Paula Suárez Summer 2020 (PURE Award)

Hi, I am Paula Suárez, a 3rd-year BSc in Kinesiology student at the University of Calgary and a rock climbing instructor. I am an aspiring researcher and poet and hope to one day have a career in the medical field. My research focuses on prevalent injury and health indicators associated with physical activity participation (volume and type) in Canadian youth alpine ski racers. This research aligns with my passion for snow sports and my favourite hobby of snowboarding!

I currently spend my free time participating in a variety of sports, as well as volunteering at the Calgary Humane Society, and advocating for mental health through my position as an ambassador for the Kids Help Phone line.

I have been preparing for my summer PURE project since November 2019.

Madison Grande Summer 2020

My name is Madison, yes I like Starbucks and no I am not related to Ariana. I am a fifth-year Exercise and Health Physiology major, interested in public health. My interest in research began with a class group project advocating to remove barriers professors face when exercising and has evolved into an honors year research project. I hope to learn more and positively impact professors’ physical activity behaviours! 

I am currently the VP of academics in the Kinesiology Students’ Society, and enjoying creating opportunities for other students to have positive learning experiences and receive support!

I am lucky enough to have climbed mountains in three different countries and hope to continue to add to that list! That photo was taken hiking Prekistolen in Norway! I also enjoy trying new foods and most recently drawing and painting, have become a hobby of mine!

Hanan Hammad Summer 2020

Hi, my name is Hanan Hammad and I am a Kinesiology student at the University of Calgary! I’m a poetry enthusiast, dessert fanatic, and mountain lover who enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing.

I understand firsthand how stressful university can get and that students often neglect to care for themselves to focus on school. Through the Doyle-Baker lab, I was given the opportunity to assess how physiological indicators like heart rate variance change in accordance with stress levels. With the evolvement and easy accessibility to smartphones, we are able to measure heart rate variance and assess its changes in relation to daily subjective responses. We are hoping that this project will ultimately prompt undergraduate students to make small, positive lifestyle changes.

As an advocate for mental health, self-care, and fitness; I hope this project will positively impact undergraduate students and reduce their stress levels throughout the school year.

Reese Li summer Summer Winter 2019, 2020

My name is Reese, and I have just completed my second year of Biological Sciences. Routinely, most of my time is split between school, church, teaching piano, and Zumba classes. This is my second summer in the Doyle-Baker lab, and it is super neat, as I get to see a continuation of the project I helped out with last summer! The project this summer focuses on analyzing the changes in titin isoforms from the HIIT eccentric-exercised rabbit muscles harvested last summer. I’m really looking forward to gaining new skills through this project, and meeting more amazing people!

Tim Mitchell Summer 2020

Hello, my name is Tim. I am currently heading into my final year of a BSc Exercise & Health Physiology at the University of Calgary. I have a passion for the cardiovascular system and in particular, concerning vascular pathologies and prevention through lifestyle. I am thrilled to be currently working alongside Dr. Doyle-Baker and Alix Hayden this summer on our Scoping Review of Stroke in Athletes. Very little is known about the frequency and types of strokes that happen in athletes, often leading to strokes suffered by young and fit individuals in the past being both underdiagnosed and underappreciated. The purpose of this scoping review is to document evidence of stroke in athletes so as to better inform the development of a context-fit stroke model of prevention and to optimize action to reduce its impact.

My future direction is to use the knowledge gathered from this scoping review to build upon my honours project for the final year of my degree. Following this, my intentions are to further pursue postgraduate research within the area of cardiovascular pathologies and prevention. Ultimately, my end goal is to aid in improving the quality of life of others either from a clinician-or research path.

Outside of my academics, I enjoy traveling, being an active member in my community, and living a physically active lifestyle in which I also take full advantage of the beautiful environment we are provided within the Calgary area.

Gavin Thomas Winter Summer 2020 Volunteer

My name is Gavin, and I have recently completed my 1st year of a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. When I am not in school, you can find me racing my bicycle on both the track and the road, working as a lifeguard/swim instructor at Vecova Recreation Centre, and spending time with family and friends.

