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Nov 24,2025 | Digest No. 467
Student Learning Commons (SLC) Undergraduate Writing Contest
The SFU Library Student Learning Commons invites students to submit to the Undergraduate Writing Contest! Submit a paper for a chance to win cash prizes and to be published in the SLC Writing Contest Journal. Submissions open Nov. 27, 2024, and will be accepted until midnight on Jan. 5, 2025 (submissions are closed Dec. 23-Jan. 1 and re-open Jan. 2-5) or until the maximum number of submissions has been reached - so, submit early!
Check out the criteria eligibility, instructions, and submission categories.
Doggy Destress
Need a study break? Come relax and recharge with some furry friends at our Doggy Destress event!
š Location: BPK Lounge
š¶ Date and Time: Nov 27,2025 11-1pm
Take a paw-sitive break, you deserve it!
Sci-Space x Student Learning Commons (SLC) Academic Workshops:
- Managing Procrastination, Nov 24 @ 11:30am
- Dealing with Exam Anxiety, Nov 28 @ 12:30pm
Attend the last round of academic workshops on study skills, quantitative exam prep, dealing with exam anxiety, and managing procrastinating to prepare for finals!
Student Learning Commons & Research Commons Fall 2025
This Fall Term, empower yourself by connecting with valuable programming from the Student Learning Commons (SLC) and Research Commons (RC).
One-on-one Writing, Learning, and English-language support
One-on-one support with writing and other academic strategies (Burnaby/Surrey/Vancouver/Virtual)
Asynchronous writing support through WriteAway (opening for Fall on September 15th; this service is forāundergraduates only)
Drop-in Writing and Learning Support: Communications Student Lounge, Disability and Neurodiversity Alliance, Global Student Centre, Indigenous Student Centre (Burnaby and Surrey), Out on Campus, Women's Centre
Conversation Partners ā A semester-long partnership for practicing English conversation.
Neurolanguage Coaching ā A brain-friendly and enjoyable way to improve English reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Special events happening later in the term: Soup Circles (Oct 2, Nov 17, Dec 10), Movie + Writing Nights (Nov 13, Dec 2), and Chill Lounge (Dec 4ā16, Burnaby & Surrey)
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, starting on this Wednesday, September 10th, and how you can enroll here: https://www.sfu.ca/science/undergraduate-students/current-students/student-support/PeerAcademicSupport.html
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 ā 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.
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.
GA 304 - STT-Topics in Global South Asias (4) and GA 333 - STT-Critical Refugee Studies (4)
The Global Asia program is offering two Special Topic upper division electives in Spring 2026 that might be of interest to some of your students! See below for details and feel free to promote as you see fit.
GA 304 - STT-Topics in Global South Asias (4)
How do we come to know a place through what we see and remember? How might we learn to see human and more-than-human lifeāand its everyday labors, movements, and relationsāotherwise? This course explores world-making through film, photography, and text to reveal the entanglements of empire, coloniality, belonging, labour, and care. From Bollywood and independent cinema to diasporic short films and photo essays, weāll study how ordinary actsācooking, working, caring, waiting, and rememberingāshape the way people make and imagine homes, belonging, and futures across borders. Through screenings, readings, and hands-on visual projects, students will foreground everyday acts of creativity, survival, and relationality. No prior experience in film or area studies required.
Grading
Participation and Attendance 20%
Discussion Facilitation 20%
Visual Analysis Essay 20%
Lifeways Visual Project 40%
GA 333 - STT-Critical Refugee Studies (4)
This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of critical refugee studies drawing on a Global Asia framework. By centering Asian refugee knowledge and cultural production, we will examine critiques of imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy. Moreover, we will explore the alternative models of coexistence these works dare to imagine.
Critical Refugee Studies in Global Asia brings together contemporary works of literature, visual art, film, and theoretical works by and about refugees and migrants in Asia and the Asian diaspora. Through cultural analysis and theoretical concepts that enhance one another, we will explore the innovative, creative, and scholarly strategies and cultural genealogies of works that challenge conventional depictions of the refugee experience. We will explore how these works grapple with themes such as displacement and diaspora, community and kinship, power and complicity, and flight and captivity. Our weekly discussions will be framed by the following questions: What is a refugee? What is refugee cultural production? Who is the intended audience, or audiences? What relationship does each cultural artifact have to Asian languages and translation? How does the transnational nature of Asian refugee art and literature contribute to our understanding of what constitutes Asian literary, cultural, and knowledge production? How can these works help us understand concepts such as: freedom, relationality, and refusal? What kinds of critiques of imperialism, settler colonialism, white supremacy, neoliberal humanitarianism, and patriarchy can we take away from these works? Lastly, what Asian cosmologies and cultural and literary traditions inform these texts, the critiques they offer, and the alternative models of coexistence they dare to imagine?
