Hey everyone! My name is Andy and I’m in my 5th year of KIN’s Interdisciplinary stream. I love the field of Kinesiology because it encompasses a wide range of disciplines. The School reflects this in its diverse course offerings and as a result, it has opened many doors for me to engage in a spectrum of opportunities both at UBC and out in the community. For example, I spent three years as a student athletic trainer with the UBC men’s basketball team and currently serve on the executive team of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement club. Outside of UBC, I intern at a health start-up and also work as a behaviour interventionist.
When I’m studying, you’ll typically find me in the Woodward Library with a pair of earphones on listening to classical music. I’m a big advocate for work-life balance and in my free time, I like to get outside to move. This helps me recharge so that I can come back and focus on my work.
During my studies, I have discovered that I really enjoy research because it offers us the chance to solve yet unanswered questions. This past summer, I was awarded the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to conduct research on the interaction between air pollution and physical activity in the Environmental Physiology Laboratory. It was thrilling to take the skills I’d learned in the classroom (e.g. VO2max test, spirometry, EVH) and utilize them in applied settings. My favourite part of data collection was having the chance to conduct blood draws! In November, I was honoured to have the chance to present my research at the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology’s (CSEP) AGM. I feel lucky now to be able to continue this research through the directed studies course (KIN492) under the supervision of Dr. Michael Koehle.
I have learned so much while I’ve been here. One of the most surprising and valuable aspects of my studies in KIN has been learning how to learn. Right now, the plan after graduation is to take a bit of time off to travel! I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t nailed down what I want to do in the future but hopefully travelling the world and hearing other people’s stories will help me figure it out!