Education:
MSc (Rehabilitation Sciences), University of British Columbia (2015),
BKin (Hons), Memorial University of Newfoundland (2013).
Certification:
Exercise is Medicine Canada (EIMC) Level II Professional, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (2014-Present),
Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP), Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (2013-Present).
What do you do at the School of Kinesiology?
I am a research assistant at the School of Kinesiology, and work under the supervision the School’s Director, Dr. Robert Boushel. I get to learn about exercise physiology for a living, with the help of some leading experts!
Currently, we are working to examine the effects of exercise at a molecular level. It has been well-established that engaging in exercise on a regular basis has positive benefits for health. But what are the molecular bases—the Biomarkers—of these health benefits? And what is the optimal dose of intensity, duration, frequency, and type of exercise to achieve optimal results?
How did you get here?
During my Bachelors at Memorial University, I decided that Business Administration just was not my forte. Based on the recommendation from a friend, I signed up for a human anatomy course. Needless to say, I was converted!
I eventually came to UBC to do my MSc, in which I examined the influence of aerobic exercise on motor learning and elements of the motor system. It was such an amazing experience, that I planned to begin a PhD program in Neuroscience, at Dalhousie University! However, I ultimately decided that I was not ready for this endeavour, and was back to the drawing board.
On the recommendation of a friend (again), I applied for a job posting in the School of Kinesiology. Actually getting the job was wholly unexpected, and the experience has been tremendously rewarding. I feel so lucky to work in such a diverse and stimulating environment! Suffice it to say, I owe a lot to my friends!
What are your plans for summer 2016?
On Canada Day, I will be heading out on a bike trip, all the way down the Pacific Coast Highway, to Tijuana, Mexico! (Don’t worry – I’ll be spending July 1 on home soil!)
I considered this bike trip a great excuse to give back to a local not-for-profit where I volunteer. So I have launched a fundraising campaign, to contribute to the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (DTES NH), a grassroots organization that offers programs, services, and really great food to residents of the Downtown Eastside community. If anybody is interested in contributing, or learning more, please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/…/pages/coastal-cruise-for-com…/
What are your plans for the future?
I am presently in the midst of applying for admission to medical school! Although I feel blessed to have gained so much in the way of knowledge, experiences, and opportunities here at the School of Kinesiology, I have given a great deal of thought to the idea of pursing medical practice. Or I am destined to become a career student.
Right now, I am very intrigued and excited about the prospect of using aerobic exercise in a medical or rehabilitative context. Specifically, I have gained a real appreciation for the use of exercise as “molecular medicine”, and also wish to explore its efficacy as a tool in neurorehabilitation.
