Congratulations to Dr. Tania Lam, who has been awarded funding from the Craig Neilsen Foundation for her pilot study exploring innovative rehabilitation strategies for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Her project will examine whether combining tibial nerve stimulation with exoskeleton gait training can improve pelvic floor function and urinary health after SCI.
A spinal cord injury is a life-altering condition that impacts nearly every organ system, and recovery of lower urinary tract function is one of the highest priorities for people living with SCI. Current management strategies often rely on medications, injections, or catheterization, which can have significant side effects and limited long-term use. Dr. Lam’s study will test a new, rehabilitation-based approach that taps into the overlapping neural pathways between lower-limb sensorimotor control and pelvic floor function.
The research team will investigate two key areas: how sensory inputs from the leg muscles influence reflex activity in the pelvic floor, and whether combining tibial nerve stimulation at the ankle with exoskeleton-assisted walking is both feasible and beneficial for participants. Beyond measuring recruitment, adherence, and safety, the study will also explore changes in urinary symptoms, pelvic floor reflexes, and quality of life.
In addition to this project, Dr. Lam is also serving as Co-PI on The Good Sham Study, which addresses a major challenge in spinal cord injury research: the lack of a validated sham device for transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tcSCS) trials. By developing a sham that replicates the sensory feel of tcSCS without engaging the spinal circuitry, this work will strengthen the rigor of future clinical trials and ensure more reliable evaluation of tcSCS therapies.
Together, these projects highlight Dr. Lam’s leadership in advancing innovative, neuroplasticity-based approaches to SCI rehabilitation. Her work is paving the way for more accessible, effective strategies to improve both daily function and long-term quality of life for people with spinal cord injury.
Congratulations to Adam Lukasiewicz (he/him), Manager of Undergraduate Programming & Advising at the School of Kinesiology, who has been recognized for building high-performing, collaborative teams and creating welcoming, inclusive environments for both students and staff. His leadership, clear communication, and ability to solve complex problems have been pivotal in guiding the School of Kinesiology through times of change.
Under Adam’s direction, the Kinesiology Undergraduate Advising Office has evolved into a model of student-centered support that emphasizes operational efficiency and collaboration. In addition to excellent service delivery, Adam ensures students feel welcomed, heard, and supported throughout their academic journeys while embedding accessibility and inclusivity into advising materials, resources, and policies.
Adam’s calm leadership was especially vital during the complex transition to Workday Student. He ensured his team adapted smoothly while maintaining high service standards and even expanding hours to better support students. He also proactively collaborated with his team to develop online videos to guide students through the new platform, many of which were adopted by other academic units.
A natural mentor, Adam champions professional growth and shared leadership. His collaborative approach empowers colleagues to take initiative, adapt to change, and drive meaningful improvements that strengthen both the team and the student experience.
Situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xwmə0kwəy’əm (Musqueam) people in Vancouver, Canada, the School of Kinesiology in Faculty of Education at The University of British Columbia (UBC) invites applications for a full-time Lecturer position in Exercise Prescription and Injury Management. This is a term position for three years, with the possibility of further renewal. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2026, or as mutually agreed upon between the University and the successful candidate.
Situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xwmə0kwəy’əm (Musqueam) people in Vancouver, Canada, the School of Kinesiology in Faculty of Education at The University of British Columbia (UBC) invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor (tenure track) or Associate Professor (tenured) position in Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2026 or as mutually agreed upon between the University and the successful candidate.
Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, ShQUooz Circle aims to empower Indigenous children, youth, and their families by fostering connections with aunties (ShQUooz), grandmothers, Elders, and other female Knowledge Keepers. The program emphasizes wholistic health and wellness, weaving together cultural values with physical activity and community-based learning.
Over the next five years, ShQUooz Circle will host four annual land- and water-based events co-created with Indigenous Women Rise, the Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural Circle (IPACC), and the Indigenous Health & Physical Activity Program. Through activities such as canoeing, hiking, harvesting, and gathering, participants will engage in cultural teachings that strengthen identity, belonging, and well-being.
This initiative is designed to:
Promote mentorship through intergenerational connections with Knowledge Keepers and Elders.
Foster cultural identity by sharing traditional practices and values tied to the land and water.
Support Indigenous youth and children in building resilience, wellness, and community ties.
