Dr. Sara Kramers, a post-doctoral fellow at UBC School of Kinesiology, will be honored with the Young Scientist Award in the Sport Psychology category at the upcoming Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning and Sport Psychology Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Dr. Kramer’s doctoral research focused on the developing critical praxes of competitive sport coaches, specifically their ability to reflect on social issues occurring in their sport contexts and take confident action. The coaches’ experiences were detailed using creative analytical practices, such as creative nonfiction and vignettes, while Dr. Kramers documented her own reflective journey through an autoethnography.
Congratulations to Dr. Kramers on this well-deserved recognition!
Haven is a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) graduate from UBC. She has recently completed her licensing exams, launching her career in physiotherapy.
When she first stepped onto the UBC campus, Haven had no clue what physiotherapy was all about. Everything changed when she was selected as the student athletic trainer for varsity athletics. That’s where she met some incredible physiotherapists who truly inspired her. Growing up with both parents in the medical field gave her a strong appreciation for medicine, and soon enough, she realized that physiotherapy was her true calling.
Inclusion is something Haven cares deeply about. She’s dedicated to making sure every patient feels safe, respected, and understood. Her time in the UBC MPT program opened her eyes to the importance of cultural safety and trauma-informed care, especially when working with Indigenous communities.
Some of her fondest memories from UBC involve tutoring Anatomy and Physiology. “Helping first- and second-year students really deepened my own understanding of these subjects,” she shares, reflecting on the joy she found in teaching. As a Student Athletic Therapist, she thrived on the hands-on experiences with sports injuries and recovery, which solidified her passion for physiotherapy. The skills and knowledge she gained at UBC have been invaluable for her career. With six diverse 5-week clinical placements and active involvement in the Orthopedic Club, she honed her skills and gained a richer understanding of physiotherapy. UBC’s focus on patient-centered care and evidence-based practices has shaped her treatment methods, helping her provide better care and evolve as a practitioner.
Haven is passionate about rehabilitation medicine, physical activity, and ongoing learning. Looking ahead, she’s excited to dive deeper into physiotherapy through advanced certifications and to mentor future physiotherapists, just as she was supported during her studies.
Advice for current kinesiology students:
“Work hard and chase your dreams! You’ll face challenges, but you’ve got what it takes to overcome them. Keep pushing forward, even if it’s just small steps. Find your passion, and dive in wholeheartedly! Also, remember to relax and enjoy the ride—time flies!”
This week (September 16 – 20 2024), we celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week and recognize the incredible contributions of our Kinesiology Postdoctoral Fellows! Their dedication, hard work, and groundbreaking research continue to make a lasting impact in our field.
Please join us in showing appreciation for our postdocs:
Bradley Baranowski, Supervisor: D. Wright
Aaron Best, Supervisor: M. Carpenter
André Casanova Silveira, Supervisor: M. Koehle
Jesse Charlton, Supervisors: J.S. Blouin & C. Kuo
Madelaine Gierc, Supervisor: G. Faulkner
Stewart Jeromson, Supervisor: D. Wright
Sara Kramers, Supervisor: A. Bundon
Mick Leahy, Supervisor: B. Sheel
Cailie McGuire, Supervisor: M. Beauchamp
Nathan Reis, Supervisor: G. Faulkner
Matthew Scott, Supervisors: N. Hodges & S. Krauetner
Yao Sun, Supervisor: T. Lam
Gabriel Zieff, Supervisor: E. Puterman
We are deeply grateful for your scholarship, dedication, and the invaluable contributions you make to the School of Kinesiology!
The School of Kinesiology is pleased to highlight the remarkable work being done by students in KIN484: Advanced Seminar in Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, and Health taught by Dr. Janice Forsyth. This past semester, a standout project titled “Echoes of History, Seeds of Change: Understanding the Land Acknowledgement and Its Role in Moving Forward” has garnered attention for its depth and commitment to fostering meaningful change. The project was part of the larger theme of Restoring Wellness Through Land-Based Activities.
We had the privilege of speaking with Charnvir Kaur Dhillon, who, on behalf of her teammates, Caroline Do, Ghia Roy, and Harkiran Kaur Sidhu, shared insights into their project. Charnvir and her peers delved into the significance of land acknowledgments, recognizing them as more than mere formalities. Their work underscores the necessity of understanding the historical context and the contemporary considerations for Indigenous communities.
We want people to walk away with an appreciation for Indigenous Peoples, histories and cultures, as well as an appreciation for the Land.
Charnvir explained, “We want people to walk away with an appreciation for Indigenous Peoples, histories and cultures, as well as an appreciation for the Land.”
The project has not only educated students but has also inspired them to become advocates for Indigenous rights and reconciliation. By exploring the nuances of land acknowledgments, the team aims to influence how these acknowledgments are perceived and implemented across various platforms within the university and beyond.
