UBC KIN Games team leaders Mika Fogelman, Grace Huang, Olivia Tobias report on making history at the 2020 KIN Games

UBC KIN Games team leaders Mika Fogelman, Grace Huang, Olivia Tobias report on making history at the 2020 KIN Games

 

A team of 16 UBC KIN students competed at Brock University in Niagara Falls, Ontario in the 2020 Kinesiology Games. Alongside 35 other teams from schools all over Canada, our team competed in four categories: Dance, Academics, Sports, and Spirit. UBC KIN placed 3rd in Spirit and 2nd Overall! This was a huge accomplishment for the KIN team, as they had been preparing for the games since tryouts at the end of September, and UBC had never placed in the overall category, nor in any other category since 2017.

In a joint statement prepared by the captains of the Kin Games team they wrote, “The biggest lesson we have learned throughout all of this is the power of Strength in Numbers which, coincidentally, happened to be the theme of the Kin Games this year. When we all work as a team to build each other up, to do our part to protect our communities, and spread a positive message throughout the UBC Kin and Kin Games community, the stronger we are in fighting through this time of uncertainty.”


KIN Games Team Members included:

Captains: Mika Fogelman, Grace Huang, Olivia Tobias

Dance choreographer: Madison Bulloch

May Guan

Aaron Harpaz

Allison Hill

Davin Hu

Brandon Lam

Jennifer Lim

Samuel Lin

Kei Poon

Veronika Scherer

Myah Sisson

Gurkeerit (Gary) Sidhu

Max Wahl

Joshua Wang

 

 

Julia Tepes on her KIN Co-op journey and pressing pause for pandemics

Welcome to the second of a series of 3 articles I’m writing about my KIN Co-op journey.  I last wrote that I’d applied to the Co-op Program to find out what kinds of jobs a KIN degree might get me besides serving as stepping stone to physiotherapy, and about the workshops I took to prep me for job searches. Well, I’m back and excited to share how my co-op experience has progressed! Since my last article, I began the process of applying to jobs, interviewing, and actually landing a co-op job!

It all started when KIN Co-op coordinator, Simone Longpré, posted the first co-op job opportunity for the summer 2020 work term – a research position with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. I had never imagined working in a research position before last semester, but after completing KIN 373 I had found a new appreciation for it and decided to apply. Utilizing the skills I’d learned in the fall co-op workshops, I tailored my resume and cover letter for the job posting.  I asked Simone if she would review my application.  She was great! It seems to me that she’s an English teacher and thesaurus, superhero, and co-op coordinator, all rolled into one. Leah Meanwell is the assistant co-op coordinator. She is basically Simone’s twin (except she has bangs – important to mention!). I am thankful to them both for their help every step of the way.

As I was about to submit two more applications to the co-op office, I received an invitation to AN INTERVIEW for the job at BC Children’s Hospital! I was told to bring a laptop for an Excel exercise (yikes!) and that there would be both a group and solo aspect of the interview. At the interview, I sat next to another UBC KIN co-op student and two SFU students. The interviewers provided details about the research being conducted and informed us that the main job duties would consist of data collection and organization, and contacting research participants. I was excited about the prospect of working in the nitty-gritty aspects of research.

After the group portion of the interview they opened the floor to questions, and I realized that interview-nerves are a real thing! I asked one question and then continued to actively listen to what the interviewers were saying, and remembered to make eye contact with the interviewer.  Simone had advised us that managers not only want to make sure you can do the job, but they also want to know whether they can work with you!

After the group interview, I was taken to a separate room for the Excel exercise. My Excel skills are beginner-intermediate at best and I didn’t have enough time to finish, but the solo part of the interview went well. I left feeling not so great about the Excel exercise, but happy about how it went overall.

A week later I received an email from the co-op office saying that I had BEEN OFFERED THE JOB! Needless to say, I accepted the offer and was scheduled to start in May and continue to the end of December 2020. Of course, everything has now been put on pause with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m disappointed my job may not go ahead in May, but I do know that doors have not been closed. All the things we are seemingly “missing out on” throughout this pandemic will still be there when it’s over. And if they aren’t, then other opportunities will arise.

I was so excited to start working in May with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, but I know that my focus needs to shift from starting work to ensuring I’m not putting myself or others at risk of this virus, so I am social distancing along with everyone else. I encourage everyone to choose to make the most of the present. It’s okay to be taking a break. Instead of worrying about the future, let’s give thanks for what we have in the moment.

Thanks for tuning in to hear another part of my co-op story! Although the summer work term seems uncertain,
I am confident I’ll be back soon to let you all know about the next step in my co-op journey. Stay safe, healthy, and continue loving others by practicing social distancing and staying at home. Thanks KIN fam ❤

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Julia’s work term will begin in May 2020 as planned. She will be working remotely with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute to examine the impact of COVID-19 on students’ health behaviours. We wish Julia the best of luck on her endeavors!

Stay updated with Julia’s KIN Co-op journey through the KINformed student newsletter and the News page of our website, or follow us on our official Facebook and Instagram pages!