This is my first summer in the Dr. Doyle-Baker lab. In the winter semester, I was assisting Elaine Nyguen in preparing sarcomere samples related to her honors project.  This project is related to Tessa VanDerVeeken’s master thesis on bone changes during a supramaximal eccentric protocol in an older female rabbit model.

This summer project examines the length and number of sarcomeres in all the muscles of the rectus femoris of female rabbits. I am super excited to further my research abilities with this project, and get to know new people in the process!

Elaine Nyguen Honors 2019

The title of my project is Sarcomere length and number in series in VL following a 6-week eccentric high-intensity training protocol in the rabbit model.

Daniela Orellana F 2018 (Markin USRP)

Kinesiology researcher seeks female students to join a study on acute and chronic stress
http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/kinesiology-researcher-seeks-female-students-join-study-acute-and-chronic-stress

Update: Daniela completed her undergrad in 2019 and is now in her first year of her masters (M.Sc). 

Kaitlyn Sobchuk Summer 2018 (URSP award), 2019 honors

Hi, my name is Kaitlyn Sobchuk! I just finished my 3rd year and I am entering my 4th year in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. My research in the Doyle-Baker lab surrounds post-menopausal women’s knowledge of osteoporosis. We want to understand if they recognize the importance of maintaining their bone mineral health through exercise and particularly through rowing. I have been a trainee in the study called ROWER (Reducing Osteoporosis​ in Women who Exercise through Rowing). I would like to thank the Markin Undergrad Summer Research Project in Health & Wellness, as this funded my studentship

My honors title Knowledge and awareness about osteoporosis prevention among older women who row (ROWER study)

Update: Katilyn completed her honors, graduated, and had a poster presentation at CSEP in Kelowna (Nov 2019).

• Sobchuk S, VanDerVeeken T, Fung T, Doyle-Baker, PK.  (2019, Nov.). An educational intervention on osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours in older women who row: a pilot study. Proceedings of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology 52nd Annual General Meeting: For the Health of it. Kelowna, BC.

Rachel Stokes Fall  2018 honors

My name is Rachel Stokes and I am in the honors program and 4th-year Kinesiology student. I am looking forward to researching within the CHESS study. The title of my project is The effect of stress on heart rate variability in female undergrad student over an academic year.  I have also previously worked in the lab assisting with data collection in the Balance, Agility, Strength Exercises in U14 Alpine Ski racers: the BASE study

I love the outdoors and I am entering into physiotherapy post my undergrad degree.

• Crack L.E, Stokes RE, Lebrun C, Doyle-Baker PK. (2019, Nov.). CHESS: Changes in Hormones with Exposure to Student Stress.Proceedings of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology 52^nd Annual General Meeting, Kelowna BC.

Tessa VanDerVeeken Fall 2017 (M.Sc)

My name is Tessa. I am a 2013 graduate of Ithaca College with an MSc in Exercise Physiology/Human Performance and a B.Sc in Clinical Exercise Science.  Throughout my degree program, I competed as an NCAA athlete in rowing, attending three NCAA championships. 

Laura Crack Fall 2017 (M.Sc)

My name is Laura Crack and I am an MSc trainee in the Doyle-Baker Lab. I graduated in the spring of 2017 from Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Que, earning a BSc in Honours Biology: Health Sciences.

I am an avid athlete and have competed provincially, nationally, and internationally in multiple sports throughout my life including, baseball, speed skating, squash, and now rowing.

Sports have been the backbone of my young life, and I will continue to be a competitive athlete for as long as possible! In recent years, my love for sports and health sciences have come together. I have always been interested in health and well-being and my ultimate goal is to see improvement in these areas among university students by increasing levels of physical activity. My master’s research will target the effects of chronic and acute stress on hormone levels in female university students.

Update: Laura finished her M.Sc in August 2019.

The CHESS Study – Changes in Hormones with Exposure to Student Stress

Check out Laura’s winning entry in the 3MT contest.

