Meet some of our graduate students...

Ted Alexander

(PhD) Social-cultural Studies

I am in my fourth year of my doctorate at UBC under the supervision of Dr. Wendy Frisby. I completed my M.A. at UBC (Dr. Lucie Thibault) and my undergraduate degree at McMaster University (Dr. Sue Inglis). My doctoral dissertation is an investigation of how social inclusion initiatives are delivered to diverse low-income youth and how youth respond as both participants and non-participants in these programs. My M.A. research focused on interorganizational relationships (IORs) between nonprofit sport organizations and municipal recreation departments. My undergraduate research centred on roles and responsibilities of members of nonprofit boards of directors.

My time studying at UBC’s School of Human Kinetics is highlighted by the fantastic people that I have worked with, who just happen to be prolific scholars at the same time. I selected the program because of the work that Dr. Lucie Thibault was doing with sport organizations in BC where I worked before returning to grad school. My doctoral work with Dr. Wendy Frisby has built my level of theoretical comfort in new and exciting directions. The community of social researchers in the faculty (Drs. Sparks, Vertinsky, Wilson) and the high level of grad student research/inquiry have consistently unsettled and rebuilt my understandings of research in the social world.

I have presented at the North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM) and Sport Sociology (NASSS) conferences and the Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (CCLR). I was fortunate enough to win the NASSM student paper competition in 2006 for my research with low-income youth (pictured with Dr. Inglis at NASSM 2006 - photo courtesy of Cindy Riach).

SSHRC – Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral (3 years)
NASSM Student Research Paper Competition
UBC – University Graduate Fellowship (1 year)

Alexander, T., Thibault, L. & Frisby, W. (2008). Avoiding separation: Sport partner perspectives on a long-term interorganisational relationship. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 3(3), 263-280.
Brayton, S., & Alexander, T. (2007). A response to Rail. Sociology of Sport Journal, 24(4), pp. 486-491.
Brayton, S. & Alexander, T. (2007). Dunky the frog and the politics of irony. Sociology of Sport Journal. 24(3), pp. 241-260.
Towle, A., Godolphin, W. & Alexander, T. (2006). Doctor-patient communications in the Aboriginal community: toward the development of educational programs. Patient Education and Counseling 62(3), pp. 340-346.
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ELLEXIS BOYLE

(PhD) Social-cultural Studies

I am an international student from Melbourne where I was waitressing on a break from study after I completed my master of arts in 2003.

I am now in the 3rd year of my PhD in Human Kinetics, A women’s studies major and film student, I found my seemingly strange home in Human Kinetics through my interest in the aesthetic representations of athletic bodies. My current research is on the muscular body and its development into an icon of the healthy, fit and beautiful body. My dissertation focuses on muscular masculinity- it’s historical, cultural, political and economic production- using a case study of the rise and rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger. I suppose I can say that my expertise lies in bodybuilding, film studies and masculinity studies (odd, for a woman, I know).

This degree has been the highlight of my university education thus far because of the School of Human Kinetics (I’m not being paid to say this). The school is made up of many different and diverse fields, which in recent years have been brought into closer contact with the aim of creating interdisciplinary dialogues. Everyone is amazingly friendly and friendships are easily made with poker being played in the labs at lunch times (or anytime for that matter) and ample time for conversation over free lunch at our bi-weekly seminars.

The school is very generous with supporting student travel to conferences. I recommend going to as many conferences as your funds will allow. It is a way to get feedback on your research as well as to meet inspiring professors and make friends with other graduate students. I have been to several in Canada, America & Europe. The highlight of my travels was my recent trip to Austria where I conducted research on Schwarzenegger in his hometown. Vienna is amazing!

Many students in our faculty have received notable funding which helps to give our school a great reputation! Funding can be painful and tiring to apply for but we all have to do it and most often, we get good results. I was fortunate enough to receive a Killam Scholarship.