Grading
Participation 15%
Class Zine Contribution (CZC) 20%
Oral Presentation 25%
Final Project (Proposal 10% and Research Essay or Podcast 30%) 40%
BISC 371 Crucial Discoveries in Biology
*The Department of Biological Sciences is offering an upper division B-Sci course, BISC 371 in Spring 2026. This course may be used to fulfil your B-Sci requirement and may also count towards your upper-division elective requirements (please verify with your advisor).
Instructor: Dr. Eirikur Palsson
Mode of instruction: Blended with online discussion/lectures on Thursdays from 4:30PM - 5:20PM
Prerequisite: completion of a minimum of 45 units.
DESCRIPTION:
Selected topics in Biology, aimed at students who might not have a background in biology. Science students may take this course as an elective, but may not apply this course toward their upper division program requirements. Breadth-Science.
COURSE DETAILS:
Biology impacts our lives every day. This course highlights significant discoveries that have fundamentally changed scientific thinking in various biological fields, and you will learn how the scientific method led to acceptance of these ideas. We will discuss basic cell and developmental processes that are responsible for the diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. You will learn how key discoveries in genetic inheritance and molecular biology have paved the way for the technological breakthroughs like gene sequencing and editing that are currently used in all aspects of biological science. Technological advances include the use of modeling and statistics that enable studies of relationships in developmental biology, evolution and ecology. We will discuss the discoveries in evolution and adaption that fundamentally changed our understanding of speciation and the creation of biological diversity, as well as key ideas in ecology that influence our efforts on conservation, global warming and pollution. You will also learn how studies in basic biological science have led to medical breakthroughs such as in neurobiology, microbiology and the use of antibiotics, and cancer research.
This course is an online course with synchronous in-person exams.
TOPICS
Microbiology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, molecular biology
Additional information is available at https://www.sfu.ca/outlines.html?2026/spring/bisc/371/bls1
Physics 347: Introduction to Biological Physics
This course bridges the fields of biological sciences (with a focus on the molecular and cellular levels) with physics. It aims to give students a conceptual and quantitative sense of the important energy, length, force and timescales in microscale biological systems. Have you ever wondered about how cargo is transported in our cells? Did you know that the protein motors doing this transport are ridiculously strong and very efficient compared with anything we have humans have been able to devise? Have you ever wondered how 2 meters of DNA is able to pack into each one of our cell nuclei? Or how neurons control the flow of ions to generate signals? Or maybe you enjoy(ed) Physics but have never thought about how it could be applied to understanding biology, or that we can learn new physics by studying biological systems. If these ideas pique your interest, please consider enrolling in Phys 347 in Spring 2026. The course outline is available here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2026/spring/courses/phys/347.html
Some added points to consider:
- The course has minimal prerequisites (completion of 45 units including first-year Physics, Math and Chemistry; BISC 101 is recommended but not required) so that students from all science disciplines are welcome. It does involve mathematical and physical calculations, so you will need these prerequisites, but will not rely on anything beyond these.
- The course is particularly enjoyable when students are from a variety of backgrounds, so we gain multiple perspectives on the course material.
- This course can satisfy program requirements in MBB, BPK and those of you in the Cells, Molecules and Physiology program.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please reach out to me, the course instructor at eemberly@sfu.ca
Calling All Ergonomics Enthusiasts
The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) is now offering FREE student memberships! š¼š”
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!
UBC MPT Admissions team Q&A session
Have any last-minute admissions questions?
Join us for a live Q&A where our MPT admissions team will answer admissions-related questions.
Admissions Q&AWednesday, November 26th 12:00 PM ā 1:00 PM (PST) |
Indigenous Admissions Q&ATuesday, November 25th, 12:00 PM ā 1:00 PM (PST) |
Are you an undergraduate student passionate about advancing child health research?
The BC Childrenās 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 Childrenās 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: www.bcchr.ca/rising-scholars
For full program details, eligibility, and application requirements, please visit our website.
If you have questions, contact us at resinfo@bcchr.ca.
Research Participants Recruitment
SFU WearTech Lab's Research Participants needed
Researchers at SFUās WearTech Labs and Medtronic Canada are recruiting healthy adults (19+) for a study to help us learn more about pressure injuries and improve patient well-being in prolonged hospital visits.
Where: City Center 2 Building, Surrey (near Surrey Memorial Hospital; just past King George SkyTrain)
When: Sessions available MondayāFriday during office hours (with flexibility to arrange other times if needed)
Session Duration: ~1 hour
Compensation: $50 honorarium
Interested? Please fill out the pre-screening survey: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/TYJCQ8M
RUN LAB:NEW STUDY ALERT
We are seeking participants who: 1) are healthy individuals who self-identify as women; 2) aged 18 ā 60; 3) regularly participate in physical activity; 4) had no previous reconstructive breast surgery or mastectomy; 5) are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding; 6) have no medical conditions affecting movement or pain perception; and 7) are able to understand written and spoken English.
