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!
In recognition of her outstanding commitment to education, Dr. Carolyn McEwen has been awarded the prestigious 2023/2024 Killam Teaching Prize. This award, presented annually by the Killam Endowment Fund, celebrates faculty members who exhibit excellence in teaching, as nominated by students, colleagues, and alumni.
Dr. McEwen’s dedication to teaching, research, and community service sets her apart. Specializing in research methods, statistics, and sport and exercise psychology, she strives to bridge the gap between course material and students’ personal experiences and future goals. This approach empowers students to apply their knowledge effectively in real-world contexts.
Furthermore, Dr. McEwen’s research is centered on exploring athletes’ encounters with transitions and team selection procedures, shedding light on important aspects of sports psychology.
Dr. David Wright, in partnership with Dr. Margaret Hahn from the University of Toronto, has secured a significant grant from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) for their project titled “Targeting the Exercise-Inducible Signalling Factor FGF21 as a Novel Approach to Alleviate the Side Effects of Antipsychotics.” This initiative addresses a pressing need within mental health treatment.
Dr. Wright’s research revolves around lifestyle interventions, such as exercise and ketogenic diets, to uncover molecular mechanisms that could be harnessed for therapeutic purposes in mitigating the adverse metabolic effects induced by antipsychotic medications in individuals with schizophrenia. Over the course of the next five years, the project will conduct a series of experiments to delve into the underlying mechanisms behind the positive effects of these interventions, with the ultimate aim of enhancing patient health outcomes.
The CIHR Project Grant Program is committed to advancing health-related knowledge and outcomes by providing support to research projects across diverse stages and disciplines. It promotes innovative approaches and encourages the translation of discoveries into practical applications, including potential commercialization.
