In this section, you will find information regarding highly qualified personnel working currently in our collectives laboratories and research programs. Several trainees have created a short biography and description of what they have done. This is a good source of information for individuals interested in working in Drs. Bredin or Warburton’s laboratories. It is recommended highly that interested trainees consult our current trainees directly to learn more about their experiences and the expectations and benefits that come from working in the Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit.
Research Associates and Coordinators
Dr. Rosalin Miles, Indigenous Scholar, First Nations Advisor, & Research Associate
Dr. Rosalin Miles is an Indigenous Scholar, First Nations Advisor, and Research Associate in the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology program, the Indigenous Health & Physical Activity Program, and the Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Miles is Nlaka’pamux and a member of Lytton First Nation. She currently serves as an advisor for the Lytton First Nation and resides on traditional Musqueam territory. She has more than 39 years of experience working in the health and wellness fields. She is involved in all aspects of our research with Indigenous peoples and communities working to ensure that the aspirations of each community are met. She also provides ongoing mentorship to Indigenous trainees, youth, and community members working on our community-based initiatives. Please watch the following video to hear from Dr. Miles about the benefits of fitness amongst First Nations peoples.
Kai Kaufman, Research Coordinator
Kai Kaufman is currently the head Research Coordinator for the Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology Program, and the Indigenous Health & Physical Activity program. She oversees all projects in our collective laboratories and research programs. She is a previous undergraduate and graduate student in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia.
Undergraduate and High School Students
Approximately 30 undergraduate and high school students work under the supervision of Drs. Bredin and Warburton on an annual basis. Many students complete hypothesis driven directed studies and others serve as volunteers or research assistants on various community- and/or lab-based initiatives. Our programming is dedicated to ensuring diverse opportunities for Indigenous learners from First Nations communities throughout BC.
Graduate Students
PhD Students
Kathryn Anderson (MSc Sept 2020 – Sept 2022; PhD Sept 2022 – Present)
Kathryn is a Métis graduate trainee and recently completed a MSc in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the direct supervision of Dr. Shannon Bredin. She is currently completing a PhD with Dr. Bredin. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Music.
Please read this story for more information about Kathryn and her reasons for working with Dr. Bredin and our team.
https://www.grad.ubc.ca/campus-community/meet-our-students/anderson-kathryn
Alejandro Gaytán González (MSc Sept 2020 – Nov 2022; PhD Jan 2022 – Present)
Alejandro is a graduate trainee currently completing a PhD in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) at the University of British Columbia under the direct supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. He recently completed a MSc in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. He completed his undergraduate degree in human nutrition at Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. His academic/research interests include sports nutrition, protein intake and physical performance in young and older adults, and statistical data analysis. He is a Certified Sports Nutritionist from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN) and a certified anthropometrist (level 2) from the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry (ISAK). He worked as the research coordinator at the Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Actividad Física y al Deporte (Institute of Applied Sciences for Physical Activity and Sport) at Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alejandro-Gaytan-Gonzalez
Jamie Hawke (MA Sept 2018 – Sept 2021; PhD Sept 2021 – Present)
Jamie Hawke completed a MA in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the direct supervision of Dr. Shannon Bredin. She is currently completing a PhD with Dr. Bredin. She is also a Contract Faculty member at Douglas College and Dance Educator at the Vancouver Academy of Dance. Jamie is combining her passion for dance with research during her innovative PhD studies.
