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Karen L

- Research Program Mentor

MBA at McMaster University

Expertise

Sports Injuries, Strength & Conditioning, Renewable Energy, ESG/Sustainable/Green Investing

Bio

Hi there, my name is Karen and I’m a huge sports fan! I love playing, coaching, and watching sports especially basketball, swimming, tennis, and skiing (all in that order). I completed both my MBA and BSc in Kinesiology at McMaster University. While studying at McMaster University, I was the manager of the Women’s Basketball team. I produced scouting reports and devised play strategies for the team. Throughout my four years, I practically applied my knowledge in strength & conditioning and sports injuries to ensure players were performing their best. The team won the U Sports Women’s Basketball Championship in 2019. After graduation, I worked at BMO Capital Markets on the trading floor and developed a passion for sustainable investing and solving the global energy crisis. I am currently working at Generate Capital a finance and sustainable infrastructure firm where I manage a portfolio of waste-to-value assets.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Training Program for a Professional Athlete

In this project you will create a yearlong training program starting from the off-season until the end of the competition season. Training will be looked at from a holistic perspective and include: • Strength & Conditioning – Prescribe aerobic and resistance exercises to improve the performance of an athlete • Nutrition – Create a nutrition plan that will enable athletes for elite performance with the intention to maximize energy production and recovery • Sports Psychology – Routine to help athletes perform under high pressure and overcome problems with focus and motivation • Therapy – Schedule sessions with physiotherapists, massage therapists, and prescribe self-directed recovery exercises • Exercise Testing – Evaluate the potential success or measure improvement of an athlete by conducting isolated physical tests related to the sport they play

Sports Injuries: Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

In this project, you will select a sports injury and recommend injury prevention techniques to a coach and design a 6-month rehabilitation program for an injured athlete. You will learn: • Anatomy of the injured area • Common movements that cause the injury • Techniques on coping with injuries • Pros and Cons of surgery vs. no surgery • Five stages of recovery • Specific rehabilitation exercises

Stock Pitch

In this project, you will pick a public company that interests you and create a write-up or presentation on why someone should buy or sell that stock. The pitch will include a recommendation, company profile, investment thesis, catalysts, valuation, and risk factors. Be prepared to closely follow company news especially during quarterly and annual reporting periods.

Languages I know

Cantonese Chinese

Credentials

Work experience

Generate Capital (2021 - current)
Associate
BMO Capital Markets (2018 - 2019)
Trading Associate
McMaster Women's Basketball (2013 - 2017)
Team Manager

Education

McMaster University
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
Kinesiology
McMaster University
MBA Master of Business Administration
Finance

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