Boyle, E., Millington, B. & Vertinsky, P. (2006). Representing the female pugilist: Narratives of race and gender in Million Dollar Baby, Sociology of Sport Journal, 25 (2): 99-117.
Boyle. E. (2006). “Measuring up to American Manhood: Racism and the deployment of “race” in the history of men’s competitive bodybuilding, International Journal for the History of Sport, STADION special issue, 31 (1): 71-85.
Boyle, E. (2005) “Flexing the Tensions of Female Muscularity: How Female Bodybuilders’ Negotiate Normative Femininity in Competitive Bodybuilding.” Women’s Studies Quarterly 33 (1&2): 134-149.
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SEAN BRAYTON

(PhD) Social-cultural Studies; critical race theory; hybridity and cultural transfusion

Current research examines the ways in which racialized and gendered bodies are “denaturalized” through the strategic use of irony, parody, and ventriloquism. Ongoing projects interpret the use of vocal impersonations in “race comedy,” the ironic deployment of racial stereotypes, and the representation of Mexican-American labour in popular Hollywood films.

SSHRC – Doctoral Fellowship

Brayton, S. (in press). MTV’s Jackass: Transgression, abjection and the economy of white masculinity. Journal of Gender Studies.
Brayton, S. (2006). An American werewolf in Kabul: John Walker Lindh, the construction of “race,” and the return to whiteness. International Journal of Median and Cultural Politics 2.2: 167-182.
Brayton, S. (2005). “Malibu’s most undercover guru”: Deconstructing race thru a comical pedagogy of whiteness. Topia: Canadian Journal of Cultural Studies, Fall 14: 57-72.
Brayton, S. (2005). Black-lash: Revising the “White Negro” through skateboarding. Sociology of Sport Journal (Special Issue on Whiteness and Sport) 22(3): 356-72.
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LIANNE DOLAN

(MSc) Exercise Physiology

I was born and raised in this gorgeous city but left it to complete a BSc (Kin) at the University of Western Ontario. I then took off to work in France for over a year before coming back to find work at various physio clinics. I’m now finishing a MSc and will begin a PhD under Dr. Don McKenzie.

Based out of the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic, I’m fortunate enough to have a direct clinical application to my work. Involvement in various clinical studies has allowed me to look at how exercise affects the physical functioning and quality of life in patients with different diseases. My MSc looks at how exercise affects some of the side effects of breast cancer treatments, mainly how the lymphatic system is altered with activity.
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Marc Faktor

(MSc) Health Related Knowledge and Cardiovascular Physiology

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. I immigrated to Canada at a young age where I went on to graduate with a BSc. in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University in June 2006. During my studies at York University, I specialized in exercise physiology and cardiovascular rehabilitation. I am a first year MSc. student working in the CPR and LEARN laboratories under the supervision of Dr. Shannon Bredin. Upon completion of my MSc. it is my goal to attend Medical School.

I am firm believer in physical activity participation and the many health related benefits that accompany the active individual. My research interests include: the epidemiology, medical management, and the therapeutic techniques involved in cardiovascular rehabilitation; cardiovascular functionality/efficiency in relation to an individual’s health status and knowledge base; as well as the manipulation of the processes of sensorimotor control and learning in order to initiate and maintain a wide range of health centered behavior modifications.

In the short while that I have spent as part of such an amazing team of researchers I have gained a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. Currently I am working with: Action Schools! B.C.; Hearts in Training; Hearts@Work ; and the CSEP Health and Fitness Program of B.C.. These experiences were made possible by my supervisor Dr. Shannon Bredin and close collaborator Dr. Darren Warburton. The graduate atmosphere that UBC has to offer has considerably impacted my professional development. I am currently funded as a research assistant and a teaching assistant.

When I am not working in the lab or doing cardiovascular assessments on grade school children I spend my time capitalizing on the beautiful environmental conditions that British Columbia has to offer. I frequent Whistler to RIDE and Grouse to GRIND. I also enjoy the beautiful sunsets at Wreck beach, which I reside above in Marine Drive Residence.
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CAROLYN GEH

(MSc) Sport Psychology

I am a first year MSc student under the supervision of Dr. Peter Crocker. I graduated from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Kinesiology, and a Certificate in Applied Human Nutrition. I was born and raised in Malaysia until I moved to Canada four years ago.