Dave Robinson (September 2022 – Present)
Dave Robinson has recently started his PhD in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) working under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. He is mentored directly by our First Nations Advisor, Dr. Rosalin Miles. Dave is Anishinaabe Algonquin, from Timiskaming First Nation in Northwestern Quebec. Dave is an internationally renowned First Nations carver, athlete, and educator. He is a former junior hockey player, an amateur boxer, and elite runner. Dave has been involved in some of the most influential Indigenous-led initiatives on the campus of UBC. For instance, during his time within the UBC Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP), Dave established himself as an international leader and dedicated advocate for Indigenous health and wellbeing (see https://nitep.educ.ubc.ca/student-stories-meet-dave-robinson/). Dave routinely shares his knowledge of carving, health, wellness, and Indigenous ways of being and doing with youth. During his graduate training, Dave has offered a unique body of land-based and art-based projects that integrated seamlessly aspects of Indigenous and Western science theory and practice in health, wholistic wellness, and education. His thesis work is transformative engaging Indigenous ways of understanding and doing and incorporating “personalized knowledge” of health and wellbeing via the carving process. His goal is “to bring the medicine of [his] carvings to the youth and allow the youth to be part of these creations which are medicine. And to have the medicine in public spaces for people from all cultures to engage, and heal with them.” Dave’s carving pieces can be seen throughout UBC and the lower mainland (such as Many Beings 2016, Thunder Child 2016, Dancing Flames 2017).
Michael Souster (Sept 2020 – Present)
Michael is completing a PhD in the Experimental Medicine program (Faculty of Medicine) under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. His expertise in Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Long Term Athlete Development, and Periodization provide Michael with the foundation to design and deliver advanced and comprehensive training programs for any athlete. After completing his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, Michael obtained his Masters of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Alberta. As a former varsity and national level sprinter/hurdler, Michael combines his knowledge of sport science with his own experience as an athlete.
Since 1995, Michael has had the privilege of working with a wide range of athletes from grassroots to professional levels, helping them to reach their full potential through a variety of physical preparation methods. A few of the highlights from Michael’s career experiences include:
- 20 years as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the SAIT Trojans
- Developed and wrote the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers first summer dryland program
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for numerous Provincial organizations such as Alberta Weightlifting, Alberta Golf, Alberta Freestyle Ski, Alberta Alpine Ski, Alberta Basketball, Alberta Cross-Country Ski, Alberta Rugby, Alberta Skeleton and Alberta Volleyball.
- Team Canada head Coach at the World Bench Championships in 2006 (Hungary), 2008 (Czech Republic), 2009 (Luxembourg), 2010 (USA), 2011 (Austria), 2012 (USA) and 2015 (USA).
- Developed and wrote the Canadian Powerlifting Unions National Coaching Certification Program
- Coach of numerous Powerlifters that have world records (14 World Records)
- Coached Powerlifters to hundreds of National Records and Championship Titles
- NCCP Coach Developer for Olympic Weightlifting in Alberta
- One of Canada’s only certified World Rugby Strength and Conditioning Coaches
During this video, Michael takes you through an example 30 minute high performance training session with two youth hockey players (Aedan (13 y) and Declan (16 y)).
Beth Perrotta (Jan 2023 – Present)
Elizabeth (Gnatiuk) Perrotta completing a PhD in the Experimental Medicine program (Faculty of Medicine) under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. She is an experienced exercise physiologist with expertise in managing a laboratory, metabolic testing, anthropometry, and phlebotomy. She has held positions as a strength and conditioning coach with a focus on sport performance. Her work has been published in leading journals such as Circulation and Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise. Elizabeth holds multiple sport certifications through CEP, NSCA (CSCS) and ISAK (Level 2).
Masters Students
Shannon Field MSc (Sept 2019 – Present)
Shannon Field is a Métis graduate student currently completing her MSc in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the direct supervision of Dr. Shannon Bredin. Shannon is currently working in community-based Indigenous studies.
Waneek Horn-Miller MSc (Sept 2018 – Present)
Waneek Horn-Miller is a Mohawk of Kahnawake. She is currently completing her MSc under the supervision of Drs. Warburton, Bredin, and Miles. As a member of the women’s national water polo team, Waneek Horn-Miller won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg. She then served as co-captain of the first Canadian women’s Olympic water polo team that finished fifth at Sydney 2000. During the lead-up to those Games, Horn-Miller appeared on the cover of TIME magazine. She went on to help Canada win a bronze medal at the 2001 FINA World Championships. Waneek has also competed in five North American Indigenous Games in swimming and rifle shooting. Horn-Miller works and travels extensively throughout the Indigenous world as a motivational speaker and now as a graduate student at UBC, where she studies aspects of Indigenous motivation within the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology program (School of Kinesiology). She is a passionate advocate for sport, fitness, and wellness, and shares her journey from being stabbed during the famed Oka Crisis to the Olympic Games as an example of the power of sport to help Indigenous youth focus their emotions and experiences into achievement. As one of Canada’s few Indigenous Olympians, Waneek has used her passion and experiences in sport to influence Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders to make access to sport a nations building priority.
