Pavreet graduated this spring from the University of Waterloo, where she majored in Kinesiology. She is currently a master's student in the locomotion lab here at SFU. Her research interests include understanding how pain alters walking patterns, why fatigue occurs in movement disorders, and how wearable technology and exoskeletons can assist gait. In the future, she hopes to continue researching gait in the hopes that it will lead to better rehabilitation practices and also wishes to be involved in the creation of health technologies.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I was initially drawn to the locomotion lab at SFU because it aligned with my interests in gait and neuromechanics. When I visited SFU, I immediately clicked with my supervisor and my lab mates. They were all very friendly, and I could tell that I would get along with them if I chose to join the lab. After meeting the lab, I decided to come to SFU because I knew I would be surrounded by supportive individuals while pursuing my research interests. Another reason why I came to SFU was because of the connections to various companies and institutions the university had. I intend to work after my master's, and I wanted to have opportunities to network and intern, to make the most of my experience at SFU, and further my career. My supervisor, Max Donelan, has collaborated with various companies and has even created his own, so I knew he could help me find those opportunities I was looking to gain.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

Short answer? Everything!

I am really enjoying my research at the moment - more specifically, I am enjoying the research process. I enjoy problem-solving and learning new things, so I like that research involves answering a question. Each week, I find myself learning something new - either new information about my research project or new skills to make me a better researcher - and I know that I am getting one step closer to completing my research project. I have always loved learning, and with this program, I am constantly learning.

I am also enjoying my position as a teaching assistant (TA) for a new wearable technologies course. Not only am I learning new skills, like how to help students with technological problems during a pandemic (thank goodness for screen share), but now I also have hands-on experience with wearable technologies - something I specifically hoped for when I came to SFU. Being a TA is frustrating and challenging at times, especially when it takes time away from research, but I also find it extremely rewarding to help students and to solve problems.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I am a holder of a Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's (CGS-M). I am also a recipient of the BC Graduate Scholarship and Dean's Graduate Fellowship. All of these awards have made the move to BC and transition to graduate studies much easier, especially during the pandemic.

Contact Pavreet: pkg19@sfu.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavreet-gill-572b29163?originalSubdomain=ca