My research interests include looking at Fear of Falling in the elderly population, neural, musculoskeletal, and psychological factors that contribute to balance deficits associated with age (i.e., stress and coping, anxiety, and altered role perceptions).

My source of funding comes from the International Students Scholarship, SSHRC (under Dr. Peter Crocker), and a TAship like most other grad students.
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JORDAN GUENETTE

(PhD) Exercise Physiology

I am a second year PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Bill Sheel. I also did my MSc with Dr. Sheel from 2004-2006. I have been at UBC throughout my post-secondary education and I originate from Edmonton.

I study pulmonary mechanics and respiratory muscle energetics during exercise in highly trained endurance athletes. My doctoral work will focus on understanding sex-based differences in respiratory muscle fatigue, breathing mechanics and blood flow regulation during exercise.

Working in the School of Human Kinetics has given me numerous opportunities to collaborate with other researchers and students in order to get the most out of my graduate training. These collaborations have enabled me to work closely with Biomechanists, Radiologists, Geneticists, Physicians and Physiologists. I have conducted medical research in Nepal and I have also worked at the Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre in Denmark and the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Athens. The best part of my graduate experience has undoubtedly been the opportunity to work closely with amazing UBC graduate students and Faculty.

I have been very fortunate to receive financial support through various funding organizations. I was recently awarded the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Graduate Student Research Award, the Sir James Lougheed Award of Distinction, the Dean of Education Scholarship and the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal. My main funding comes from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Alberta Heritage Fund.

I am now an author on 17 peer-reviewed journal publications. Below is a sample of some of my most recent work:

Guenette JA, Vogiatzis I, Zakynthinos SG, Athanasopoulos D, Koskolou M, Golemati S, Vasilopoulou M, Wagner HE, Roussos C, Wagner PD, Boushel R. Human respiratory muscle blood flow measured by near-infrared spectroscopy and indocyanine green. J Appl Physiol. In Press.
Guenette JA, Sporer BC, Macnutt MJ, Coxson HO, Sheel AW, Mayo JR, McKenzie DC. Lung density is not altered following intense normobaric hypoxic interval training in competitive female cyclists. J Appl Physiol. 103(3):875-82, 2007.
Guenette JA, Witt JD, McKenzie DC, Road JD, Sheel AW. Respiratory mechanics during exercise in endurance-trained men and women. J Physiol. 581:1309-22, 2007.
Guenette JA, Sheel AW. Exercise-induced arterial hypoxaemia in active young women. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 32(6):1263-73, 2007.
Guenette JA, Sheel AW. Physiological consequences of a high work of breathing during heavy exercise in humans. J Sci Med Sport.10(6):341-50, 2007.
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VALERIE HADD

(PhD) Sport Psychology

I am a third year PhD student. I received my B.A. in kinesiology from the University of Montreal in 2002 and my M.A. in Human Kinetics specializing in sport psychology from The University of British Columbia in 2004. I currently work with Dr. Peter Crocker. I grew up in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec; a small city 30 minutes south of Montreal.

My main research interests are stress and coping in sport and for health reasons. For my thesis, I looked at the effects of self-efficacy on coping behaviours, performance, and emotions of youth swimmers. In the last 2 years, my main focus has shifted to understanding stress processes in a population of breast cancer survivors. For my PhD, I propose to examine 1) personal variables (i.e., personality, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and marital status) that could potentially explain the differences in stress perception among breast cancer patients; and 2) the influence of physical activity on stress perception that may lead to an improved quality of life for the survivors.

Working in the School of Human Kinetics has provided me with amazing opportunities to be involved in cutting edge research and travel to various conferences all around North America. The School of Human Kinetics’ close connections with other departments/schools have enabled me to take courses outside my department and meet other students that shared their own experiences. The best part of my graduate experience is that I am looking forward to come to work every day!! This makes my whole graduate experience more enjoyable.