Huiyu (Chelsea) Jia MSc (Sept 2021 – Present)
Chelsea is currently completing her MSc under the direct supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. She is examining the research on oculomotor dysfunction and post-concussion recovery. Chelsea completed her Bachelor of Science degree at McGill University.
Gabriel Manalo MSc (Sept 2020 – Present)
Gabriel is completing his MSc in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the direct supervision of Dr. Shannon Bredin. Gabriel recently graduated from Kinesiology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Recently Graduated Students
Ethan Schmitt MSc (Sept 2021 – March 2024)
Ethan conducted graduate studies under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. He completed a bachelors degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Seattle University. His research examined the effects of prolonged strenuous exercise on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal function.
Delon Chan MKIN (Sept 2020 – June 2022)
Delon recently completed a MKIN degree under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. Delon also worked in our programming throughout his undergraduate degree. Delon assisted with various projects related to Indigenous health and wellness working with Indigenous Elders, community leaders, and Knowledge Keepers. He was closely mentored by Dr. Rosalin Miles and worked in a good way with Indigenous peoples throughout Canada and the world. He also played a leading role in the organization and implementation of the 8th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress. Delon is currently enrolled in the undergraduate MD program at the University of British Columbia.
Maddi Chow MSc (Sept 2020 – Oct 2022)
Maddison (Maddi) Chow is Métis and recently completed a MSc in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) at the University of British Columbia under the direct supervision of Dr. Warburton. Maddi explored the connections to wholistic health and wellness of Indigenous peoples living in rural and remote communities throughout Canada. As an undergraduate student, Maddi worked in our programming as a Work Learn student and as a mentee in the Indigenous Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program (IURMP) under the supervision of Drs. Bredin and Warburton. She was closely mentored by Dr. Rosalin Miles and worked in a good way with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members. As a Graduate Research Assistant, she also played a leading role in the organization and implementation of the 8th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress, and the Indigenous Physical Activity & Cultural Circle’s National Indigenous Physical Activity and Wellness Conferences. Maddi was recently accepted into the physiotherapy program at the University of British Columbia.
Please read this story for more information about Maddi and her reasons for working with Dr. Warburton and our team. https://www.med.ubc.ca/student-profiles/maddison-maddi-chow/
Jasmine Deol MSc (Sept 2019 – Dec 2022)
Jasmine is currently completing a MSc degree in School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the direct supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. Jasmine is examining the efficacy of protein supplementation and novel resistance training strategies in high performance athletes.
Oliver Finlay PhD (Jan 2017 – June 2020)
Oliver recently completed his PhD in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. With twenty years working in elite professional sports organisations either as Performance Director, chartered physiotherapist, exercise scientist, trainer, or consultant, Oliver has a wealth of experience in sports as diverse as soccer, Formula 1, NHL, NBA, NFL, tennis, athletics, bobsled, field hockey, rugby and canoe slalom. As an athlete represented Team Scotland at lacrosse over 140 times, including captaining the team and later holding the role as Performance Director. Oliver has a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, a MSc in Sports Physiotherapy, a MSc in Exercise Physiology, and is completing his MSD in Sport Directorship.
Oliver is passionate about how high performance sports organisations manage change and how this varies across cultures and sports. Oliver has coordinated an international scientific conference on mindfulness and flow in performance; volunteers for Big Brothers, Vancouver; writes for Iconic Concierge magazine; represents UBC in lacrosse; participates in CrossFit and practices yoga daily.