Pathways Project Launches: Studying Development, Behaviours and Motivation in Girl’s Soccer

[youtube]https://youtu.be/kaQarCyOy18[/youtube]

 

UBC School of Kinesiology, Professor Nicola Hodges is spearheading a research study, titled the Pathways Project, which focuses on developmental activities, behaviours and motivation in girl’s soccer.  The project is being conducted in collaboration with the members of the Canada National Women’s Soccer and the provincial programs along with the University of Northumbria, UK.

Funded by a SSHRC grant, Pathways studies the career progressions of female youth (ages 12-18) soccer players and the factors that help make highly skilled, motivated and committed players, and ultimately successful teams.

These aspects of skill development have been identified as important to continued involvement and success in sport. The research project is also intended to inform as to factors which lead to disinterest and drop out.

Now in Phase 1 of the study, Professor Hodges is currently recruiting girls (and their parents), via soccer clubs, to participate in the study. Through specifically designed, validated questionnaires, researchers will investigate the relationships between early soccer practice experiences, other organized sport and non-sport activities and current skill levels and motivations. These analyses will form part of a wider understanding of optimal youth sport development and the benefits and costs of early sport-specific specialization.

Because the research team has already collected data from male players in a previous research project, they will be able to study developmental differences and compare trends in the data based on sex. Following up with the same participants in subsequent years will also improve understanding of drop-out in soccer amongst youth players in Canada. Although not part of this current study, Hodges and her team hope to validate their questionnaire methods with specific skill tests (tactical and technical) and relate these to practice histories and other psychological indices. It is expected that the results of the study will contribute to the existing body of literature on the development of skill in sport and factors related to continued involvement (or drop-out). In a practical sense, these data will help foster successful and positive youth sport development in soccer, with research-based evidence serving to guide the design of effective practice environments.

If you are interested in learning more about the Pathways Project or if you are interested in having your club participate, please contact the research team at:  msl.kin.educ.ubc.ca or  kin.msl@ubc.ca

 

 

 

BC Diabetes Research Network Podcast: From Beta Cells to Bicycles with Dr.Robert Boushel

Episode 5: Dr Robert Boushel

Professor and Director, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia

Host Krista Lamb is joined by BC Diabetes Research Network researcher and UBC professor Dr. Robert Boushel, whose research focuses on the effects of exercise on diabetes and other metabolic syndromes. He describes his systems-wide approach to exercise research, and the recent studies indicating that exercise can lead to the remission of type 2 diabetes in adults.

Click Here

New Paper Out

Mar. 31, 2020 – New paper out by Katie Weatherson, Dr. Guy Faulkner, and Dr. Erica Lau, and colleagues on the importance of tailoring interventions to support physical activity and sedentary behaviours to different child care settings. Read it here!

Opportunity to participate in COVID-19 study

Mar. 30, 2020 – How has COVID-19 has impacted you and your family? The Pop-PA Lab is recruiting participants for a study on how public health measures impact physical activity and well-being. The online survey asks about your physical activity, your thoughts about exercise, and your mental well-being.

If you would like to participate in the survey, click here.

Atrial Fibrillation Lifestyle Project (ALP)

Principle Investigator:
Dr. Teddi Orenstein
Hours/Time Commitment:
Volunteering will take place at Hospital 4-6 hours/week in the Cardiac Rehab exercise gym during the month of June 2019.
Expected Duties:
Volunteers (1-2) will spend their time in the intervention group exercise classes, and be responsible for collecting data measures on participants as they exercise, monitoring and ensuring the safety of participants, and assisting with modified exercises for limited mobility participants. There is a possibility of student volunteers having additional roles in Dr. Orenstein’s office doing data entry, data management, and literature searches.
Contact Information:
If you are interested, please contact Amy Booth, Research Coordinator at amy.booth@vch.ca with a current resume and a short blurb about yourself. Students with a valid criminal record check and a kinesiology background are specifically encouraged to apply. All questions and inquiries should also be directed to Amy Booth.
Posting expiration:
06/08/2019

Ava Katz

Ava Katz, Kinesiology student.

Ava rouses us to think beyond ourselves. Her service to the community models initiative and leadership as she reaches out to help those who are more vulnerable and who need assistance at this challenging time.

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I am originally from Winnipeg but moved to Vancouver a few years back. My interests are varied but include playing sports (Ultimate Frisbee) which I’ve played for upwards of 4 years, having been captain for 2. I thought it prudent to see what the first year at UBC would look like before resuming that hectic sports schedule.

My goal for the future is to apply to medical school once I graduate and specialize in Thoracic or Cardiac surgery. My passion for helping others, along with my interest in the human body and how it functions, has led to my interest in Kinesiology and medicine. Although it seems like a lofty goal, I cherish memories of my grandfather who was also a Doctor and feel he’d be immensely proud of me which pushes me to continue striving for the future.