I am presenting at the Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning and Sport Psychology (SCAPPS) conference, Halifax, NS in November 2006 (previously attending conferences in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Niagara, Ontario). I have also presented at the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity in Denver, Colorado as well as the Canadian Association for Psychosocial Oncology conference, Montreal, PQ and the Canadian Public Health Association conference, Vancouver, BC.

In addition to a PhD tuition waiver and a full TA ship I have received funding from SSHRC for my last two years of study.

I have 3 peer-reviewed journal articles and I have co-authored 3 book chapters. Lovato CY, Sabiston CM, Hadd V, Nykiforuk CIJ, Campbell HS. (2006, in press). The impact of school smoking policies and student perceptions of enforcement on school smoking prevalence and location of smoking. Health Education Research.
Lovato, C.Y., Hsu, H.C.H., Sabiston, C.M., Hadd, V., Nykiforuk, C.I.J. (2006, in press). Tobacco Point-of Purchase Marketing in School Neighbourhoods and School. Smoking Prevalence: A Descriptive Study. Canadian Journal of Public Health.
Hadd, V. & Crocker, P.R.E. (2006, in press). The effect of stress-related factors on post-performance affect in competitive adolescent swimmers. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
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LESLIE HORITA

(MSc) Children's Physical Education and Health

Hello, my name is Leslie Horita and I am currently working towards finishing my M.Sc. degree in Human Kinetics here at UBC. I grew-up in White Rock, B.C. and graduated from UBC in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics, (phys. Ed. stream).

I decided to start my Masters degree in the fall of 2004 under the supervision of Dr. Shannon Bredin. My research is in the area of children’s health and physical activity.

While pursuing my Masters I have worked with Action Schools! B.C. assessing the cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, vascular heath, physical activity levels and motor skill proficiency of elementary school children. My fellow graduate students here at UBC are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and the West Coast is definitely an incredible place to live!
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KATE MALIHA

(MA) Social Sciences

I came here by way of Montreal, New Brunswick and Ottawa, but Vancouver is my favorite place in Canada by far. I’ve worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and fitness program director for many years, but recently decided to pursue my Master’s in the area of health and fitness sociology. I’m currently in the first year of my program and I’m fortunate to be working under the expert supervision of Dr. Laura Hurd Clarke.

I’m interested in learning about older women’s experiences in the fitness industry from a socio-cultural perspective. Specifically, I’d like to explore how personal training affects older women’s body image perceptions. In addition, I am looking forward to working with all the talented people at the Leisure and Sport Management Research Lab throughout my studies at U.B.C.

I am looking forward to attending my first conference as a Masters student, the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS) conference at the end of October.

I have a full TAship for next semester.
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KATIE MORTON

(PhD) Exercise Psychology

I am a first year PhD student originally from Stoke-on-Trent in England. I have recently completed my Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University. I also completed my undergraduate at Loughborough in Sports Science and Social Sciences.

I am looking at the area of Transformational Leadership in physical education, focusing on behavioural outcomes and how effective leadership can help children to become more active. I am also interested in older adult’s physical activity and the areas of self-determination and motivation in exercise.

I am attending my first conference in November. This is the SCAPPS conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I will be presenting my Masters thesis in which I evaluated a UK based ‘Exercise Referral Scheme’ in relation to promoting self-determined exercise amongst patients.
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JORDAN QUERIDO

(MSc) Exercise Physiology

I am a second year MSc student, working in the Health and Integrative Physiology Laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Bill Sheel. I came to UBC following my undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa.

I have been studying cerebrovascular physiology with special interest on the effects of intermittent hypoxia and cerebral blood flow. My doctoral work will use a model of sleep apnea to more fully understand the cerebrovascular changes at rest and during exercise that occur from repetitive hypoxia and hypercapnia.

