Julia McKenna, she/her
Degree: 1st year of Master of Science in Kinesiology (MSc)
Supervisor: Dr. Guy Faulkner
Teaching Assistant for KIN 205 and KIN 363
What is your research/degree focusing on?
In the Population Physical Activity Lab, my research focuses on population-level health promotion through physical activity. In simple words, most people know physical activity is good for you, but how can we actually get people to BE active? To answer this question, my research interests focus on designing and evaluating physical activity interventions, guideline dissemination and implementation, and investigating the effect of physical activity on mental health.
Why is this field important to you? Why is it important to the School and/or to society?
I’m a huge believer that exercise is medicine. Physical activity offers numerous benefits to our physical and mental well-being, yet a large proportion of our populations are physically inactive. I hope to encourage individuals to move more in their everyday lives.
What was your undergraduate degree in, and from which university did you graduate? How did your undergraduate studies influence your path to UBC KIN grad school?
I received my BSc in Kinesiology from Queen’s University. I completed the research mini-stream, in which I contributed to knowledge translation projects; specifically, efforts to implement the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults (24HMG). My involvement there connected me to Dr. Faulkner, inspiring me to take the next step of my academic career at UBCKin.
Is your work interdisciplinary? Do you work in research clusters?
My research draws on multiple fields including physiology, sociology and psychology. My supervisor often works in conjunction with Drs. Eli Puterman, Mark Beauchamp, and Andrea Bundon.
What do you hope to do with your degree when you are finished grad studies?
After grad studies, I hope to work for public health organization such as CSEP or ParticipACTION to continue my work in physical activity and health promotion efforts.
Do you incorporate physical activity in your life?
I swam varsity in my undergrad, and recently hung up the cap and goggles upon graduation. I still love being active whenever I can – whether it’s at a lap swim, biking around the sea-wall, or hitting one of the many amazing running routes in the Kits area.
What have you learned from being a TA?
Through my experience as a TA for both KIN 205 and KIN 363, I have enjoyed the opportunity to challenge my own knowledge and expertise of the field, and develop unique skills to apply them towards the teaching experience. I’ve been able to strengthen my reading, writing, critical thinking, and oral communication skills while also creating meaningful connections with the students I interact with. Most of all, I love sharing my research passions with others!
What would you advise prospective grad students about these experiences?
I would encourage new TAs to take advantage of the connection you are able to make with the students and professors – use this as an opportunity to both give and receive knowledge.
Do you have any advice to give students who are thinking about grad school?
Follow your passion! Grad school is all about studying exactly what YOU are passionate about. Since you will be spending countless hours dedicated to reading and writing about a particular interest, make sure you are choosing something that sparks joy and excitement.