Felman Faria

Negin Riazi is graduating from UBC KIN with a PhD this Spring and will be continuing a Post Doctoral Fellowship at Brock University with Dr. Karen Patte. Her research will focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and the related impacts of school closures and reopenings on youth mental health. Negin has been selected as the graduate speaker for the School of Kinesiology Spring 2021 graduation reception.

Negin’s research studies at UBC included two main foci: children’s independent mobility and population-level physical activity initiatives, and policy-level interventions. “I was a collaborator in several research projects that focused on children’s independent mobility, active transportation, and outdoor play in the knowledge translation of the Canadian 24-Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (5-17 years) and their Early Years (0-4 years).” Negin reflects, “I had the privilege of working with a stellar and supportive supervisor, Dr. Guy Faulkner, who encouraged the knowledge translation of our research. I was involved in the translation of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 years) into an animated video, and the creation of a documentary on children’s independent mobility called ‘Running Free.’ We were also able to discuss seven recommendations for increasing children’s independent mobility in an article for the online newsletter, ‘The Conversation’.”

When asked if she had any words of wisdom for students who are thinking about attending grad school, Negin says “Grad school is what you make it. Get involved, collaborate, make connections with people, and push yourself to learn new things. One piece of advice I received was to find something that I loved and was interested in – waking up to go to school and work is much easier when you enjoy what you do!”

Grant is graduating with a BKin, in the health sciences stream and will start his MKin at UBC in the fall. After he completes his Masters, Grant wishes to pursue a career in medicine. “I hope to specialize as a general practitioner to empower individuals through proactive medical support and intervention.”

Throughout his undergraduate degree, Grant spearheaded a new initiative in the KUS called “Campus KINnections” which pairs upper year students with first year and transfer students in Kinesiology in a year-long partnership. “I also worked as a research assistant in the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology lab and was a member of the KUS BIPOC committee.”

Outside of Kinesiology, Grant has competed nationally as a water polo athlete, participated as a member of UBC’s University Singers, worked as a Residence Advisor for the past three years, presented a workshop on redefining leadership in the Student Leadership Conference, and was VP Campus Engagement for the Student Alumni Council.

One of Grant’s favourite events in KIN has always been the ‘Dinner for Kinners.’ “I prepare a whole day in advance just to eat as much as possible! My favourite study place on campus is the education library because it is so silent, but actually because it is dangerously close to Tim Hortons.”

“I am incredibly grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities I have had at UBC and the amazing people I have met along the way. UBC truly is a place where if you have an interest or an idea, there are people here that will support you, guide you, and celebrate with you.”

Allison is graduating from KIN’s interdisciplinary stream and plans to apply to a Master’s program in Australia where she hopes to continue her studies in Marketing and Management in the Sports and Entertainment field. “I want to utilize my dual citizenship with Canada and Australia to combine my undergraduate education with my strong interests and experiences in business and leadership.”

Allison has been an extremely active member of the KIN community. She was heavily involved with the KUS and UBC Recreation Intramurals. During her undergraduate degree, Allison served as a member of the KUS Graduation Committee, Constitution Committee, and as VP Student Life to name just a few. When she thinks back on what she loved about her time in KIN, she says, “I remember my first experience in KIN during Imagine Day and being in awe of the unique energy and spirit that the students and staff had. This component stood out among all of the other faculties on campus as it created an inclusive environment that made me feel welcome and excited for what was to come…. Overall, what drew me to the KIN program is really what made it unique, and it was essentially the community and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.”
 
Her involvement with UBC Recreation Intramurals included serving as Assistant Directors for the FUSO and Cross Volleyball Leagues and REC Director for the Lawn Sports and Flag Football Leagues. She says, “during my time in these associations and clubs, I developed lifelong friendships and professional networks that I will cherish forever.” Allison and two other keen kinners were selected to lead a team of 20 students to represent the School at the 2021 KIN Games, the largest KIN undergraduate competition in the country. She notes this experience to be very significant to her. “Despite the unconventional format, the UBC team persevered and won overall first place!”

Delon Chan is graduating with a BKin in the health sciences stream. Delon has been selected as the undergraduate speaker for the UBC Spring 2021 graduation ceremonies as a result of his passion and dedication to the KIN community. Upon graduation, Delon will be completing a Masters in Kinesiology at UBC under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. He hopes to study medicine in the future and become either a Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist or a pediatrician.

Delon says he was drawn to the KIN program due to its community and broad understanding of physical activity and health. “We have classes that focus on the cellular microscopic level of the human body and health but also have classes that discuss the sociology behind physical activity and sport.”

Since joining the KUS in his first year, Delon has served as a KPAC coach in his second year, VP Academic in his third year, and was a KIN camp leader, on the graduation committee and part of the KIN Games Team in his fifth year. He has also incorporated a mental health committee in the KUS, “ I wanted to create dialogue surrounding mental health. We partnered with other organizations and constituencies to host events like QPR Suicide Prevention training, and self-care events that included puppy yoga and succulent planting.

He further engaged in the community by serving as an Senior Orientation Leader in 2020 and a coach for Active Kids, and worked as a research assistant with the UBC Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology for the past three years to support Indigenous scholars. “I have travelled to Indigenous communities such as Lytton, BC where I facilitated the implementation of a community-based, Indigenous-led physical activity and lifestyle behaviour program. I’m currently helping organize the ISPAH congress with my lab in October 2021, which is co-chaired by Dr. Darren Warburton & Dr. Shannon Bredin.”

When asked about the most important aspects he has learned from KIN, Delon states “Taking care of ourselves! From learning about the benefits of physical activity and the importance of holistic health and wellness, I think it is really important that we prioritize our own health and wellbeing in order to function properly and chase our passions.” Outside of KIN, Delon enjoys hiking, biking, and running. He hopes to complete a half-marathon as his next goal!