Working in the School of Human Kinetics at UBC has provided me with many opportunities to enhance my training as a research trainee. I have been actively involved in collaborations with geneticists, physicians, and physiologists. This upcoming summer I will be accompanying a research team traveling to California where we will investigate the effects of high altitude acclimation and re-acclimation on many physiological variables.

Since being a graduate student at UBC I have had the opportunity to attend conferences in Quebec and Nova Scotia, presenting at both. Graduate students also have the opportunity to present current research conducted in their lab at an annual research day for graduate students in the school of Human Kinetics. I have found the other graduate students to be very helpful in my training through academic discussion and assistance with research projects. In addition, many social events for graduate students allows for us to have fun outside of the lab.

During my first year of my MSc, I received an entrance scholarship, as well as a TA assignment. This year, in addition to my work as a TA, I am funded through a University Graduate Fellowship.

The school provides many opportunities for students to become involved in a wide range of research. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with many different labs in Human Kinetics, as well as other researchers based out of the Vancouver General Hospital. A couple of the most relevant publications to my work are listed below:

Querido, J.S., Sheel, A.W. (2006). Regulation of cerebral blood flow during exercise. Submitted to Sports Medicine, August 2006: 47 pages.
Querido, J., Godwin, J., Sheel, A.W. (2006). Acute hypoxic cerebral blood flow response following 10 days of intermittent hypoxia [Abstract]. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. 31: S68.
McGuire, A., Querido, J., Fedoruk, M., Wang, P., Rupert, J.L., McKenzie, D. (2006). Plasma erythropoietin concentration following normobaric hyperoxia [Abstract]. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. 31: S58.
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JESSICA SCOTT

(PhD) Exercise Physiology

I grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, and graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in May 2003. I finished my Master of Science program with Dr. Warburton in September 2005, and I just started the second year of my PhD program in the Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory.

My research interests include: cardiovascular function during prolonged exercise, gender differences in cardiovascular physiology, orthostatic intolerance in athletes and patient populations, space physiology, as well as cardiovascular health in clinical populations.

I feel very fortunate to work in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. I have been able to take advantage of Vancouver and its unique surroundings and train year round for my favorite pastime: triathlons.

Since being a graduate student at UBC I have had the opportunity to attend several conferences across North America including: Quebec, Saskatchewan, Halifax and Denver.

I have received funding through a Graduate Entrance Scholarship, a NSERC post-graduate scholarship (PGS-M, and PGS-D), a Canadian Space Agency NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship Supplement and a Dean of Education Scholarship, and the MSFHR Junior Graduate Studentship. I am also working as a teaching assistant, and as a research assistant with Action Schools BC.
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CYNTHIA THOMSON

(MSc) Genetics and Exercise Physiology

My name is Cynthia Thomson. I’m from Manotick, Ontario (a small town south of Ottawa). I completed a B.P.H.E. and a B.Sc. at Queen’s University, Kingston and now I’m refreshed and happy to be back at school after taking two years off to live in Lake Louise, a rocky mountain playground.

I am in the first year of a Masters of Science program under the supervision of Dr. Jim Rupert. My interest in this program was sparked while living in Lake Louise and experiencing minor effects of altitude on a daily basis. Our lab is currently studying DNA samples from Nepalese natives and EPO doping. High altitude physiology is still of interest to me, though my research focus has shifted to the genetics and physiology of exercise-induced asthma among athletes.

I came from a much smaller school than UBC, and though I was overwhelmed at first, I have found the HKIN team to be very welcoming and supportive. I’m excited to be here for the next few years. There are many exciting research projects going on all around me.

A bonus about being here - I look out the window of my lab and I can see the mountains and smell the ocean… how fantastic is that?!

I am funded through a teaching assistantship (anatomy/physiology in term 2).
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EKKAPAT ROBIN VISANUVIMOL

(MHK) Coaching Science

I am a second year MHK student under the supervision of Dr. Dick Mosher. Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, I completed my Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at Acadia University in 2005. I am also a certified boxing coach who actively works in the field as a boxing coach and personal trainer.