I currently live with my 91-year-old grandmother, my dad, sister and mom, who has recently developed a heart issue known as Acute Pericarditis. As we have all heard, those with underlying health issues are particularly susceptible to the virus, as are the elderly. As the COVID-19 spread, I realized that my mom could not go into the stores or take the chance of exposure at this time. Everyday seems to bring new information about people not having the ability to buy groceries and other essentials for themselves. I know that seniors homes have some support, but what about the seniors who live on their own, or others who are health compromised? I felt that as long as I took precautions, being the errand-runner seemed a sensible thing for me to do because I am not the demographic most at risk.

I made a post on Facebook letting people know that I would do grocery shopping, pick up other items they may need like prescriptions, and deliver it to them in a contact-free manner, free of charge. I felt that priority should go to the elderly and those who could not go out themselves. I also asked that people share the post in hopes they would spread the word to those who may not necessarily be on Facebook or have access to a computer.

I am fortunate to have a car that allows me to go from store to store when stock it low. I found that there were those who simply needed medical supplies and prescription pick-ups and I was happy to be of help. I also had friends coming back from various universities who quarantined with their families, but their grandparents were not in seniors homes and didn’t have the support around them. Friends then forwarded their grandparents contact information to me and I was able to reach out.

I feel it is vital that we stick together and support each other during this time. The virus seems to have allowed for a silver lining in that we are all in the same boat, so-to-speak, and we need to be able to rely on each other, even strangers, to help us get through this as best as possible. I feel blessed that I am in a position to help, not just those in my immediate family, but other’s loved ones.

Coverage by Daily Hive News – Class act: UBC first year student shops for seniors during the pandemic – Click Here

Parelkar, Soham

After graduating with his Bachelor in Kinesiology in 2018, Soham immediately enrolled in the Master’s in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Program in the School of Population and Public Health at UBC. He is currently studying the skills and knowledge to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control chemical, physical and biological hazards in workplaces and community environments. Graduates from this program often work in careers such as cancer researchers, health and safety managers, policy analysts, and occupational hygienists. Soham sees connection between the broad field of occupational health and kinesiology in ergonomics. Ergonomists apply their knowledge of musculoskeletal function and how humans interact with their environment to make the workplace safer and more efficient. Now in his final semester, he had the opportunity to work at a health authority assessing worker noise exposure and recommending controls this past summer, and it had been a rewarding journey.
During his undergraduate studies, rather than sticking to physical health-focused electives, he chose diverse topics such as biomedical ethics, history, and global nutrition. Soham believes that the option to pick wide-ranging courses in the kinesiology program enhanced his experience in two primary ways. He says: “Firstly, the autonomy to study various subjects and think about the interconnectedness of fields vastly increased the intellectual stimulation I received. Secondly, the amazing opportunity to engage in dialogue with peers in different programs opened up my mind to newer perspectives.”
When asked about his extracurricular involvements in school, Soham focused primarily on tutoring kinesiology undergraduate students who had various conditions that affected their learning abilities. “The months I spent working with such individuals made me aware of not only the challenges faced by some of my fellow peers, but also their incredible ability to recover and empower themselves through the recovery process… The study of human movement is also intricately connected to the concept of ability, and my job as a peer tutor was a key bridge to see this concept in a new light”. Overall, Soham credits the academics and extracurricular activities he took part during his undergraduate studies of not only gaining skills for future careers, but also inspired him to think critically how he can personally enact change.

Advice for peers and students:

Originally intending to pursue typical, traditional options such as medicine and physiotherapy, I had never really considered occupational hygiene as an option. However, a chance elective in occupational health in my 3rd year of undergraduate studies in Kinesiology led to an unexpectedly rewarding career path. Being open to different opportunities and taking electives can be a life-changing experience!

Abele, Natalie

Natalie is a UBC graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Geography. She is incredibly passionate about sport, and about inclusion specifically. She currently works at viaSport British Columbia as the Manager of Research & Social Innovation. Her responsibilities include coordinating research, data collection and analysis; evaluating and amplifying the impact of priority projects; and bridging connections between research and practice. Within this she leads several priority projects aimed at increasing participation of underserved populations. Notably, she successfully managed the implementation of a foundational inclusion training called All Youth Matter. The program was developed by viaSport to equip sport and recreation leaders to make a difference in the lives of diverse youth in their community, and has now been delivered to over 1200 participants in more than 65 workshops around BC. On campus, the training has been implemented for students in KIN 160 and for staff within UBC Recreation. For more information, please visit www.allyouthmatter.com

Prior to viaSport, Natalie has worked as a Research Assistant at UBC with Dr. Andrea Bundon, and as the Sport + Rec Editor of the campus newspaper, The Ubyssey. More recently, she worked as an Account Manager for Tribe Solutions Inc, the official merchandise partner of the International Triathlon Union and World Triathlon Series. In her free time, you can find Natalie underwater, up in the mountains, or playing, watching, and/or talking about sports. You can follow her journey on twitter at @natalieabele
 
Advice for peers and other students:

Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors and TA’s! Be curious, and share your ideas. They’ll be more likely to remember you, write you more detailed reference letters, and you never know, they may even hire you someday!

Get involved on campus. The connections you make and the experiences you have outside of the classroom will be more important than your grades.

Also, go to Thunderbirds games! UBC has some of the best varsity sports teams in the country.