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Sept 09,2025 | Digest No. 456
Career Festival - Sept 23-25
Students and recent alumni, what's next on your career journey? Don't miss Career Festival on Sept 23 @Surrey and Sept 24-25@ Burnaby. Explore career, co-op, volunteer & grad school opportunities with 90+ organizations, and win prizes with our career-themed games and activities. Not sure where to start, or need some advice - talk with a Career Educator in the student prep zone.
Whether you're just curious about what's out there or you're actively looking for opportunities, this event is for you!
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
Date: Tues Sept 23
Location: Surrey Campus 鈥� SRYC Mezzanine
Date: Wed and Thurs Sept 24-25 (new exhibitors each day!)
Location: Burnaby Campus 鈥� AQ North & Saywell Hallways
Visit our site for event details, list of exhibitors, preparation tips and more -> /students/career/fair
51社区黑料Terry Fox Event 2025
Mark your Calendar for 51社区黑料Terry Fox Run!
- Date: Thursday, September 18
- Time: 12:30pm
- Where: Convocation mall
BPK Welcome BBQ
Come join us and have fun at the BPK Welcome BBQ on Thursday, September 11th, 12:00-2:00PM
For only two Toonies ($2+$2), you can contribute to the Terry Fox Foundation and help support cancer research.
More details on the event will be released soon. We hope to see you there!
*Minimum two Toonies donation but you are welcome to contribute more.
Science and Math Peer Academic Support: Online, and Burnaby & Surrey Campuses
Have questions about your general 1st/2nd year science courses? Need help on your assignments and upcoming midterms? The Science and Math Peer Academic Support are back virtually and in-person to help! Check out the schedule and how you can enroll here: Peer Academic Support - Faculty of Science - 51社区黑料 (sfu.ca)
2SLGBTQIA+ students Counselling Update
2SLGBTQIA+ students Counselling who prefer to work with a 2SLGBTQIA+-identified counsellor can now schedule a counselling session with Alex Vanderveen directly by email or phone. Details are described here: 2SLGBTQIA+ Students Support Options webpage
They are also facilitating two counselling groups in the Fall 2025 term :
2SLGBTQIA+ Questioning group: Starts September 25, 2025.
DBT skills group: Co-facilitated with Racheal Ligali, Mental Health Nurse. Starts September 16, 2025. Note: This group is not 2SLGBTQIA+-specific.
The Counselling services page provides links for additional specialized counselling support options.
BPK 421 update - Fall Scheduling and changes to pre-requisites
BPK 421 will be running this fall with one lab section, D102. Students may also take BPK 310 or BPK 343 concurrently with BPK 421 for Fall 2025.
BPK 343 and BPK 482 Enrolment Information
51社区黑料is required by law to ensure that every student registered in a practicum that involves working with children or vulnerable adults undergoes a CRRA Criminal Record Check. The University must submit consent forms with payment to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. 51社区黑料is prohibited by law to permit students to work with children or vulnerable adults without a CRRA Criminal Record Check. List of BPK Courses requiring a CRRA Criminal Record Check is as follows:
- BPK 343 鈥� Active Health: Assessment & Programming
- BPK 482 - Ergonomics and Rehabilitation
The Criminal Record Check is coded as a prerequisite for the above courses and cannot be waived by law.
Please refer to the process for Criminal Records Check on 51社区黑料Student Service website here: /students/criminalrecords.html
By law, 51社区黑料cannot accept CRC's done through other agencies including the RCMP. Students with criminal record checks conducted through agencies other than the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are still expected to fulfill this requirement. Further, the process for a Criminal Record Check must be undertaken by 51社区黑料only.
Since the document is valid for 5 years, it would be a good idea to get it done far in advance of your enrollment for any of the listed courses as the processing time can vary.
Updated BPK Proposed Course Offering Schedule Now Available
Planning your courses ahead?
The 2024鈥�25 & 2025鈥�26 BPK Proposed Course Offering Schedule has been updated. This helpful planning tool outlines which BPK courses are expected to be offered in upcoming terms.
View the updated schedule here
Calling All Ergonomics Enthusiasts
The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) is now offering FREE student memberships! 馃捈馃挕
Join ACE, the authoritative voice of ergonomics in Canada, as we unite professionals to optimize human and organizational well-being. With a thriving community of over 500 members nationwide, ACE is dedicated to fostering accountability, collaboration, competence, diversity, and integrity.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to join a bilingual, professional network and gain access to invaluable resources and connections. Seize the chance to shape the future of ergonomics both nationally and internationally!
Are you an undergraduate student passionate about advancing child health research?