Aaron Gos MKIN (Sept 2020 – Dec 2021)
Aaron completed a MKIN student in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the direct supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. Aaron is an aspiring Strength & Conditioning coach looking to enhance his knowledge in the industry. He was previously a Strength Coach at York University. He looks forward to working and learning with various individuals in the sports and high performance industry. Aaron currently runs Gos Training Systems. Here is an example video:
Yanfei (Ricky) Guan PhD (Sept 2016 – July 2021)
Yanfei completed his PhD in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. He examined the inter-limb asymmetry of lower-limb function in young athletes, and the association between asymmetry and injury. Originally from China, Yanfei completed a bachelor’s degree in the School of Physical Education at Shandong University, and a master’s degree in the School of Kinesiology, at Shanghai University of Sport. During his master’s study, Yanfei also worked in the Human Movement Laboratory at the University of Calgary as a visiting student. Outside of the laboratory, Yanfei continues to dedicate his life to sports. He coached Taekwondo in clubs from 2009 to 2013 in Ji’nan and Shanghai, China. After the graduation from Shanghai University of Sport, he spent one year coaching tennis and basketball for local recreational teams in Shanghai before attending to UBC.
Nick Held PhD (Sept 2014 – June 2020)
Nick Held recently completed his PhD in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) working under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. He has extensive experience in sport/performance conditioning and rehabilitation for wide ranging clientele. This includes working with a variety of professional athletes from the NBA, NHL, AHL, MLS and CFL, as well as Olympic athletes from Field Hockey Canada, Canadian Soccer Association, Rugby Canada, Snowboard Slopestyle and Athletics. He has a Masters degree in Sport Psychology. As a current PhD student in the Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation laboratory at UBC he has a passion for helping athletes optimize performance and reach their full potential. He is currently working a high performance physiologist with Canada’s National Men’s Field Hockey Team. He played Junior B Lacrosse and was drafted to the QMJHL playing Junior A hockey in Ontario.
Brandon Humphrey MKIN (Sept 2018 – April 2020)
Brandon recently completed his MKIN under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. For his graduate studies, Brandon examined the efficacy and effectiveness of supramaximals resistance training in elite and developmental athletes.
Emily Irvine MKIN (Sept 2018 – April 2019)
Emily completed a MKIN under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. Emily studied muscular asymmetry and injury risk in youth ice hockey players. Emily is currently a graduate student in physiotherapy at Dalhousie University.
Henry Lai MSc (Jan 2018 – April 2020)
Henry completed his MSc in Kinesiology (Faculty of Education) under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. Henry has worked with Indigenous youth in health and wellness programs for nearly 10 years. His passion in working with Indigenous communities to promote wholistic health and wellness inspired him to take on a research project at the CPR lab involving the co-creation of a community-based and Indigenous led healthy lifestyle intervention. This research project was published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Medicine, and presented at the annual National Indigenous Physical Activity and Wellness conference, Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation conference, and Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. During his time as a graduate student, Henry worked on a UBC Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund project to co-create and deliver Canada’s first undergraduate blended-learning course in Indigenous Health and Wellness (KIN 489B). Among these accomplishments, Henry received the Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award (2020), Donald and Ellen Poulter Scholarship (2019), and the Faculty of Education Graduate Award (2017) from UBC. Henry’s research has also received national recognition, including the prestigious National Collaborating Centres for Public Health Knowledge Translation Award (2020), Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Abstract Award (2019), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Indigenous Gender and Wellness Idea Fair and Learning Circle Travel Award (2019).