Renee Kokts-Porietis Summer 2017 (URSP award) – Winter 2018 honors

Update: May 2020

Renee has completed her M.Sc in Dr. Christine Friedenreich’s lab.

Tina Nguyen Summer Student 2017 research coordinator

Hi, my name is Tina.  I’m entering my 4th year of my B.Sc. majoring in Cellular Biology at the University of Calgary. This summer I’ve been fortunate to be employed by Active Living and work under Dr. Doyle-Baker in the KiSS UC (Kids Steps in the Summer at University Camps) study. I’m very grateful for all the people I’ve met since June. Our study goal was to see if kids attending the summer camps at the University of Calgary were meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth as outlined by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP). This was achieved by using three different devices: the ACTIheart, the actigraph, and Garmin Vivofit. The ACTIHeart was used to measure heart rate, (intensity of physical activity), the actigraph for sedentary behaviour and the Garmin for step counts (light physical activity and in some cases heart rate, and sleep). This study gives us an opportunity not only to see if Active Living summer campers are meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines but to also see if summer camps are helping kids stay active throughout the day.

In my free time, I enjoy baking, dancing, and spending time with and family. I believe that being physically active and leading a healthy lifestyle is very important and I’m hoping with all the research being completed in this field it will inspire more people (adults and kids) to be active.

1. Grewal EK, Kashluba K, McClelland L, Nguyen TH, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2018, Feb.) Investigation of kids’ steps in the summer at university camps (KiSS UC) over three years. Active Living Research Conference 2018, Banff, AB. Poster presentation.

Caillie Pritchard: Summer Student 2017 volunteer

Hi, I’m Caillie and I’m entering my fourth year of a BSc, doing an Honours Specialization in Biology, at the University of Western Ontario. I’m originally from Calgary, and while I’m back for the summer I’ve been fortunate enough to get involved with the Doyle-Baker Lab! I will be updating a literature review completed by one of Dr. Doyle-Baker’s previous M.Sc. students. This review analyzed studies on university student’s attitudes and beliefs towards influenza vaccines. This review will be included in a chapter on vaccines that Dr. Doyle-Baker will be writing and hopefully a publication. I’m excited to be working on research such as this which gives public health officials an idea of where to focus on educational and promotional campaigns for vaccines.

I plan on pursuing a Master’s degree and a career in public health. I am particularly interested in clinical research concerning public health problems. I have previously volunteered at the University of Calgary Liver Unit, as well as with the PEMRAP program at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, recruiting Emergency Department patients for studies.  In my spare time, I enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and playing with my dogs. I am a summer camp counselor and I believe it’s very important for kids (and adults, too) to get lots of outdoor physical activity, for both their physical and mental well-being!

Update Kylie Rowed: August 22, 2016

Congrats to Kylie who heads off to the big city of New York in August 2016.

Her new position is an ‘Exercise Physiologist’ in The Lee Jones Lab at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre. It is mostly a research position administering exercise testing and training protocols for various studies. Kylie did her undergrad honors project with Dr. DB and then went on to complete her Masters in the MKIN program.

Kylie dropped by in August 2017 to say Hi!

Niloofar Ghazavi Khorasgani Summer Student 2016

My name is Niloufar and I’m in my third year of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Calgary. There are some lessons that we are never taught at school, and this summer was a great opportunity to work under Dr. Doyle-Baker’s supervision and learn beyond the classroom. This summer, I was privileged to meet other great members of the DB lab and learn more about the KiSS UC (Kids Steps in the Summer at University Camps) study. My goal was to validate the Garmin Vivofit wrist activity tracker (step counts) against the Actiheart device (heart rate monitor and accelerometer). The Actiheart device is a valid and reliable measure of physical activity (uses counts) but it’s not very practical for everyday use with kids. However, the Garmin Vivofit is more practical but perhaps lacks accuracy from a research precision perspective. Increasing physical activity, as we hopefully all know reduces the risk of several diseases including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity and because of this, the DB lab is devoted to the science of measuring physical activity. So an accurate, reliable and feasible tool to measure physical activity is important for their research outcomes.

