Skip to content Skip to main navigation
MENU

June 22,2026 | Digest No. 486

UPCOMING EVENTS

📣CALLING ALL FIRST YEARS📣

Maximize your success in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) by joining the BPK Peer Mentorship Program. Benefit from a senior mentor who will provide guidance, support, and insider knowledge to ensure a smooth transition into university life. Gain valuable insights, build connections, and thrive in your academic and personal journey. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity!

Deadline to sign up is Sunday August 16th at 12pm.

Google Form - 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJK7UQKcoKLVWNZGWuowinShS0ei8hBRWGSlbXxt7tj879oQ/viewform?usp=header

AUC School of Medicine Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Thursday, July 9th
🕕 Time: 6PM-8PM
📍 Location: Glowbal Restaurant (590 W Georgia St, Vancouver)

👉RSVP Link

New Students: Join Science Peer Mentorship!

If you are starting your first semester at SFU this Summer 2026 term, sign up for Science Peer Mentorship and receive 1-on-1 support from a friendly, experienced science student! You’ll be paired with an upper-year student in your intended program who can share their experience with you and connect you to academic resources, social events, and more. From advice about courses, profs, and student life to the best places to eat and study on campus, your peer mentor will help set you up for success at university. Sign-ups are open now and will be available throughout summer!

More info: https://www.sfu.ca/science/undergraduate-students/current-students/student-support/peer-mentorship.html

New Student Sign-Up Link: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/B96WTLB

Questions? Email sci_engagement@sfu.ca or drop by Sci-Space (AQ 3146) to inquire!

Throwback Lunch Breaks: Magic School Bus

Take a break and join us for Throwback Lunch Break every Monday! Bring your own lunch and enjoy a nostalgic episode of The Magic School Bus with friends.

Relax, recharge, and ride along for a fun science adventure each week.

Sci-space, AQ3146
12:30–1:30 PM

 

Sci-Space Weekly Study Hall

Sci-Space will be extending its hours to 7:00PM every Wednesday, from May 20th to August 5th*! Come study, hang out and enjoy some refreshments.


*Note: Cancelled July 1st due to Canada Day

 

 

Undergrad Research Drop-in Chats

The Undergraduate Research Coordinator will be visiting Sci-Space biweekly on Wednesdays from 11:30am - 12:30pm to chat with students about opportunities in undergraduate research. Stop by to learn more about how you can get involved in research opportunities at SFU!

Location
In-person: Sci Space (AQ3146) 
Zoom: Link

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BPK 420 - Real-world skills: science communication to diverse audiences

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course teaches students how to communicate science to different audiences, including children, lay adults, undergraduate students, and scientists. Students will learn principles of data visualization, infographic design, written communication, and oral presentation skills. Prerequisites: 75 credits or higher and a major/minor in any Faculty of Science department.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:20 pm, Fall 2026

BPK 343 and BPK 482 Enrolment Information

SFU 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. SFU 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 – 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 SFU Student Service website here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/criminalrecords.html

By law, SFU 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 SFU 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.

Summer 2026 Academic Dates and Deadlines

Summer term courses start May 11, 2026; last day of exam is August 23.. Note: For comprehensive term dates, see Calendar of academic dates.

ACADEMIC DATES & DEADLINES

Academic Advising

BPK students who are officially approved into a BPK major or minor program can book advising appointments and access Zoom drop-in link using the Advisor Link system.

** Please have Academic Transcripts on-hand for appointments. Follow this link for instructions: https://www.sfu.ca/students/records/advising-transcripts.html

BPK Advising hours are as follows:

BPK Advising Hours

You can choose a 20 minute in-person/phone/zoom appointment during the following times:

Day Appointments
Monday 10am - 11:40am
Tuesday

10am – 11:40am; 2pm – 3pm

Wednesday 10am – 11:40am

Friday

10am - 11:40am

 Drop-in advising (in-person)  for quick (< 10 minutes) questions

Day  Drop-in
Monday 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday

2:00pm - 3:00pm

If you are not available for drop-in times, or are unable to make an appointment, you may email the advisor through the Advising Contact Form.

BPK Undergraduate Advising

Active Health and Rehabilitation Concentration - KIN Majors

Are you an approved KIN major working towards the Active Health and Rehabilitation concentration?