Katherine (Katie) Lienhard MSc (Sept 2018 – June 2020)
Katie recently completed her MSc in Kinesiology under the direct supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. Her thesis project examined workplace wellness programs that include physical activity and nutrition components and their effect on the quality of life of the employees who participate in them. She was recently a UBC Sustainability Scholar and has worked for nutrition-related start-ups Fed and AVA, as well as in clinical and sports nutrition. Katie also coached with the UBC Active Kids program and volunteers at the UBC Farm. She completed her BSc in Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In her free time she like to backpack, cook, play sports, and garden. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinelienhard/
Barb Morrison PhD (Sept 2016 – August 2021)
Barbara completed her Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. Her thesis focused on Cardiovascular Risk Management and Screening in Masters Athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death during sport. She is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship award recipient. Barb received her Bachelor of Kinesiology in Exercise Science and MSc (under Dr. Warburton’s supervision) from UBC and has her American College Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist Certification. She has worked at Vancouver General and St. Paul’s hospitals as a cardiac exercise physiologist, case manager, and personal trainer where she gained expertise working with patients who have various cardiovascular disorders. She has also trained athletes of varying levels across a wide range of sports. Her research interests also include determining optimal training intensities for the aging, highly active population. She is currently a post-doctoral fellow at Trinity Western University.
Megan Merrick MKIN (Sept 2017 – June 2019)
Megan completed a MKIN under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. She is currently a professional musician and personal trainer. Please visit http://www.iron-kingdom.com/biography/ to learn more about Megan and her band Iron Kingdom. Below is a link to a video from Megan and her band (released in 2019).
Jennifer Ramos MSc (Sept 2021 – October 2023)
Jennifer conducted graduate studies under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Perrotta and Dr. Darren Warburton. She examined the determinants of success in high performance female soccer players. She completed her undergraduate degree at Trinity Western University.
Mark Rice PhD (Sept 2016 – October 2022)
Mark completed his PhD in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the direct supervision of Dr. Bredin in the School of Kinesiology. Mark’s research examined skill acquisition and motor development in young athletes. Of particular interest is the use of perceptual skills in training to develop youth athletes. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Mark completed a bachelor’s of science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and a master’s of science degree in kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. Mark brings with him a high level of sport performance in various sports, as an ex-pro golfer who played on the Canadian Golf Tour, as well as a national squash team member and high-level hockey player. Mark is currently a faculty member at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Juliano Schwartz PhD (Jan 2016 – July 2022)
Juliano completed his PhD in Experimental Medicine at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. With expertise in exercise physiology, health and physical activity promotion, and chronic disease prevention, Juliano worked within lifestyle management and behaviour change. He is passionate in translating the best existing evidence to be applicable in people’s everyday lives, allowing a better life for everyone. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, in the last few years he has been coordinating wellness programs as well as volunteering with organizations such as the Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, and SportsCardiologyBC. Spending time with his wife and twin daughters is another great passion for him.
Nana Wu PhD (Sept 2016 – Sept 2021)
Nana completed her PhD in the School of Kinesiology (University of British Columbia) under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. Nana is originally from China and completed a master’s degree in Kinesiology at Shanghai University of Sport. Nana is passionate about physical activity promotion, and chronic disease prevention. She also enjoyed leading undergraduate student labs as a teaching assistant at the University of British Columbia. Nana’s PhD thesis work examined community-based lifestyle interventions designed for children living with type 1 diabetes and systematic review and meta-analysis. Outside of campus life, Nana loves traveling, cooking, playing sports, and relaxing with family and friends. Nana is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre.
Highlights of Past Graduates
Lauren Buschmann MSc (Sept 2013 – Sept 2015)
Lauren Buschmann completed her MSc. in Kinesiology (School of Kinesiology) under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. Lauren is originally from St. Catharines, Ontario. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a BSc. in Exercise and Movement Science. While at the University of Vermont, she was a four year player and two time captain of the varsity women’s basketball team. During her time at Vermont, she was a named a member of the America East Conference All- Academic Team (2013), and All-Conference Third Team (2013). Her research interests lie in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning and elite athletic performance. She has NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. Her MSc examined means of optimizing training and recovery in elite and high performance athletes. She is currently a sport scientist and strength and conditioning coach at the Canada Sport Institute – Ontario. linkedin.com/in/lauren-buschmann-7196b494
Amanda de Faye MSc (Sept 2014 – Sept 2018)
Currently residing on Coast Salish territory in Richmond, BC, Amanda is Cree Métis on her mother’s side and French and English on her father’s side. She completed her MSc in Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine. Her research interests lie within the field of Indigenous health, physical activity promotion, and chronic disease prevention. Amanda worked with SportMedBC’s HealthBeat and Aboriginal RunWalk Programs as the topic for her thesis, evaluating the positive health and wellness effects of a community-based lifestyle intervention in First Nations and Métis communities. When not working, Amanda can be found hiking, playing sports, travelling and on occasion, curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book. Amanda is currently the HealthBeat Provincial Coordinator for iSPARC.