I just love researching and solving problems! This is why I spent time working in different laboratories at the MacCaige institute and the University of Saskatchewan during the past two summers. Research is like putting a puzzle together. By reviewing the literature, I found there is an ocean of knowledge that I can help me find answers.
In my free time, I enjoy ice skating, hiking, and outdoor activities! Also, I like to play squash and soccer.
“This experience opened my eyes to a clear future goal and I hope to continue on a path to graduate school. “

1. Ghazavi N, Spytkowski M, Kashluba K, Grewal E, Doyle-Baker PK. (Oct. 2016). Estimating energy expenditure: A comparison between a consumer step counter and a research accelerometer/ heart rate device in kids enrolled in the summer step study. BME conference, Banff, AB. Poster presentation

Kayla Kashluba Winter and Summer 2016 research coordinator to M.Sc

I am grateful to have the chance to be part of the Doyle-Baker Lab for this summer 2016. I have an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, and have recently been accepted into a Master of Public Health majoring in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia commencing February 2017.

At the beginning of my undergraduate degree, I was fortunate to have taken a course in the Health and Society program which instantly sparked my interest in public health; however, it was not until winter 2016 when my passion for public health and epidemiology was underlined, as I was sitting in Dr. Doyle-Baker’s lecture learning more extensively about the relationship between disease, health, and the benefits associated with physical activity and several factors that can promote and change lifestyle change. An opportunity in the Dr. Doyle-Baker Lab presented itself and I knew that it did not matter what role I was to be doing I wanted to learn more from her. In January 2016 I was involved in the SUCCESS (Steps yoU Count Easily from a Senior’s Stride) pilot study as a research assistant. The goal of the study was to understand the amount of physical activity Emeritus faculty members at the University of Calgary complete, and their adherence to a Garmin Vivofit tracking device. Furthermore, I was appointed as a research coordinator position in the Doyle-Baker Lab summer 2016 working on the KISS UC study, the objective of the study is to determine if the kids attending the U of C Active Living Summer Camps are meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for step counts, and if the step counts vary depending on the type of camp enrolled in. Likewise, these campers will wear a Garmin Vivofit tracking device 24 hours a day for a week, camp leaders are to record their steps on arrival to camp and before they leave for the day so we can determine the number of steps accumulated both in camp and out of camp. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be recorded to provide information of where these steps are coming from and possible suggestions for camp structure in the future. I am excited to be working on a study with children because it is so impactful to get kids active.

I am from Kamloops BC, where I first gained my passion for sport and physical activity. I played on numerous sports teams throughout my life, although soccer, in particular,
was the sport I played most
competitively. I was fortunate to ski, snowboard, wakeboard, golf, play tennis, and volleyball to name a few. I moved to Calgary to pursue my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology where I found a love for running marathons and trail running.

I use the world as my playground and choose to be active outside every chance I get. I am passionate about physical activity and the influence it has on all sectors of health especially life choices. I am excited to share my passion for the relationship between physical activity and health with populations throughout my career.

Update Kayla Kashluba:  completed her M.Sc in September 2018.