The BC Children鈥檚 Hospital Research Institute Rising Scholars Undergraduate Summer Studentship is a fully funded eight-week program designed to break through barriers, build research skills, and connect students with inspiring mentors in the field.
Dates: Monday, June 1 to Friday, July 31, 2026
Location: BC Children鈥檚 Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
The Rising Scholars Undergraduate Summer Studentship includes:
- Hands-On Research: Placement on a child health research project alongside world-class researchers
- Salary Support: $6,000 stipend for eight weeks of full-time work
- Housing and Travel Allowance: Paid accommodations in Vancouver, BC plus travel support
- Professional Development: Access to networking events, skill-building workshops, and seminars
Who Should Apply?
Current undergraduate students who:
- Self-identify as a member of an equity-denied community
- Demonstrate financial need for accessing training and resources
- Are registered residents of BC or the Yukon who live outside the Greater Vancouver or Fraser Valley regions during the summer months when not attending university
- Are interested in pursuing a career related to child health research
No prior research experience is required. All necessary training will be provided.
Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025
Apply Now:
For full program details, eligibility, and application requirements, please .
If you have questions, contact us at resinfo@bcchr.ca.
Pathy Foundation Fellowship applications are open!
Ready for a year unlike any other? Create change in your community and develop your leadership skills through Canada鈥檚 leading post-graduate program for changemakers.
Applications for Cohort 11 of the are open until November 15th!
This is a 12-month experiential-learning program in youth leadership and community engagement. Each year, up to 12 selected Fellows receive state-of-the-art training, extensive support, and $50,000 in funding to support their growth as leaders, make a meaningful impact in a community they care about, and acquire skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
This is the only program in Canada that provides young people with a fully funded opportunity to dedicate a year of their early career to an initiative they are passionate about, in any field, sector, and community across the world.
Learn more and start your application by .
Research Participants Recruitment
Healthy Lifestyle Intervention
Are you interested in improving your health through a month-long lifestyle intervention?
This research study involves a healthy lifestyle intervention that takes place during your everyday activities. Compensation includes up to $210.
If you are interested, click the link below for more information and the pre-screening survey.
LEEP Study Recruitment
The 51社区黑料Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Physiology (LEEP) is currently recruiting 18 to 75 year old female and male participants to have their temperature sensitivity tested at a room temperature of ~21掳C. Following an orientation to the study, participants will have a 3D scan and skinfolds taken of their hand and forearm, be assessed for their surface temperature sensitivity and have their body composition assessed by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA).
Your participation will help us understand temperature sensitivity in younger and older individuals.
Time Commitment:
Participants will undergo an initial orientation of ~ 0.5 h then a 3D Scan and skinfolds session of ~1 h, a ~ 2h session to test temperature sensitivity and a ~3 h visit for a DEXA body composition assessment.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please email Dr. Matt White (matt@sfu.ca) or Inderpreet Bains (inderpreet_bains@sfu.ca).
DO YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN SPORTS INJURY PREVENTION?
ARE YOU:
A coach, teacher, sports administrator or health professional with an interest in sports injury prevention?
A parent with a child who participates in sports or recreational activities?
An adult active in sport and recreation?
PARTICIPATE IN A 30 MINUTE ONLINE INTERVIEW
TO HELP US RE-SHAPE THE ACTIVE AND SAFE PLATFORM TO BEA MORE ENGAGING, AND USER FRIENDLY RESOURCE
Female team-sport athletes needed! Measuring menstrual cycle effects on athletic performance
Ever wonder if your menstrual cycle might impact your performance as an athlete? The Exercise Physiology and Performance Lab is recruiting female team-sport athletes to assess how menstrual cycle phase may impact athletic performance. You鈥檒l be asked to track your cycle, then come in to the lab three times for exercise testing. Each participant will receive all their health and performance data, including jump assessments, cycling sprint performance, and energy system utilization, so you can learn more about how your performance may change across your menstrual cycle.
For more information, please email Sameen at sameen_kaviani@sfu.ca
Trained individuals needed - Measuring repeated sprint performance in athletes
Are you training for a sport, and love trying new work outs? Want to measure your peak power output, your fatiguability, and see how you stack up against your peers? The Exercise Physiology and Performance Lab is looking for trained individuals (training to compete in any sport!) to participate in this research study. You鈥檒l be asked to come to our lab three times and participate in a cycling repeat sprint test. Each participant will receive their performance data, which includes measures of their cycling power, fatiguability, and more.