Kyra Dickinson MKIN (Sept 2016 – Nov 2017)
Kyra completed her MKIN under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. Born and raised in Brampton, ON, Kyra is a varsity athlete who graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC with her Bachelors degree in Health Sciences. She is well versed in pharmaceuticals, as well as volunteers with CBI Health Group in rehabilitation. While at UBC, she gained experience working with Field Hockey Canada investigating the relationship between objective and subjective measures of training load. Kyra maintains a professional soccer player career in Sweden, loves travelling, documentaries, and spending time with her big family.
Taylor Drury MSc (Sept 2010 – July 2012)
Taylor completed his MSc in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) with a specialization in sports cardiology under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. His research focused on cardiovascular function in high performance athletes. He received the Governor General’s Gold Medal from the University of British Columbia (2013) for this research. Awarded to the graduate student who has achieved the most outstanding academic record in the UBC graduating class for the master’s degree with thesis program. Upon the completion of his MSc, Dr. Drury completed his undergraduate medical degree (MD) at Queen’s University, and subsequently his internal medicine residency and general internal medicine fellowship at UBC.
Ben Esch (MSc Sept 2003 – Sept 2005; PhD Sept 2005 – July 2009)
Ben Esch was one of the first students to complete a MSc degree under the supervision of Dr. Warburton at UBC. He is one of several students that have gone on to complete both his MSc and PhD in our programming. After completing his PhD, Dr. Esch went on to complete a law degree at the University of Alberta (Faculty of Law) in 2012. He is currently Legal Counsel at the University of Alberta – Office of General Counsel.
Heather Foulds (MSc Sept 2009 – Aug 2010; PhD Sept 2010 – July 2014)
Heather completed her MSc and PhD under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton in Kinesiology and the Experimental Medicine Program, respectively. During her research, Dr. Foulds was able to look at the health benefits of an Indigenous led and community-based physical activity research intervention co-created by SportMedBC, Dr. Warburton, and Indigenous community partners. Heather is Métis and is currently the Heart & Stroke/CIHR Indigenous Early Career Women’s Heart and Brain Health Chair and Co-Scientific Director of aen mamawii kiiayaahk (Healing Together) Métis Health and Wellness Research Network. She is also an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan.
Andrew Jeklin MSc (Sept 2014 – May 2019)
Andrew completed his MSc under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. He examined the role sleep deprivation and cognitive fatigue have on the incidence of workplace injuries during shift work. Originally from Duncan, BC, Andrew completed a Kinesiology degree from UBC. He brings with him valuable work experience in the forestry industry, spending summers tree planting and firefighting, and the construction industry, working for the City of Vancouver and City of Duncan. These experiences have allowed him to develop valuable insight and a passion in occupational health and safety research. He also has experience working as a research assistant at the Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Centre for High-Throughput Phenogenomics, and Moritz Eye Laboratory at VGH. Andrew is proud of his volunteer positions at and around UBC, which included the UBC Sleep Laboratory, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Urban Native Youth Association Mentor, and Dr. Peters AIDS Center. Outside of the laboratory, Andrew enjoys playing sports, relaxing with friends and family, and spending time on Vancouver Island. Dr. Jeklin recently completed his MD in medicine at Monash University (Australia).
Kai Kaufman MKIN (Sept 2015 – July 2017)
Kai completed a MKIN under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. She examined the effectiveness of a novel health and wellness program in persons living with major mental illness. Kai is currently the head research coordinator for our laboratory.