Please check your Advising Transcript under Student Programs to confirm that the concentration is listed.

  • If it is listed: no action is needed.

  • If it is not listed: send your name and student number to the BPK advisor via contact the advisor form, and we will add the concentration to your student record.

Unlock Answers: Explore Our FAQ Section Today

Discover the answers you've been seeking! Dive into our FAQ page and find solutions to your most pressing questions.

FAQ: If a course is full, how can I get in? (Waitlists and Late Enrollment)

GoSFU keeps wait lists for all BPK courses until the end of the first week of classes each semester. During this time, all adds and drops are handled by GoSFU. Spaces open up as a result of students doing course changes and dropping courses; either because their co-op job is finally realized or they failed the prerequisite. After the end of the first week of class, GoSFU no longer permits students to add classes. 

To summarize how waitlists work in the first two weeks of the term, for the BPK department:

Week 1 of class: Waitlists are still in effect. If a space opens up in your class, the spot will go to the next eligible student on the waitlist. 

Week 2 of class: Waitlists are frozen, and there are no more adds for online courses. Some professors will keep their own waitlists at this point (based on who has been attending the class, etc.) and some will not. If you are on the waitlist and see a space open up in the class, email BPK Advisor and include your full name, student number, course name/number, preferred tutorial/lab and attached advising transcript. I will be reviewing these requests by email only (not in-person), and will prioritize based on when the email (with all the complete information) was received, and if the professor was keeping a list of students. If you send a request, I will email you to let you know whether or not you were added to the class. Remember, it's not helpful to send follow up emails to see if I received your request. 

We do our best to be fair to everyone. However, if there isn't space in the class, then a student cannot be added. 

Don't miss out on valuable information—explore our FAQ page now!

FAQ PAGE

Discover Our New Proposed Course Schedule

Get ready for clarity and convenience with our latest resource: the new proposed course schedule for 2025–26 & 2026–27 ! Designed to simplify your course planning, this document makes it easy to see what courses will be offered in the coming years.

With this proposed schedule, you can:

  1. See Future Courses: Find out what courses will be available in advance, so you can plan your academic path with confidence.

  2. Plan Your Schedule: Map out your classes for upcoming semesters, ensuring you stay on track to meet your goals.

  3. Stay Updated: Stay informed about course details like prerequisites and scheduling to make informed decisions about your education.

  4. Stay Ahead: Get a head start on planning by identifying courses of interest early, so you don't miss out on any opportunities.

  5. Customize Your Plan: Tailor your course selection to match your interests and aspirations for a well-rounded academic experience.

DETAILS

CRC Requirements and Online Platform Transition

The university is transitioning to an online platform this summer. BC residents should prepare by obtaining a BC Services Card and downloading the BC Services Card App. This change aims to streamline CRC applications, reducing delays typically experienced from July to September. Out-of-province students will need to submit a paper application, which requires additional processing time.

Visit the CRC webpage for details on courses requiring a CRC.

DETAILS

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Calling All Ergonomics Enthusiasts

The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) is now offering FREE student memberships! 💼💡

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!

DETAILS

Science and Math Peer Academic Support: Online and Burnaby Campuses

Have questions about your general 1st/2nd year science courses? Need help on your assignments and upcoming midterms? Science and Math Peer Academic Support is back both virtually and in-person to help! Check out the schedule and learn how you can enroll here: Peer Academic Support - Faculty of Science - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Frontier of Biophysics

Frontiers in Biophysics (FiB) is a yearly student-led biophysics conference spanning topics from molecular biology to nanotechnology, bioengineering, genetics, and beyond. This year’s 2026 conference, organized by SFU grad students, marks the 20th anniversary of FiB and will be proudly hosted at SFU’s Harbour Centre this coming July 24. Be sure to register for the conference by July 10 through the official FiB 2026 Eventbrite portal. The FiB 2026 team is also welcoming research abstracts until June 24! Whether you’re an undergraduate student, research assistant, graduate student, or postdoc, we’d love to hear about the exciting biophysics research you are working on! Abstract submissions are accepted, also via registration through our Eventbrite page, until June 24.