Abstracts, Conference Presentations, Posters, Publications

1. Doyle-Baker PK, Kashluba K, Clark M, Fung T, Emery C. (2020). The effects of pre-season neuromuscular training on balance and strength in U14 Canadian alpine ski-racers. In (Ed. M Karczewska-Lindinger, A Hakkarainen, Vesa Linnamo, S Lindinger), Science and Skiing VIII, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland. Pp. 56-63.
2. Grewal EK, Kashluba K, McClelland L, Nguyen TH, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2018, Feb.) Investigation of kids’ steps in the summer at university camps (KiSS UC) over three years. Active Living Research Conference 2018, Banff, AB. Poster presentation.Doyle-Baker PK, Kashluba K, Clark M. (2017, Dec.). Evaluation of a Current Dryland Training Program In Alpine Ski Racers Under 14 Years. In (Ed. Mueller, J. Kroll, S Lindinger, J. Pfusterschmied, T. Stoggl), Science and Skiing VII, Meyer and Meyer, Salzburg Austria. Pp. 77—85.
3. Doyle-Baker PK, Kashluba K, Grewal EK. Jones L. (2017, Oct.). A Two-Year Investigation of Kids’ Steps in Summer University Camps (KiSSUC Study). S71. http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/apnm-2017-0432. Poster presentation.
4. Mikolajczak A, Kashluba K, Spytkowski M, Grewal E, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2017, Jan.). Implementing ‘fit breaks’ at science-based summer camps: a pilot study. Ever Active Schools Shaping the Future Conference, Kananaskis, AB. Poster Presentation.
5. Ghazavi N, Spytkowski M, Kashluba K, Grewal E, Doyle-Baker PK. (Oct. 2016). Estimating energy expenditure: A comparison between a consumer step counter and a research accelerometer/ heart rate device in kids enrolled in the summer step study. BME conference, Banff, AB. Poster presentation
6. Kashluba K, Spytkowsk M, Jones L,^, Doyle-Baker PK. (2016, Sept. 10). Harnessing the Power of the Lived Experience for Research: The Emeritus SuCCESS Study. CASCH 2016, University of Calgary, AB. Poster presentation.
7. Spytkowsk M, Kashluba K, Jones L,^, Doyle-Baker PK. (2016, Sept. 10). Adoption of physical activity wrist tracker wearable device in emeritus faculty: the SUCCESS pilot study. CASCH 2016, University of Calgary, AB. Poster presentation

Update: Eshleen completed her M.Sc in September 2018, followed by a Master of Public Policy in 2019.

Abstracts, Posters, Conference Presentations

1. ---

   ---

   Grewal EK, Kashluba K, McClelland L, Nguyen TH, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2018, Feb.) Investigation of kids’ steps in the summer at university camps (KiSS UC) over three years. Active Living Research Conference 2018, Banff, AB. Poster presentation.

2. Grewal E, Doyle-Baker PK (2017, Nov.). The kinesiology curriculum: Using student responses to evaluate course content. Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching: Proceedings of the University of Calgary Conference on Learning and Teaching, 2, 51-56.
3. Grewal EK, McDonough MH, Copeland JL, Doyle-Baker PK. (2017, Oct.) Investigating 24-Hour Movement Behaviours in Children and Youth Attending Summer Camps.S77. http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/apnm-2017-0432
4. Doyle-Baker PK, Kashluba K, Grewal EK. Jones L. (2017, Oct.). A Two-Year Investigation of Kids’ Steps in Summer University Camps (KiSSUC Study).S71. http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/apnm-2017-0432
5. Doyle-Baker PK, Grewal E. (2017, May 2-3). ” “The theory and practice of “connected learning” is enhanced by student opinions.” The University of Calgary Conference on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Calgary Alberta. Poster presentation
6. Grewal E, Doyle-Baker PK (2017, May 2-3). “Student’s voices give rise to curriculum content review.” The University of Calgary Conference on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Calgary Alberta. Oral presentation
7. Mikolajczak A, Kashluba K, Spytkowski M, Grewal E, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2017, Jan.). Implementing ‘fit breaks’ at science-based summer camps: a pilot study. Ever Active Schools Shaping the Future Conference, Kananaskis, AB.
8. Grewal EK, Doyle-Baker PK. (2016, Oct). Students’ perspective on the inclusion of public health content in the Faculty of Kinesiology? International Forum on Public Health Education, University of Alberta, Edm., AB. Oral presentation
9. Ghazavi N, Spytkowski M, Kashluba K, Grewal E, Doyle-Baker PK. (Oct. 2016). Estimating energy expenditure: A comparison between a consumer step counter and a research accelerometer/ heart rate device in kids enrolled in the summer step study. BME conference, Banff, AB. Poster presentation

Personal Life & Background: I was born in Giza, Egypt to ex-pat parents working in the area. I am proficient in English, French, and Arabic and my weekly reading is never complete without a copy of The Economist. I keep active with regular resistance training and will likely never say no to a Basketball session.

