Nicole Lunde, she/her
Degree: 1st year of Master of Kinesiology
Teaching Assistant for KIN 120
What is your research/degree focusing on?
My degree focuses on both sport science and clinical kinesiology. I take courses in both fields.
Why is this field important to you? Why is it important to the School and/or to society?
I chose this field in order to prescribe the best possible rehabilitation practices, prevent injuries and diseases, to help others improve their overall health and become active for life. What makes this work important to me is that I am able to provide people in my community with the resources and tools to stay healthy.
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 have a Bachelor in Human Kinetics from UBC Okanagan, with a focus in clinical exercise physiology. During my time at UBCO I worked in the Pediatric Inactivity and Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory studying the effects of prolonged sitting and brain health in children and adults. My background in clinical exercise physiology and active rehabilitation led me to the MKin program in the School of Kinesiology as I wanted to further my knowledge and hands-on skills in both the sport science and clinical realms.
Is your work interdisciplinary? Do you work in research clusters?
My course work is interdisciplinary with a current focus on injury prevention, sports physiology, as well as chronic disease prevention and management.
What do you hope to do with your degree when you are finished grad studies?
I hope to become a Certified Exercise Physiologist and work as a Sports Physiologist for a bit, maybe come back to do a PhD and teach one day!
Do you incorporate exercise into your lifestyle?
Growing up I was a multi-sport athlete playing soccer and volleyball, sports helped shape me. I am grateful that being so involved in sports gave me the physical literacy skills to continue to be active as an adult. Now that I am older, I stay active through exercise classes, team sports, running, skiing and hiking our local mountains.
What have you learned from being a TA?
The biggest thing I have taken away from this experience is knowledge translation. I have improved my ability to share my knowledge and expertise in ways that are inclusive and accessible within the community. I would advise prospective grad students to pursue a TA-ship and use the time to connect with your professor to learn from them. Also connect with your students to help foster their interests in Kin and learn ways to best support their journey.
Do you have any advice to give students who are thinking about grad school?
Take the time to find what interests you and study that, chances are there are courses and professors who have the same interests! Never be afraid to ask questions, and participate in as many activities, and research or work opportunities as possible.