In this program, I have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects of interest such as coaching science, bioenergetics, sports-specific strength and conditioning, sports psychology, exercise physiology, and sports nutrition. My ultimate goal is to be able to combine all this knowledge to further my career in the field of strength and conditioning/coaching.

As an aspiring athlete, coach, and trainer, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a number of quality and passionate researchers/professors in the School of Human Kinetics. One of the highlights of my study here includes a visit to Dr. Ted Rhodes’ Exercise Science Laboratory as part of a coaching science course. The lab is equipped with some of the most advanced fitness and physiological testing equipments available for elite athletes. In addition, the program involves numerous presentations and discussions from distinguished guest speakers such as strength and conditioning trainers, researchers, and varsity team coaches.

As part of program requirements, I have been able to complete a number of publications on my personal subjects of interest. This includes a strength and conditioning manual for boxing, a mental training program for elite boxers, and a boxing coaching manual. For my major paper, I plan to conduct a study with a number of amateur boxers on the effectiveness of a high-performance strength, conditioning, and nutrition program.
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PEI WANG

(PhD) Genetics and Exercise Physiology

I am a second year PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Rupert. I graduated from Tiajin Institute of Physical Education in China and got MSc degree (Genetics and Exercise Physiology) there. Before I came here, I worked as a research assistant at Beijing Genomics Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences for two years.

Since I started my PhD study last year, I have been studying the association between gene polymorphisms and acute mountain sickness during my first year. Currently, I am focusing on the role of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) including its genotype, plasma concentration, and inhibition, on altitude adaptation and physical performance in humans.

Having been involved in different projects has given me the opportunity to collaborate with people from different research backgrounds including exercise physiology, clinical medicine, and molecular biology. The energy and enthusiasm being emanated from the HKIN grad students and faculty, both in their personal lives and in their research works, give me deep admiration of my new colleagues. In addition, our school organizes academic seminar periodically and holds the HKIN Research Day every year to insure cohesiveness among grad students. All these research work and academic activities help to broaden my horizons and deepen my sense of scientific research in a different culture’s work environment.

I am funded through a TAship, faculty supervisor research funding and a PhD Tuition Award.

Koehle MS., Wang P., Guenette, JA., Rupert JL. (2006) No association between variants in the ACE and angiotensin II receptor 1 genes and acute mountain sickness in Nepalese pilgrims to the Janai Purnima Festival at 4380 metres. High Altitude Medicine & Biology. (In press)
Wang P., Ma LH., Wang HY., et al. (2006) Association between Vitamin D receptor gene ApaI, BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms and muscular strength in Chinese women. Int. J. Sports Med. 27:182-6.
Wong GK., Liu B., …Wang P., et al. (2004) A genetic variation map for chicken with 2.8 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Nature. 432: 717-722.
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JONATHAN WITT

(MSc) Exercise Physiology

I am a third year MSc. student under the supervision of Dr. Bill Sheel. I hail from Tsawwassen, BC and completed my Bachelor’s of Physical Education and Health at the University of Toronto in 2004.

Although I have been involved in a variety of different research projects during my time at UBC, my master’s research has focused on the cardiovascular responses to fatiguing work of the inspiratory muscles and the adaptive changes to these responses following a period of inspiratory muscle training.

The UBC School of Human Kinetics is an amazing place to pursue graduate school and I feel very fortunate for the opportunities that it has afforded me. From my first day here I have been extremely impressed not only by the quality of research being undertaken at the school at every level (from undergraduate to faculty), but by the warmth and helpful nature of the staff, students, and faculty members. The UBC School of Human Kinetics is an amazing institution to be apart of, a place where you will no doubt acquire both an amazing education and lasting friendships.

In November 2005 I had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Conference in Gatineau, Quebec and deliver an oral presentation on a research project I had collaborated on with my supervisor, a fellow MSc. student, and a group of undergraduate HKIN students.

I have been fortunate enough to be funded from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada for 1 year and then the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research for an additional year. I received a Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship on beginning the program and I have been a TA throughout my studies.