Sean Wallace 2014-2016

Update:  Sean is currently a medical student at the University of Alberta.

Check out Sean’s publication: 

Sean Wallace, Matt Jordan, Tracy Blake, Patricia Doyle-Baker. (2017). Heart Rate Variability in an Elite Female Alpine Skier: a Case Study. Abstract   –   Full Text (PDF)

Hi, my name is Sean Wallace and I recently graduated with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology majoring in Exercise and Health Physiology. I had the pleasure of completing my honours project in the Doyle-Baker Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Doyle-Baker. My project examined heart rate variability in an elite female alpine ski racer. Heart rate variability or HRV is a way of assessing the health of an individual’s autonomic nervous system. We can also use HRV as an objective measure for assessing an athlete’s training status. Which is the concise way of saying that we were watching to see if our athlete was becoming over-trained or if she was ready for competition? Using daily HRV recordings, we were able to identify periods where the athlete was becoming fatigued and her subsequent recovery. My experience working in the Doyle-Baker lab has been very enlightening and cemented a passion for research. I have learned about the time and effort that goes into producing quality research and hope to continue my research career in the future.

I am a strong believer in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and my time spent away from the lab is usually filled with an activity that gets my body moving. I played three years of Junior A hockey with the Calgary Canucks before attending the University of Calgary full time. Over the course of my hockey career, I learned about the importance of living a balanced lifestyle, eating properly and the benefits of proper rest. These lessons were reinforced during my time in Kinesiology at the UofC. These days, I still try to stay active in the hockey community by coaching hockey camps when I can. I regularly go to the mountains for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. I spend a large chunk of my spare time volunteering at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in the emergency department, helping with various public health studies. I am currently planning a trip to Europe, in an effort to broaden my cultural horizons.

Louise Smith (McCelland) 2014-2016

I am so excited to have the opportunity to join the Doyle-Baker Lab group for this upcoming summer. I have just completed my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, majoring in Exercise and Health Physiology, here at the University of Calgary. In September I will be headed out to the beautiful city of Burnaby BC to attend Simon Fraser University for my Masters of Public Health. I am looking forward to gaining some very valuable experience from Dr. Doyle-Baker and her lab group this summer.

I have just finished a degree in Kinesiology and I am very passionate about exercise and physical activity. I took a course last year with Dr. Doyle-Baker, which discussed the relationship between health and physical activity, and this class really sparked my interest in Public Health. My main interests lie with the pediatric population and I hope to use my kinesiology knowledge, combined with my future MPH, to help mitigate the obesity problem that is prevalent in our young population. The work that I will be involved with this summer will also be with the pediatric population and I couldn’t be more excited!

I grew up in a very small town in rural Alberta called Cessford. Here I became very involved in dance and was a competitive dancer up until my second year of university. I then moved into varsity cheerleading at U of C and have since taken up coaching competitive jump rope right here in Calgary. Physical activity is something that I am very passionate about and I cannot wait to share this passion with the populations I will be working with. Couldn’t be more excited for an amazing summer with the Doyle-Baker Lab!

Update June 2017: Position with Ever Active Schools.

Update March 2016: Presented at the Crossroads Conference in Halifax with Michael Christie and Tatum Mitra.

Update August 2016: Going into her 2nd year of her masters at SFU.

1. Grewal EK, Kashluba K, McClelland L, Nguyen TH, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2018, Feb.) Investigation of kids’ steps in the summer at university camps (KiSS UC) over three years. Active Living Research Conference 2018, Banff, AB. Poster presentation.
2. Doyle-Baker PK, Smith L, Smith B, Christie M, Jones L, (2016, May). An Investigation of Kids’ Steps in the Summer at University Camps (KISS UC). (2016, May 9-12) Annual International Symposium on Leisure & Recreation, Athens, Greece.
3. Smith L, Smith B, Christie M, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2016, Mar. 11). How many steps do kids walk when in enrolled in a summer camp? Crossroads Interdisciplinary Health Research Conference, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS.

