Name: Josh Bovard
Area of study: Exercise physiology
Supervisor/lab: previously Dr. Bill Sheel, currently Dr. Rob Boushel (PhD)
Graduation date: August 2017 (MSc)
Tell us about your background. Where did you do you undergrad? Where are you from?
I am born and raised in Vancouver. I completed my BSc in Physiology at McGill University in Montreal.
What made you decide to pursue graduate studies at UBC School of Kinesiology?
UBC’s School of Kinesiology features world leaders in exercise physiology research. After gaining a comprehensive understanding of physiology through my undergraduate studies, I wanted to apply this through clinical research at the human level. Dr. Sheel’s integrative approach to health and physiology was an appealing opportunity to apply my understanding of physiology in a meaningful way.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I am excited to continue my graduate studies at UBC while working as an Exercise Physiologist, together pursuing a career as a clinician-scientist. During my PhD with Dr. Rob Boushel, I will be building off the integrative exercise physiology knowledge and skills developed during my masters and applying it towards the emerging field of exercise omics, which lies at the intersection of innovation, physiology, bioinformatics, and medicine. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct translational research in biomolecular markers of exercise (defining the “exercise responsome”), precision exercise medicine/prescription, and integrative determinants of oxygen uptake in humans.
Can you tell us some details about the photo and bit about your hobbies/past times?
The photo is from the 2016 Ironman in Whistler, Canada. I am happy to say that, after lots of swimming, biking, and running, I finished! My hobbies are pretty standard for a Kinesiology graduate student. You can find me exploring the mountains and backcountry with my dog, Kibo, staying active running and biking, travelling, or settling down on the couch for a science fiction book