This fully anonymized survey will take approximately 10ā15 minutes to complete and will ask participants about demographics and physical activity levels during eligibility screening, and their breast discomfort during different types of physical activities, movements, and specific phases of soccer throughout the main section of the survey (following informed consent). Participants will be asked to describe the severity, location, frequency of discomfort, and any strategies used to manage or reduce it. All questions are mandatory and will be a mix of open-ended, close-ended, and multiple-choice questions. At the end of the survey, a word will be displayed. You can enter this word in a draw for a chance to win one of three $50 lululemon athletica gift cards.
If you are interested in participating, please follow this link or contact me at (ine_mylle@sfu.ca). Please also consider sharing this invitation within your network.
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.
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. Youāll 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. Youāll 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! SFU PhD candidate Amalea Ruffett is recruiting participants for a research study investigating how well six common and accessible proxy measurements for body fat ā things like the body mass index, waist-hip-ratio, and other physical measurements on people ā 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 https://beyondbmistudy.wixsite.com/participate 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 SFU 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 6ā12-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 SFU 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: https://sfufas.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8uAHBVZ5b6oBZiu"
SCIENCE ALIVE IS HIRING : FOR STEAM INSTRUCTOR POSITIONS
We have roughly 12 positions available for our Diversifying STEAM Program (taking place in the Surrey School District and at SFU Surreyās Sustainable Engineering Building). This program engages elementary aged students who come from demographics that have been traditionally under-represented in STEM. The positions are for the Winter term (Jan - Mar) and/or Spring term (Apr - July) with the possibility of extension. Please see the job descriptions and application link below (note hiring will occur on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early):
Coursys Application (there is one form for all positions available)
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 ā 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
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 weād love to have you on our team. Indigenous students are especially encouraged to apply, though all applications are welcome!
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.
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:
- Ā· Make a positive impact on the lives of athletes with disabilities.
- Ā· Develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
- Ā· 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 here.
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.
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: SFU 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: http://flavourfulscience.ca/
Instagram: @flavourful_science
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.
š
When: Thursdays, 2-5 pm
š 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.
š© Interested? Drop an email to Dr. Mark Moore: moore@allard.ubc.ca
BPK Student Presents at The Annual Conference of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists in Quebec PQ: Jessie Shen
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 ā Oslo
Topic: Sex Differences in Peak Vertical Accelerations of the Centre of Mass in Runners ā Implications for Footwear Design
Key finding: Female runners showed significantly higher peak COM accelerations at speeds ā„ 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 ā 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.
SFU BPK grad finds a home at SFU, and purpose in biomedical research
The sun is shining through the windows as Simon Fraser University (SFU) Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) graduate Saba Hosseini checks in for a Zoom call during a break at BC Childrenās Hospital Research Institute, where she works as a research assistant. Read More..
Spotlight on Student Excellence: Layla Sadafi
Layla Sadafi, an Undergraduate and Accelerated Masterās 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)āa 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!
The Evolution of the Running Shoe and What Comes Next: Chris Napier Interview
Nikeās success prompted other brands to develop super shoes, kick-starting a foot race that continues to this day, with each brand manufacturing a stack height tall enough to accommodate its foam-and-plate technology, according to Chris Napier, a sports physiotherapist and director of the Simon Fraser University Run Lab in British Columbia.
Simon Fraser University (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 SFU Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) professor Tom Claydon and co-investigators BPK professors Victoria Claydon and Damon Poburko, BC Childrenās 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 study, published in the journal Movement Disorders, looks at why levodopa ā the main drug used in dopamine replacement therapy ā 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 SFU collaboration with researchers in Sweden has used magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to determine how the drug affects signals in the brain.
āParkinsonās is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide and it is the most rapidly increasing, in terms of incidence,ā says Alex Wiesman, assistant professor in biomedical physiology and kinesiology at SFU.
SFU Research Featured in Golf Digest! š°ā³
Weāre thrilled to share that SFU research has been featured by Golf Digest in both an article and a podcast episodeāa major recognition in the world of sports science!
The article, published on April 25, is titled
š What a new study reveals about a method that beats the putting yips
And the accompanying podcast episode dives deeper into the findings:
š§ Should you try armlock putting? This study says yes
Wearable technology aided by artificial intelligence can warn and prevent falls for patients recovering from stroke and spinal injuries.
Simon Fraser University 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 Clinical Rehabilitation, co-authored by Gustavo Balbinot, an SFU 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.