UBC School of Health & Exercise Sciences

True partnership in spinal cord injury research

For many people living with spinal cord injury, health research hasn’t always reflected their needs or experiences. Too often, partnerships between researchers and communities have been limited or one-sided. In some cases, people are consulted briefly and then don’t hear from the research team again. This kind of tokenism can leave communities feeling excluded from work that is meant to benefit them.

Dr. Heather Gainforth led a partnership that set out to change that. With support from Michael Smith Health Research BC, she sought to improve how spinal cord injury research is done, by shifting focus towards respectful, collaborative partnerships with the community.

linktr.ee/ubco_hes

On behalf of HABITAT HEALTH
Job Summary: Kinesiologist
We are looking for a motivated Kinesiologist with a passion for rehabilitation to join our growing
team. This is an excellent opportunity to step into an established caseload, as our current
kinesiologist transitions out of the role. You will receive referrals from our multidisciplinary team and
have the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population of all ages.

Celebrating excellence at last Friday’s Honours & Special Awards reception 🎓✨ Congratulations to all our outstanding students—we’re so proud of you! 👏

Congratulations to FHSD’s 2025/2026 Outstanding Instructors! Recipients of this award have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to supporting student success in their classrooms, creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences that benefit students. Congratulations to Shirley Chau, Heather Gainforth, Laura Mercer, Alex Santos and Charlene Strumpel! Well done to all of you.

Cigarette smoking cessation support for people living with spinal cord injury: Co-designing a blueprint for an e-learning course for peer health coaches

Link in our bio!

We’ve been delighted to continue hosting fun and engaging monthly events for international students. From scenic hikes to lively Friday night board game sessions, these gatherings have created meaningful opportunities for connection and belonging. One of the highlights of the season was our “Waffles and Warm Exam Wishes” event, where members of the FHSD EDI Committee prepared fresh waffles for students. It was a wonderful success and a great reminder of how impactful it is when faculty and staff come together to support students.

Obesity research is on the increase, but UBCO study reveals surprising find
Study of energy expenditure and dietary intake reveals clinical animal research outpaces studies on humans

Dr. Sarah Purcell, an assistant professor with UBC’s Southern Medical Program and UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, researches energy metabolism, dietary energy requirements, body composition and obesity.

Link in our Intro!

Congratulations to our Undergraduate Honours Thesis Students on their final presentations!

Minutes matter most when exercising to control blood sugar
UBCO study says longer, not stronger, is the key for people with Type 2 diabetes

“Extending an average workout from 30 to 45 minutes was linked to about 0.3 per cent reduction in glycated hemoglobin,” explains Dr. Little. “That may seem small, but over multiple sessions each week, it could make a meaningful clinical difference. It can also add to the benefits of other lifestyle changes and medical treatments.”

Link in our Intro!

Minutes matter most when exercising to control blood sugar - UBC's Okanagan News UBCO study says longer, not stronger, is the key for people with Type 2 diabetes