Andrew Perrotta PhD (Sept 2013 – April 2017)
Andrew completed his PhD in Experimental Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. He examined performance enhancement and recovery techniques in Canada’s national levels athletes. Originally from Fonthill Ontario Andrew completed his graduate training specializing in Applied Exercise Physiology from the University of Calgary and a B.A.Sc. (Hons) degree in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph. His experience working at the Canadian Sport Institute, the University of Calgary’s athletic department and Thrive Cancer Research Centre. These experiences have allowed Andrew to develop expertise as a sport physiologist and a strength and conditioning coach. Andrew has worked with a wide population ranging from Olympic and national development athletes, professional athletes, CIS athletics, along with cancer patients. Andrew possesses a CEP, NSCA – CSCS, and a USSF – National “C” coaching certification. Andrew conducted research as a lead physiologist for Field Hockey Canada’s Women’s and Men’s National Teams. Andrew was hired upon graduation as a Professor at Langara and has recently been hired as a Professor at the University of Windsor.
Jackie Regan MKIN (Sept 2015 – Sept 2016)
Jackie completed a MKIN under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. Jackie’s major research project examined the relationship between accelerometry-based measures and health status in occupational groups. Jackie graduated with a MD from the University of British Columbia.
Beth Rizzardo MSc (Sept 2016 – June 2018)
Beth completed her MSc. in Kinesiology under the supervision of Dr. Bredin. Her research addresses typical and atypical growth and development of infants and children, particularly the gross motor proficiency of children born preterm. Beth’s academic interests span across topics of pediatric health, public health, and dance medicine. Her background includes chronic and acute injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of an extensive range of populations through various experiences, including her time working within UBC Athletics and Recreation and as a kinesiologist within an orthopedic and sports physiotherapy clinic. She is currently an instructor at Langara College.
Jade Werger MA (Sept 2013 – Sept 2017)
Jade completed a MA under the supervision of Dr. Bredin. Jade is working as the Sport Development Coordinator at SportAbility BC. For her master’s thesis, Jade focused on research examining the various psychological factors in decision-making capabilities of ice hockey officials. She Grew up in Maple Ridge until her grade eleven year when she attended Warner Hockey School in Warner, Alberta. Jade played in the Junior Women’s Hockey League for her grade 11 and 12 years. Through hockey, Jade was recruited to play at Castleton State College in Castleton, Vermont, USA. At Castleton (2009-2013), Jade completed a BA Majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Health and a Minor in Fitness and Sports Science. Once returning home, Jade began coaching Female Midget AAA hockey (2013 – 2016). In her spare time, Jade enjoys playing hockey, skiing, slow pitch, ultimate frisbee, tennis, and hiking.
Connor Weyell (Sept 2014 – Sept 2015)
Connor is an Indigenous trainee that completed a NSERC undergraduate fellowship under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. During his undergraduate fellowship, Connor participated in various basic and applied research investigations. He also completed directed studies within the Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit. Connor is currently enrolled in medicine at Queen’s University.
Holly Wollmann (MSc Sept 2013 – Sept 2015)
Holly completed a MSc under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. Holly is originally from Calgary, Alberta, and completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the UBC-Okanagan. At UBC-O, Holly played four years on the women’s varsity soccer team. She is particularly interested in effective exercise rehabilitation with breast cancer patients as they transition through chemotherapy, radiation, and post-surgery. Holly has worked as a kinesiologist / physical therapy aid, and volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Care Society, InspireHealth Cancer Facility, and Phoenix Health and Fitness for Chronic Disease. Outside of academic life, Holly is an avid sports competitor, mainly in soccer and volleyball. She examined the effectiveness of a primary cancer prevention program in occupational settings.
Macklin Loveland (Jan 2012 – Sept 2013)
Dr. Macklin Loveland completed a MD at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. He is currently an Internal Medicine Resident at University of Arizona College of Medicine. He started out volunteering in the Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit during the 2012-2013 school year working with Alis Bonsignore (MSc Student). He subsequently received an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to work in the CPR & LEARN lab during the summer of 2013. He used these experiences during his medical school training.