A critical aspect of the students’ research included a detailed examination of the Great Trek, a significant event in the university’s history. The Great Trek involved students marching to secure the current campus location, which overlooks the historical displacement of Indigenous peoples from their lands. Additionally, the team focused on Pacific Spirit Park, an area that holds deep cultural significance for the Musqueam people. These lands, often taken for granted by the university community, are integral to Musqueam’s history and traditions. “Being on this Land provides many opportunities for us, and it’s about understanding how we came to be here” Charnvir says. By bringing these historical contexts into their study, the students have provided a comprehensive perspective on how land acknowledgments can be more meaningful and reflective of not only Indigenous histories, but of their current day culture and practices.
The School of Kinesiology is committed to supporting Indigenous initiatives, providing students with the resources and platforms to explore and promote Indigenous perspectives. Various initiatives and resources include Indigenous Student Advising, the Kinesiology Undergraduate Society – Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (KUS-BIPOC) Committee, which actively promotes inclusivity and cultural awareness within our community. Courses such as KIN 368, KIN468, KIN484A and KIN484B are specifically designed to delve into Indigenous studies, providing comprehensive and nuanced understandings. Finally, UBC offers numerous indigenous events, including Decolonization tours, markets, celebrations, and more.
The way forward is together.
Reflecting on the broader impact of their work, Charnvir concluded, “It’s about learning the history, understanding the implications of our arrival, and appreciation for what we have… The way forward is together.”
We extend our gratitude to the students for their dedication and passion. Their project, “Echoes of History, Seeds of Change” serves as a beacon of progress and a call to action for all members of our university community.
For more information on this and other Indigenous initiatives within the School of Kinesiology, please visit our website or contact ubc.kin@ubc.ca.
Dr. Shannon Herrick, a post-doctoral fellow at UBC School of Kinesiology, has been honored with the Early Career Researcher Award at the International Conference for Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise. Dr. Herrick’s research focuses on power systems within health and physical activity contexts, addressing issues of heterosexism, cissexism, and sexism. Collaborating with diverse LGBTQ2S+ communities, Dr. Herrick aims to enhance equity and inclusivity in sport, physical education, and exercise. Their innovative work also explores the health experiences of LGBTQ2S+ youth and adults with disabilities through creative methodologies.
Congratulations to Dr. Herrick on this well-deserved recognition!
The UBC School of Kinesiology is proud to announce that several of our alumni and current students will be competing and coaching at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This prestigious event will see our representatives showcasing their skills and dedication on the global stage, highlighting the strength and excellence fostered within our community.
Here are the outstanding individuals representing UBC Kinesiology at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
We wish all our athletes and coaches the best of luck in Paris and look forward to cheering them on as they strive for excellence and bring pride to the UBC community.
Dr. Liv Yoon and her team have been honored with the 2023 New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) International Joint Initiative for Research in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Their project, “Addressing Intersecting Crises: Climate, Housing, and Compounding Health Vulnerabilities for Senior Tenants,” where Dr. Yoon serves as the principal investigator, has been recognized for its groundbreaking approach.
Dr. Yoon’s research aims to understand and address the disproportionate impacts of climate change-induced extreme events, such as heatwaves and wildfires, on indoor environments. Her focus is on senior, low-income, disabled, and racialized tenants in coastal cities. The objective is to improve livability and health outcomes for these vulnerable populations without causing displacement or loss of autonomy.
Hours/Time Commitment: 5 hours/week (remotely; computer with internet access required)
Expected Duties: -Analyze video of ice hockey games and practices -Able to consistently identify contact events between players or external surfaces -Work as part of a larger group and communicate effectively with all members -Able to learn new computer software programs proficiently in a short period of time
Dr. Robert Boushel has received a prestigious award totalling $320,000 in support of his work with the UBC School of Kinesiology Student Trainees and Indigenous Community Preceptors in Team-Based Primary Care with CHANGE BC.
This commendation, facilitated by the Vancouver Foundation through the Development and Alumni Engagement Office of the Faculty of Education, celebrates the collaborative efforts between UBC and the Pacific Northwest Division of Family Practice Coast Mountain PCN, along with communities spanning Terrace, Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, Iskut, Nisga’a Valley, Bulkley Valley Witset PCN, and Haida Gwaii.
Congratulations to Matthew Fliss, a Doctoral student in the School of Kinesiology, who was awarded the Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award for his oustanding professionalism, mentorship, and teaching skills!
The UBC Killam Teaching Assistant Award is rewarded to individuals who have met certain criteria, and who truly excel in their fields, bringing fresh and creative teaching methods to the table while adhering to ethical standards. Well done, Matthew!
Haven is a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) graduate from UBC. She has recently completed her licensing exams, launching her career in physiotherapy.