For more information, please email Sameen at sameen_kaviani@sfu.ca
BMI/Body Fat Measurement Study
Want to know your body composition? Participate in a research study and receive a free iDXA scan! 51社区黑料PhD candidate Amalea Ruffett is recruiting participants for a research study investigating how well six common and accessible proxy measurements for body fat 鈥� things like the body mass index, waist-hip-ratio, and other physical measurements on people 鈥� perform as measures of body fat against dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, which is one of the gold standard measures for body fat. Each participant will receive all of the health data taken during their appointment, including a free iDXA scan with body composition, metabolic health metrics, bone density, and more.
For more information go to or email Amalea at bmistudy@sfu.ca.
Recruitment for Paid Research Study
Now Looking for Families with Children 6-12 Years Old for Paid Research!
The All Families Lab and SECURE Lab at 51社区黑料are conducting a joint study on how children, couples, and families navigate challenging situations. We are looking for families who have been living together for at least 1 year and have a 6鈥�12-year-old grade school child under their primary care.
Parents receive a $100 gift card to complete an initial survey and attend a 1.5 hr lab session with their child at the 51社区黑料campus. There will also be opportunities to participate in follow-up sessions for up to $140 more in gift cards.
Families who are interested can complete our eligibility form through this link: "
Ortho Active:Customer Experience Representative
Ortho Active is seeking as individual to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a customer facing role which will provide ideal experience in a healthcare environment with a sports medicine, bracing and orthotics & prosthetics distributor. This is an office-based role in Coquitlam, British Columbia. The ideal candidate may be a recent graduate from kinesiology seeking an growth role, with an opportunity for learning, coaching and mentorship.
More info here
Teaching Opportunities for Grad Students!
Are you passionate about teaching? Prep101 offers part-time, online teaching roles perfect for you. No prior MCAT exam experience needed 鈥� we provide training and materials. Our flexible schedule ensures you can balance teaching with your studies. Join us in inspiring learners nationwide!
$50-70/hour for teaching!
Questions? Contact Michael: michael@prep101.com
KLM Volunteer Coaching Opportunity for 51社区黑料Students
This volunteer opportunity involves coaching youth soccer teams for boys and girls aged 10-17, with the flexibility for each applicant to choose the age group they feel most comfortable working with.
The commitment includes:
One 75-minute practice per week
One game on Saturdays (approximately 2 hours including warm-up)
Season runs from September through to February, with a break during the holidays
To ensure our volunteers are supported, they will coach under the supervision, guidance, and support of our Player Development Team. In addition, each coach will be assigned a full-time parent coordinator to assist with team administration and equipment transport (especially helpful for those without access to a vehicle).
In appreciation of their time and commitment, volunteer coaches will receive: A $500 honorarium, official KLM Adidas track suit, KLM winter parka and A letter of reference upon request
KLM Soccer Club proudly serves over 500 youth from diverse backgrounds and strives to ensure all children can participate, regardless of financial ability. We believe this is a valuable opportunity for your students to develop leadership skills, gain practical experience, and make a meaningful impact in the community.
Join MINDmatters!
Make a difference to the BPK community. Share your ideas and energy with the MINDMatters Committee and help create an engaged, healthy, and vibrant learning community.
For more information email us @bpkasst@sfu.ca
Volunteer with SportAbility: Make a Difference in the Lives of Athletes
SportAbility BC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting adapted sports and physical activity for individuals with disabilities. We are the provincial sport organization for para (sledge) hockey, Boccia, powerchair soccer and para soccer. We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to volunteer their time and skills to support our programs and events.
Volunteer opportunities include: coaching, refereeing, scorekeeping, recreational program leads and event planning! All opportunities are flexible and give volunteers an opportunity to work hands on with para athletes.
Volunteering with SportAbility is a rewarding experience that allows you to:
- 路 Make a positive impact on the lives of athletes with disabilities.
- 路 Develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
- 路 Connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
If you are interested in volunteering please feel free to reach out to sportdevelopment@sportabilitybc.ca or fill out a volunteer application .
BC Wheelchair Sports Assocaitaion : Volunteers needed !
We're looking for awesome volunteers to help out at our Indooor Wheelchair Athletics Programs in Richmond and Coquitlam
The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is looking for more volunteers for their HELP (health equipment loan program) team!
Do you want to gain health-care experience, work with other like-minded students and also make a big impact in your community? - If so, the Canadian Red Cross HELP team is the place for you. As a volunteer, you will communicate with healthcare professionals (OT, PT, Doctors etc.) to help get medical equipment to those who cannot afford to buy it, or simply just want to borrow it after things like injuries and surgeries. Scheduling has lots of flexibility, as the CRC recognizes how important education commitments are. Locations include but are not limited to Burnaby and Surrey. There is currently no fixed deadline to apply.