Train Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students, who will contribute to research, data collection, and knowledge mobilization.
By integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into health promotion, ShQUooz Circle represents a powerful step toward advancing community wellness, cultural continuity, and Indigenous-led approaches to health research.
About the Chair
Dr. Rosalin Miles (MKH’98) serves as the Indigenous Health Implementation Science Chair at UBC’s School of Kinesiology. Her leadership in the ShQUooz Circle Program highlights the importance of community-driven, culturally grounded approaches to health, supporting the next generation through both physical activity and cultural knowledge
Alongside Dr. Mark Beauchamp, Dr. Guy Faulkner, and Dr. Jasmin Ma, this proposed 6 month randomized trial will test whether providing 628 British Columbia healthcare workers with free exercise mobile apps, either with or without support from certified personal trainers using motivational interviewing, can improve app engagement and mental health outcomes.
The study addresses the critical need for scalable and sustainable interventions to support healthcare worker wellbeing, as our previous pilot work showed that while exercise apps reduced depression and burnout in healthcare workers, engagement rates remained low at only 23%.
The trial aims to determine if personal trainer support can increase app usage and subsequently improve mental health, burnout, and occupational functioning among both direct care and support healthcare staff across all BC health authorities.
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Hyosub Kim and Dr. Michael Koehle, have been awarded the 2025 NSERC Discovery Grants. Their research tackle critical challenges in human health, performance, and the environment. Learn more about their research below.
Dr. Hyosub Kim – Computational Principles of Motor Skill
Dr. Kim and the CCM Lab
Dr. Hyosub Kim leads the Computation, Cognition, and Movement Lab (CCM Lab), where his research seeks to shed light on the complex computations underlying the motor skills we rely on every day—from the simple act of picking up a coffee cup without spilling its contents, to the intricate control needed for high-performance athletics.
Although frequently taken for granted, these types of motor skills involve an incredibly complex series of computations that are performed seamlessly by the neurologically intact brain. With the support of NSERC, Dr. Kim and his team will continue developing mathematical models to explain how humans acquire and adapt complex motor skills. These models are tested through behavioural experiments, involving participants playing interactive computer-based games.
Beyond advancing our fundamental knowledge of human movement, this research holds promise for developing brain-machine interfaces and personalized rehabilitation interventions for individuals with neurological impairments.
Dr. Michael Koehle – Enhancing Exchange Between Atmospheric Chemistry and Kinesiology to Investigate the Interaction between Air Pollution and Exercise
As climate change drives more frequent wildfires and extreme heat events, our exposure to air pollution is intensifying—especially for those who work or exercise outdoors. Dr. Michael Koehle’s interdisciplinary research addresses this growing health concern by examining how air pollution affects human performance during physical activity.
With the set up illustrated above, researchers and students in the Department of Chemistry can create more representative mixtures of pollutants which can then be brought to the exposure system for researchers (Dr. Michael Koehle, Dr. Bill Sheel, and PhD student Aidan Comeau) and students in the School of Kinesiology and Faculty of Medicine to conduct detailed exposure studies in humans during work and exercise. Likewise, gases, liquids and mixtures produced during human work or exercise can be collected in the exposure laboratory and brought to the chemistry laboratory for analysis.
This type of research allows us to better understand and to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on health and performance during exercise.
Meet Hargun Dhillon, an undergraduate student in the UBC School of Kinesiology with a passion for inclusive health promotion. Drawing from both personal experience and academic insight, Hargun founded a nonprofit organization, Age Strong Unity Wellness Society, that offers free, culturally sensitive exercise classes for older South Asian adults—creating space for community, movement, and belonging. See below to learn more about his work and vision for change.
Could you describe the exercise work you’re doing with the South Asian community in more detail?
I founded Age Strong Unity Wellness Society, a non-profit organization, in June 2022 after my grandfather underwent open-heart surgery due to severely blocked arteries. Doctors attributed this to physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits. Yet, like many Punjabi elders, my grandfather had never been taught the value of exercise, nor did he feel comfortable attending City of Surrey fitness classes due to language barriers and a lack of cultural familiarity. This experience opened my eyes to deeper systemic inequities in our healthcare system and inspired me to create a program where Punjabi and Hindi-speaking seniors could feel seen, supported, and empowered to take charge of their health. Backed by over $10,000 in government funding, this nonprofit offers free, culturally tailored group exercise classes to South Asian seniors facing mobility challenges, chronic illness, or social isolation. To date, we’ve served over 600 seniors through weekly exercise sessions at the Bear Creek Park Pavilion and the Cloverdale Athletic Park Centre, using equipment we provide—including yoga mats, dumbbells, and hand grip strengtheners.