For more details on the FiB 2026 conference, including abstract submissions and our keynote speaker, Dr. Dena Shahriari, please visit our website: https://frontiersbiophysics.wixsite.com/fib26.

Ross University School of Medicine Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Thursday, July 16th
🕕 Time: 6PM-8PM
📍 Location: Glowbal Restaurant (590 W Georgia St, Vancouver)

👉 RSVP Link

Students will have the opportunity to:
• Network with practicing physicians & learn what medical school is like
• Understand the residency match process and pathways to practice in Canada
• Get tips on how to strengthen their medical school applications

Please note RSVP is required as seating is limited.

Research Participants Recruitment

Interested in understanding your inner experience?

Researchers at SFU are looking for participants for a Buddhist-inspired psychology study!

Participants will complete a guided self-reflection task, a short cognitive flexibility task, and questionnaires.

The study takes approximately 1 hour and participants will receive $20 compensation.

📍 SSCK K9622

Scan the QR code on the poster to sign up and learn more!

Female athletes needed!

The Health and Human Performance Lab at TWU is recruiting USport Athletes to participate in a study about how the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use impacts heart function and athletic performance. 

Where: Health & Human Performance Lab at Trinity Western University.

Time commitment: 4 visits over 2 months (~1.5 hours per visit)

When you complete the testing, you will receive a report of your results, and a $100 Amazon gift card to thank you for your time. 

If you are interested in participating or have any questions please contact Allison Campbell at  allison_campbell_5@sfu.ca .

The Human Electrophysiology Laboratory in the Department of Psychology invites you to participate in two experiments on visual attention.

Using an EEG system, we will record your brain waves or reaction time while you react to visual stimuli presented on a computer monitor (you can participate in just one or both of the experiments; remember to book them separately and on different days and/or times if you decide you want to do both). One experiment will take about 2 hours, and you'll be paid $25; the other will be 1 hour, and you'll be paid $15 (for arriving at the lab at or before the scheduled start time and participating in the experiment). 

The experiments run on weekdays. You may book a session using one of the two links below. The two scheduling links below offer different time slots for the two experiments. If you want to book for the 2-hour experiment, use the first link; if you want to book for the 1-hour experiment, use the second link. We will begin opening slots starting May 11.

https://sfueeg-schedule1.as.me/

https://sfueeg-schedule2.as.me/

* If there are no time slots available, please check back again in a few days. 

* If you have already participated in one of these experiments, then unfortunately, you cannot participate in these specific experiments again. 

If you have questions, please contact the Human Electrophysiology Lab (erpsfu@gmail.com). 

 

Research  Participants  Needed: Exploring where Kinesiology and Exercise Science Graduates are Working Now as Qualified Exercise Professionals

We want to learn more about what Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from Canadian Universities who work as Qualified Exercise Professionals in Canada do for work and what their roles consist of.

What is involved?

An online survey which will take 10-15 minutes to fill out with questions related to their degree and current role. Before the main survey, a question to determine eligibilty will be administered.

Who can participate?

Individuals who  have graduated from a Canadian Undergraduate Kinesiology or Exercise Science Program.

Interested in participating?

Follow the link - https://forms.gle/hHSk1HotHp73Ucn49

Employment Opportunities

DO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES? TRAVEL? INSPIRE? WORK FROM HOME

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A COACH! 

• Must have one of the following Certifications: ACE, NSCA, NCSF, NASM, ISSA. and up to date Emergency First Aid

• Yoga or Breathwork Certification or personal experience in either is an asset

• Comfortable coaching both in-person and on Zoom (equipped to train virtually: laptop, yoga mat, dumbbells.)

• Must live in the Lower Mainland in Vancouver, B.C. with ability to travel

• Speak English Fluently 

• Available early mornings, evenings, and weekends

• Clear Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check for work with youth and adult athletes

• Have a valid Passport and motivated to travel within N. America to train high performance athletes for 3-5 days with per diem and travel expenses include

More details

Exercise Coach 1:1 with senior

Opportunity for a Kin student to coach a senior (89, recent hip replacement) through his rehabilitation exercises as provided by physiotherist.  Focusing on quality of exercise rather than quantity, ensuring muscles are used rather than momentum. 