Learn more about the HELP team at REDCROSS.CA or contact Simran (simran.virk@redcross.ca; 236-339-0224).
Coaches & Volunteers Opportunities!
- Program will run once a month for 6 months
- 4-8 hours a month, working in groups
- Training provided virtually
- No prior experience needed
- Opportunities perfect for anyone interested in Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Physio Therapy, Speach Therapy and Therapeutic Rectreation
- Prior coaching with kids an asset
Contact for question or to sign up: program@bccerebralpalsy.com
More infomation can visit
Fraser Health Crisis Line Recruiting Volunteer!
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Why not start now!
The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, the first step is to review the information on our website and then attend a Zoom Information Session. Please go to and click on Get Involved -> I Want to Volunteer -> Crisis Line. Here you will find the dates and Zoom links for the up-coming sessions.
Many volunteers report that their Crisis Line experience was significant in helping them reach their educational and/or career goals, including acceptance into Graduate Programs, Policing, Medical School, E-Comm 911, Social Work, Mental Health and related fields. Volunteers also tell us that they find the Crisis Line to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as they are truly making a difference.
Join Flavourful Science: Igniting Curiosity Through STEAM Education!
Flavourful Science, a non-profit organization, brings excitement to STEAM topics through food-based experiments. Our Vancouver School Program (VSP) has reached 900+ elementary students across 15 schools, with rave reviews from teachers.
New Initiative Alert: 51社区黑料students will lead workshops for elementary students in Burnaby. Volunteer with us to inspire the next generation!
Get Involved: Contact mosesj@sfu.ca for details
Website:
Instagram:
Volunteer Opportunity at UBC Sports Law
Dr. Mark Moore, renowned Sports Law Professor at UBC, is on the lookout for a volunteer classroom assistant. Dive into the world of sports and law alongside an expert.
馃搮 When: Thursdays, 2-5 pm
馃搷 Where: Allard Hall, UBC
You'll assist with guest interviews, multimedia clips, student presentations, and engaging negotiation exercises. Familiarity with Zoom, Canvas, and Excel is desired. Position opened until filled.
A bit about Dr. Moore: A former pro hockey player, co-owner of Nike Sports Camps, and author. Past classes featured legends like Ken Dryden and Charles Tator OC.
馃摡 Interested? Drop an email to Dr. Mark Moore: moore@allard.ubc.ca
BPK Student Presents at Biomechanics Symposium (FBS) in Oslo and the International Society of Biomechanics Congress (ISB) in Stockholm
Our BPK student Ephrem Mekonen presented 2 abstracts at the Footwear Biomechanics Symposium (FBS) in Oslo and the International Society of Biomechanics Congress (ISB) in Stockholm. Below are the two presentations and the key findings:
FBS 2025 鈥� Oslo
Topic: Sex Differences in Peak Vertical Accelerations of the Centre of Mass in Runners 鈥� Implications for Footwear Design
Key finding: Female runners showed significantly higher peak COM accelerations at speeds 鈮� 4.0 m/s, likely due to anatomical and biomechanical factors such as shorter limb lengths, lower muscle mass, and reduced shock attenuation capacity. A study limitation was that more female participants were rearfoot strikers, which can elevate impact forces and potentially influence the magnitude of the difference. These results suggest that shoe design should account for potential sex-specific loading patterns in addition to foot shape. Adjustments to midsole, heel-to-toe drop, or rocker geometry, especially when using a female-specific mold, may help reduce injury risk and optimize performance. This highlights the need for sex-specific shoe design that considers not just foot shape but also loading patterns.
ISB 2025 鈥� Stockholm
Topic: The Influence of Modified Footstrike Patterns on Vertical Accelerations of the Sacrum During Running
Key finding: Habitual rearfoot strikers showed higher vertical accelerations at the sacrum compared to non-rearfoot runners. Even when they adopted a non-rearfoot pattern, their peak vertical sacral accelerations remained higher than those of habitual forefoot runners and actually increased compared to their own habitual rearfoot strike, at least transiently. Whether this changes with habituation or when controlling for other factors such as step length and knee flexion is still up for investigation. In contrast, habitual forefoot runners who adopted a rearfoot pattern did not show much difference in vertical acceleration. Regardless, before making any drastic changes to your running form, especially if transitioning from rearfoot to forefoot, it is best to take a gradual approach. Your body will thank you later.
51社区黑料BPK grad finds a home at SFU, and purpose in biomedical research
The sun is shining through the windows as 51社区黑料 (SFU) Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) graduate Saba Hosseini checks in for a Zoom call during a break at BC Children鈥檚 Hospital Research Institute, where she works as a research assistant. Read More..