Our program addresses both physical rehabilitation and social well-being, supported by partnerships with the City of Surrey, Surrey Police Service (who lead monthly cardio boxing sessions for our seniors), Fraser Health, and Surrey Memorial Hospital’s physiotherapy department. We are currently establishing a referral system with the Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgery Centre so that patients can join our exercise sessions as part of their care. Participants include individuals with arthritis, histories of heart surgery, spinal cord injuries, knee replacements, depression, and dementia—and many report significant improvements in mobility, mood, and confidence. With support from volunteers, including Kinesiology students from UBC, SFU, Douglas, and Langara, our reach has expanded from Surrey to Abbotsford, Seattle, and Moga, India. Our primary goals are to promote preventive health, reduce social isolation, and address systemic health inequities through a culturally grounded model of care.
Importantly, I apply everything I’ve learned through my coursework at UBC’s School of Kinesiology directly to this community work. Courses like KIN 120, 150, and 160 gave me the theoretical and cultural foundations for why such programs are essential, while KIN 442 taught me how to implement them safely and effectively. From KIN 232, I now teach seniors about healthy eating within a South Asian dietary context—such as reducing salt, sugar, and trans fats often found in traditional dishes. I’m sincerely grateful to my professors and the UBC Kinesiology program for equipping me with the tools I use daily to grow this initiative.
How do you tailor your exercise programs to be culturally relevant and sensitive to the needs of the South Asian community?
Cultural sensitivity is at the core of our programming. We incorporate Punjabi music, bhangra dance, and the Punjabi language to create a familiar, welcoming environment where seniors feel emotionally and culturally connected. Classes are led by bilingual instructors who are attuned to South Asian health beliefs, religious norms, and gender dynamics. Given that many women do not feel comfortable exercising alongside men due to cultural expectations, we offer women-only sessions in addition to mixed-gender classes. We also consult healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure our programming is both medically appropriate and culturally aligned. This holistic, inclusive approach builds trust, fosters consistency, and empowers participants to take charge of their health.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your work in this area?
My vision is to scale this initiative globally, especially in under-resourced communities across Canada and internationally. Over 500 seniors from countries such as England, Italy, and Australia have already expressed interest in joining virtual, culturally relevant fitness classes. I am currently working to expand digital access to these programs. Equally, I am committed to contributing to academic and policy-level change. Through a Directed Studies project at UBC, I’ve conducted qualitative research through semi-structured interviews on how culturally tailored exercise programs impact the health and social inclusion of Punjabi immigrant women. I’m co-authoring a publication with a Kinesiology faculty member (Dr. Moss Norman), with findings that aim to inform more inclusive public health strategies.
What are some of the key successes or positive outcomes you’ve observed as a result of your work?
The impact has been transformative. Participants consistently report reduced pain, improved strength and balance, and a renewed sense of purpose—especially those managing chronic illness or recovering from major procedures. For many, this is the first time they’ve engaged in physical activity or received preventive care education. Our community events—such as cultural food gatherings, bhangra days, and game sessions—have become sources of joy, connection, and mental well-being.We’ve received coverage in local radio, newspapers, and magazines, and our formal partnership with the City of Surrey means our programs are now advertised across all municipal recreational facilities. We are proud to offer North America’s first culturally relevant, no-cost fitness program for Punjabi seniors. Beyond fitness, I’ve led free blood pressure screenings and health education at gurdwaras and large-scale events like the 2024 and 2025 Surrey Vaisakhi Parades, which each drew over 600,000 attendees. With a team of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and students, we’ve conducted over 300 screenings per event and shared information on diabetes, heart health, and mental wellness in Punjabi.
