Bussoli MA and Ritz SA. (2010) Alcohol Fixation of Induced Sputum for Applications in Rural Communities. Canadian Respiratory Journal. 17(3):115-21. 

34. Dorman SC, Bussoli MA and Ritz SA. (2010) Letter to the editor, re: response to Kelly. Canadian Respiratory Journal. 17(5):237. 

35. Cyr MM†, Baatjes AJ†, Dorman SC, Crawford L, Sehmi R, Foley R, Alam R, O’Byrne PM and Denburg JA. (2008) In vitro Effects of Budesonide on Eosinophil-Basophil Lineage Commitment. Open Respiratory Medicine Journal. 2:60-6. 

†co-first authors. 

36. Dorman SC, Babirad I, Post J, Watson RM, Foley R, Jones GL, O’Byrne PM and Sehmi R. (2005) Progenitor Egress from the Bone Marrow after Allergen Challenge: Role of SDF-1α and Eotaxin. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 115(3):501-507. 

37. Padmaja S, Dorman SC, Rerecich T, Watson RM, Gauvreau GM and O’Byrne PM. (2005) Protection by Budesonide and Fluticasone on allergen-induced airway responses following discontinuation of therapy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 115(4): 745-750. 

38. Dorman SC, Efthimiadis A, Babirad I, Watson RM, Denburg JA, Hargreave FE, O’Byrne PM, and Sehmi R. (2004) Sputum CD34+IL-5Rα+ cells increase after allergen: Evidence for in situ eosinophilopoiesis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 169: 573-577. 

39. Dorman SC, Sehmi R, Gauvreau, GM, Watson, RM, Foley R, Jones G, Denburg JA, Inman MD and O’Byrne PM. (2004) Kinetics of bone marrow eosinophilopoiesis and associated cytokines after allergen inhalation. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 169: 565-572. 

40. Sehmi R, Dorman SC, Baatjes A, Watson RM, Foley R, Ying S, Robinson DS, Kay AB, O’Byrne PM and Denburg JA. (2003) Allergen-induced fluctuation in CC chemokine receptor 3 expression on bone marrow CD34+ cells from asthmatic subjects: significance for mobilization of haemopoietic progenitor cells in allergic inflammation. Immunology 109 (4), 536-546. 

41. Braccioni F, Dorman SC, Inman MD, O’Byrne PM and Gauvreau GM. (2002) The effect of cysteinyl leukotrienes on growth of eosinophil progeniotors from peripheral blood and bone marrow of atopic subjects. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 110:96-101. 

42. Baatjes AJ, Crawford L, Cyr MM, Dorman SC, Foley R, Hayes LM, Sehmi R, O’Byrne PM & Denburg JD. (2002) The combined effect of all trans retinoic acid and the glucocorticoid, budesonide, on eosinophil differentiation from cord blood-derived CD34+ progenitor cells in vitro Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 109 (1), S166. 

43. Wood LJ, Sehmi R, Dorman SC, Hamid Q, Tulic MK, Watson RM, Foley R, Wasi P, Denburg JA, Gauvreau GM and O’Byrne PM. (2002) Allergen-induced Increases in Bone Marrow T Lymphocytes and Interleukin-5 Expression in Subjects with Asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 166:883-889. 

44. Gauvreau GM, Inman MD, Kelly M, Watson RM, Dorman SC, and OByrne PM. (2002) Increased levels of airway neutrophils reduces the inhibitory effects of inhaled glucocorticosteroids on allergen-induced airway eosinophils. Canadian Respiratory Journal. 9(1): 26-32. 

45. Baatjes AJ, Sehmi R, Saito H, Cyr MM, Dorman SC, Inman MD, O'Byrne PM and Denburg JA. (2002) Anti-allergic therapies: Effects on eosinophil progenitors. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 95:63-72. 

46. Gauvreau GM, Wood LJ, Sehmi R, Watson RM, Dorman SC, Schleimer RP, Denburg JA and O’Byrne PM. (2000) The effects of inhaled budesonide on circulating eosinophil progenitors and their expression of cytokines after allergen challenge in subjects with atopic asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 162:2139-2144. 

47. Dorman SC, O’Byrne PM, Wood LF, Watson RM, Wasi P, Foley R and Denburg JD. Glucocorticoid enhancement of Il-5 induced bone marrow eosinophil progenitor colongy formation in vitro. Journal of allergy and Clinical Immunology 105 (1), S74.