JD Witt, JRKO Fisher, JA Guenette, KA Cheong, BJ Wilson, and AW Sheel. Measurement of exercise ventilation by a respiratory inductive plethysmograph. Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology. (In Press)
MJ Macnutt, JA Guenette, JD Witt, R Yuan, JR Mayo, and DC McKenzie. Intense hypoxic cycle exercise does not alter lung density in elite competitive cyclists. Submitted to: European Journal of Applied Physiology
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SHIRLEY WONG

(MSc) Cardiovascular Physiology

I grew up in Markham, Ontario, Canada and graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in April 2006. I began my Master of Science program with Dr. Darren Warburton in September 2006.

Shirley’s research interests include: cardiorespiratory response during arm cycle ergometry exercise and hybrid (simultaneous arm and leg) exercise in individuals with spinal cord injury. The focus is on the benefits of whole-body exercise for individuals in this population and trying to maximize aerobic fitness and improving exercise capacity.

I have worked in various exercise rehabilitation settings with individuals with spinal cord injuries, cardiac patients, and varsity athletes.

I have received a Graduate Entrance Scholarship and I have been awarded the MSFHR (Michael Smith) Junior Scholarship.
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MICHAEL ZAREMBA

(MHK) Coaching Science

I am a second year MHK student in the coaching science program. Dr. Richard (Dick) Mosher is my supervisor. I completed my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I was also a part of a 3-time OUA championship football team as a player with the McMaster Marauders.

The coaching science program is set up to initially cover the various sciences that are associated with coaching athletics such as growth and maturation, exercise physiology and sport psychology. Afterwards we are given the opportunity to express and discuss our personal philosophies, beliefs and ideologies towards coaching and compare / contrast them to some of the legendary coaches of the 20th century. Exploration into how these approaches to coaching may alter when referred to different sports, athletes of various ages and sex, team sports vs. independent sports, and the level at which the sport is played (pro vs. amateur) is also a main component of the program.

My research focuses on strength and conditioning (sport conditioning) of higher end caliber athletes. This discipline requires a strong knowledge of aerobic, anaerobic lactic and anaerobic alactic energy systems and how they can be trained appropriately for what is required in a given sport. As well as identifying and training what has been coined the secondary fitness characteristics consisting of agility, quickness, balance, speed, explosive power, dynamic high-speed flexibility, total body control and coordination, closed-kinetic chain strength, reactivity, and deceleration. These properties contribute to overall athleticism that some people are be born with. Others need to develop them through training the various secondary fitness characteristics they are weaker in. Everyone has an athlete in them and it is the knowledge, passion and directed focus of the strength and conditioning coach to bring out this perhaps dormant or forgotten part of ones self.

I have taken advantage of the opportunities that were available to me as a member of the graduate program in Human Kinetics and they have given me exposure to a vast range of disciplines spanning the MSc and MA programs in Human Kinetics. I have been a subject and an assistant in several of my colleagues research projects from various labs such as the respiratory physiology lab, the biomechanics lab, and the exercise physiology (exercise metabolism) lab in the aquatic centre. Recently I was given the experience of assisting with the preseason fitness testing of the Vancouver Canucks.

As well, various connections with in the coaching science program have allowed me to work with several different coaches of the varsity teams within the department of athletics. Round-table discussions with coaches from basketball, swimming, golf, baseball, ice hockey and rowing of both men’s and women’s sport teams have exposed me to the ideology and methodology of Canada’s top university coaches. I am currently working as an assistant coach as a part of a field-study credit with the UBC Thunderbirds football team. My responsibilities include being a positional coach of the quarterbacks, strength and conditioning coach for the team, as well as the video coordinator.

The coaching science program has also allowed me to work this past summer for 8 weeks as an intern strength coach for Twist Conditioning Inc. located in North Vancouver. My time there was during their elite hockey training program working with athletes of the junior levels in BC as well as with players from professional leagues such as the WHL, NHL and professional European and Japanese teams. The experienced I gained was invaluable will undoubtedly help me upon graduation with starting my career.
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