Internationally, I’ve established three healthcare clinics in underserved villages in Moga, Punjab, where residents face extreme medical neglect due to poverty and systemic barriers. These clinics, operated weekly by volunteer nurses and medical students, serve nearly 200 low-income families, offering free medications, preventive screenings, and health education—including blood pressure monitoring to help combat widespread undiagnosed chronic illness. Together, these efforts represent a holistic model of culturally responsive, community-driven care—grounded in prevention, dignity, and trust.
How do you see your work contributing to broader goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion in health and fitness?
My work directly challenges dominant healthcare models that too often overlook racialized and immigrant communities. By fostering culturally affirming spaces where South Asian seniors feel respected and understood, we promote health equity rooted in language, tradition, and trust.
Whether it’s through bhangra-based fitness classes or diabetes education in Punjabi, our programs redefine what inclusion looks like in health and fitness spaces. As a community health advocate, I also work to normalize conversations about mental health and women’s health—especially breast and cervical cancer—within the South Asian community, aiming to reduce stigma and promote culturally informed preventive care. Every part of this work is shaped by my education at UBC’s School of Kinesiology, where I’ve learned not only the science of physical activity, but also the importance of listening deeply, leading ethically, and building solutions that matter.
Thank you to Hargun for sharing his journey with us. To learn more, check out the Age Strong Unity website and follow them on Instagram for frequent updates and stories.
In March, the School of Kinesiology had the honour of hosting Eric Porter and Emily King for a series of engaging Arctic Sports workshops and demonstrations. These events brought together KIN students, faculty, staff, and the broader UBC community to learn from and with Indigenous sport leaders whose work continues to build connections between movement, culture, and land.
Eric Porter, a Traditional Sports Instructor with the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle (YASC), led the sessions with deep knowledge and lived experience. A member of the Kaska First Nation from Watson Lake, Yukon, Eric teaches Arctic and Dene games across the territory, fostering pride and participation in Indigenous sport among youth and communities.
Emily King, an accomplished Arctic Sports athlete, shared her athletic journey with students across several classes. Having competed in the Arctic Winter Games, the Indigenous Summer Games, and the World Eskimo Indian Olympics—where she was named overall athlete—Emily inspired audiences with her powerful demonstration of traditional skills, including the record-breaking One-Foot High Kick.
Between March 13–17 2025, Eric and Emily visited multiple courses including KIN 160, 484, 368, 150, and 120, as well as an open forum with faculty, staff, and students, and a teacher training session with Faculty of Education students and faculty. From classroom conversations to interactive skill-sharing sessions in the gym, their visit sparked important conversations about Indigenous knowledge systems, movement practices, and the enduring significance of these games.
The impact of their visit was best captured by those who participated. Dr. Janice Forsyth, professor at the School of Kinesiology, reflected:
“Having Eric and Emily engage directly with our students in Dene and Inuit sports is what Kinesiology is all about—not just reading or watching, but learning firsthand from those who compete in Arctic Sports. Students explored the cultural significance of these games: their role in life on the land, why Elders wanted them shared through mainstream competition, and how they continue to advance Indigenous values today. It’s a powerful reminder of the innovation and vision of Inuit and Dene Peoples—and of Indigenous-led organizations like the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle—in preserving and evolving culture. And yes, the sports are much harder than they look!”
Students had the chance to try out events like the Alaskan High Kick and the Airplane, learning firsthand the balance, discipline, and storytelling behind each movement. Through laughter, effort, and shared learning, these moments became more than just athletic challenges—they were bridges between traditions and new understandings.
Reflecting on the experience, KIN student Jamie Coukell shared:
“The Arctic Sports Demonstration and Discussion led by Eric Porter and Emily King broadened my perspective on different approaches to sport and training principles. Through this event I was able to witness how the sharing of Indigenous teachings through sport can bring people together. It was a privilege to have Eric and Emily share their sport with us and the cultural teachings behind each game.”
Special thanks go to the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle (YASC) for their generous support and collaboration. Their ongoing work to promote Indigenous sports across the North is vital, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from their leaders.
We also extend our appreciation to all who helped make this visit possible, including the KIN EDID Committee; Eli Puterman, Robert Boushel, Moss Norman, Maria Gallo, Jamie Coukell and the KUS team, Leanne Petherick, Erica Bennett, and Janice Forsyth.
This year we saw 299 undergraduate and 39 graduate students cross the stage. We are so proud of our graduates and we can’t wait to see what you do next!