Spotlight on Student Excellence: Layla Sadafi
Layla Sadafi, an Undergraduate and Accelerated Master鈥檚 student in the Poburko Lab, recently represented our department on the international stage at the American Physiology Summit in Baltimore.
Layla delivered an oral presentation on her research related to the Vesicular Nucleotide Transporter (VNUT)鈥攁 key protein involved in loading ATP into vesicles for use as a neurotransmitter in modulating vascular tone. This research stemmed from her USRA-supported work during Summer 2024.
In recognition of her outstanding presentation, Layla was awarded the prestigious APS Robert Gunn Student Award by the Cell and Molecular Physiology Section. She also presented a research poster and connected with scientists from around the world during the conference.
We congratulate Layla on this exceptional achievement and her continued contributions to research excellence!
51社区黑料 (SFU) biomedical physiology and kinesiology professor Andy Hoffer founded , in 2009 with support from SFU.
The award-winning medical device company spun out from the 51社区黑料Neurokinesiology Lab in 2014 and more than a decade later, continues to mark milestones on its innovation path.Hoffer鈥檚 journey from scientist to inventor of a lifesaving innovation demonstrates the long timelines and supports needed to advance the exceptional ideas emerging from university research labs.
It also demonstrates the vision, creativity and tenacity of Canadian innovators like Andy Hoffer. For the full story of Lungpacer Medical mon Fraser University (SFU) biomedical physiology and kinesiology professor Andy Hoffer founded , in 2009 with support from SFU.
The award-winning medical device company spun out from the 51社区黑料Neurokinesiology Lab in 2014 and more than a decade later, continues to mark milestones on its innovation path.Hoffer鈥檚 journey from scientist to inventor of a lifesaving innovation demonstrates the long timelines and supports needed to advance the exceptional ideas emerging from university research labs.
It also demonstrates the vision, creativity and tenacity of Canadian innovators like Andy Hoffer.
51社区黑料 (SFU) Faculty of Science is proud to announce the first recipients of the Faculty of Science Innovative Seed Grant.
$20,000 in seed funding has been awarded to 51社区黑料Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) professor Tom Claydon and co-investigators BPK professors Victoria Claydon and Damon Poburko, BC Children鈥檚 Hospital clinician Shubhayan Sanatani and Dalhousie physiology and biophysics professor Alexander Quinn to launch a pilot study on the relationship between autonomic conflict and cardiac arrhythmia.
Autonomic conflict and associated cardiac arrhythmia have been linked to sudden cardiac death and may contribute to unexplained cardiac arrest, particularly in people with Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). However, this area is under-studied and the underlying cellular mechanisms that contribute to cardiac events are poorly understood.
The new , published in the journal Movement Disorders, looks at why levodopa 鈥� the main drug used in dopamine replacement therapy 鈥� is sometimes less effective in patients.The drug is typically prescribed to help reduce the movement symptoms associated with the neurodegenerative disorder. While it is effective in improving symptoms for the vast majority of patients, not everyone experiences the same level of benefit. In order to find out why this is the case, an 51社区黑料collaboration with researchers in Sweden has used magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to determine how the drug affects signals in the brain.
鈥淧arkinson鈥檚 is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide and it is the most rapidly increasing, in terms of incidence,鈥� says Alex Wiesman, assistant professor in biomedical physiology and kinesiology at SFU.
51社区黑料Research Featured in Golf Digest! 馃摪鉀�
We鈥檙e thrilled to share that 51社区黑料research has been featured by Golf Digest in both an article and a podcast episode鈥攁 major recognition in the world of sports science!
The article, published on April 25, is titled
馃憠
And the accompanying podcast episode dives deeper into the findings:
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Wearable technology aided by artificial intelligence can warn and prevent falls for patients recovering from stroke and spinal injuries.
51社区黑料 researchers are using cutting edge technology, in combination with artificial intelligence and machine learning, to support safer rehabilitation for patients. The work is highlighted in a research paper in the journal , co-authored by Gustavo Balbinot, an 51社区黑料assistant professor in neurorehabilitation.
Balbinot leads the Movement Neurorehabilitation and Neurorepair laboratory, which focuses on rehabilitation after stroke or a spinal cord injury. For those patients, a potential fall can have very serious, long-term consequences, so the research is focused on optimizing safety during the rehabilitation process.
DISCLAIMER: The Department of BPK is forwarding these opportunities as we receive them, however we strongly encourage you to research and obtain information regarding the reputation of organizations, the terms and conditions of employment or service, as well as to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Department does not endorse any specific individuals, organizations, products, programs or services. If you see any suspicious postings or hiring practices, please notify us immediately at bpk_engage@sfu.ca.