  • Date, time and location of event - 2 to 3 times per week, approx. 45min per visit, home visits located in Newport area of Port Moody. 
  • Deadline to apply - until filled
  • Contact information - Marisa Sylvestre, mgianna3@gmail.com or text 778-847-0757
  • Hourly rate - $30 - $45 per 45min session, depending on experience.

Strength & Conditioning Trainer Posting for Kin Grads with Experience

Performance Institute – Burnaby, BC

At Performance Institute, we help people move, perform, and feel better — from active rehab clients and busy adults to youth and professional athletes.

We are a progressive strength & conditioning and active rehabilitation facility offering personal training, semi-private coaching, group training, sport-specific development, and rehab services.

Our team has worked with clients including the Vancouver Whitecaps, national-level wheelchair athletes, elite Canadian figure skaters, and actors such as Hugh Jackman, Amanda Peet, David Duchovny, and Zac Efron.

We’re looking for an energetic, team-oriented coach who enjoys working with a wide range of clients and is passionate about helping people improve strength, movement, health, and performance.

This role includes coaching personal, semi-private, and group sessions, designing individualized programs (working off of existing PI protocols), collaborating with healthcare professionals, and contributing to a positive, professional team environment.

Full job details here: https://assets.cdn.filesafe.space/6Sj35tP5SbSFFgmdWwqj/media/69ffb5107285562721055f0f.pdf

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 – 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

APPLY

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Details

The Indigenous Tutoring and Mentoring Program needs volunteer tutors, mentors, administrators, coders, and blog-writers!

The Indigenous Tutoring & Mentoring Program (ITMP) is recruiting volunteers to join our program! ITMP is a volunteer organization (https://www.sfu.ca/engagement-competition/past-projects/2021/itmp.html) that provides free 1-on-1 Zoom tutoring and mentoring to Indigenous youth (K-12) across British Columbia. It was founded by SFU students to increase educational attainment through friendly, student-focused and culturally-relevant services. Our program is expanding, and we’d love to have you on our team. Indigenous students are especially encouraged to apply, though all applications are welcome!

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).

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 www.options.bc.ca 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.

BPK HIGHLIGHTS

🔬 Undergraduate Research Spotlight

Our BPK undergraduates are making exciting contributions to research! From lab projects to conference presentations, students are gaining valuable hands-on experience that shapes their academic journey.

Read more about our Undergraduate researchers here

🐾 Wellness Corner: BPK Pets

Meet the furry friends of our BPK community! Pets play an important role in supporting mental well-being, bringing comfort and joy during busy times.

Click here to meet our BPK pets

Student Achievements

🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Erin Williams on receiving the Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal at SFU's June 2026 Convocation!

Dr. Erin Williams graduates with a PhD in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) from the Faculty of Science. During her PhD, she investigated non-pharmaceutical strategies for managing recurrent fainting across the lifespan. Her interdisciplinary work assessed the effectiveness of counterpressure maneuvers as a behavioural intervention to avert impending episodes, making significant contributions to the clinical understanding of fainting in children. Supported by the CIHR’s Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Program, her research earned several awards, including Best Oral Presentation at the International Symposium on the Autonomic Nervous System. Beyond research, she was a leader and advocate within her community, recognized by the prestigious Bastions of BPK Convocation Award. Her dedication to academic service elevated the visibility and excellence of research in BPK, fostering collaboration and pride among trainees and faculty alike.

IN THE NEWS

SFU study sheds light on clotting risks for female astronauts

The unexpected discovery of a blood clot in a female astronaut in 2019 has led space agencies around the world to initiate studies to understand this possibly serious medical condition. Dr. Blaber’s Aerospace Laboratory in BPK, received funds from the Canadian Space Agency to participate in a ground-breaking European Space Agency’s Vivaldi study on female responses to simulated microgravity. In their initial study, published in the journal Acta Astronautica (lead author Tiffany Stead, MSc. BPK, 2024), these scientists discovered how blood clots formed in microgravity become stronger and tougher to break down than the clots that form on the ground. You can find more information from SFU News. Dr. Blaber explains these results on the CBC science show Quirks and Quarks. The study and interview also inspired Bob McDonald (Quirks and Quarks host) to write a separate blog post about it.

 Read More..

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.