Dr. Bob Li 2015-2016 Visiting Scholar

My name is Bob Li; I am a new member of the Doyle-Baker lab group. I am also a visiting scholar from China, where I am an Associate Professor at the Wuhan Sports University. I received my Ph.D. from the National University of Physical Education and Sport in Ukraine. My major is in Physical Education and Sports Training and I specialized in Latin dance.  Over the past ten years, I have trained undergraduate and graduate students to be Latin dance professionals and also briefly taught jazz. I also serve as a dancesport judge.

In my doctoral research, I studied how increasing aerobic capacity can lead to improved Latin dance skills.  My other dance kinesiology papers examine how to improve dance technique in genres such as ballet and samba.

I am really pleased to join the Doyle-Baker lab; I believe strongly in the positive effects of being active. I love dancing, swimming and other outdoor activities, such as tennis, badminton, and walking. I maintain a physically active lifestyle and push myself to be better because I believe that “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Benji Smith June 2016

Check out this great update on Benji!

https://www.ucalgary.ca/utoday/issue/2016-06-09/kinesiology-grad-levels-degree-getting-other-students-involved-and-active

(2014-2015)

I am currently entering the final year of a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a minor in Management and Society. I have had the incredible opportunity to work with Dr. Doyle-Baker’s Lab group as a student and professional. In conjunction with Dr. Doyle-Baker’s R.E.C.E.S.S study, our goal is to increase the health literacy of mental and physical wellness amongst post-secondary students.

During the academic year, I took part in a practicum placement developing the “Passport” program associated with the University of Calgary’s Active living department. The platform’s goal is health and wellness promotion and creating awareness of various components rooted in the mind-body relationship. I surveyed post-secondary students on current health literacy, including what promotes or inhibits student success and their current feelings of health promotion on campus. Our abstract was approved for the 2015 International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges.

Physical activity has been a great part of my life; growing up I was heavily involved in both hockey and football. Today, I love running with my Labrador-retriever, competing in recreational sports, and pushing myself in fitness facilities. I have a significant background working with youth and in the future, I expect to continue working with this population. My passion focuses on culture change amongst adolescents by decreasing sedentary behavior and improving nutritional education making acceptable health and wellness more attainable. I strongly believe this is the most influential avenue to lowering the prevalence of the chronic disease, allowing public importance to shift from treatment to prevention.

“If people are constantly falling off a cliff, you could place ambulances under the cliff or build a fence on the top of the cliff. We are placing all too many ambulances under the cliff.” –Dennis Burkitt

Update Mike Christie: June 28th, 2017

Read Mike’s first letter to the editors in Calgary Herald

Update June 7th, 2017:

Congrats! Mike is off to Queen’s University to study medicine. Unfortunate for U of C, though. Read about his inspiration in Today http://ucalgary.ca/utoday/issue/2017-06-07/class-2017-michael-christies-broken-ankle-leads-bright-career-path-healing-others

Michael Christie Fall, Winter 2016-217

I am excited to join the Doyle-Baker Lab group as an undergraduate researcher for the summer of 2015! Having just completed my second year of a BKin here at the University of Calgary, I am looking forward to applying the skills and knowledge I have learned so far to a research setting. My main focus for the summer will be conducting a study examining the effects of a semitendinosus tendon autograft ACL reconstruction on hamstring strength in elite alpine ski racers. In addition to this research, I hope to assist the other members of the lab in their

research to gain further experience working with study participants and the different equipment used by kinesiologists.

My interests in kinesiology lie primarily in human anatomy and physiology, but also in sports medicine. It is shockingly clear that our society needs to reevaluate the limited role physical activity plays in everyday life. I believe the promotion of the many health benefits accompanying an active lifestyle is crucial to initiate change from a sedentary society to an active one. Sport is an excellent and fun way to keep active, whether it is on a recreational or competitive level. Simply providing people an opportunity to try a sport they are interested in is a gateway to an active lifestyle. Sports injury prevention and rehabilitation are key in ensuring individuals can participate in the sports they love and stay active throughout their lifetime.

I was born and raised in Calgary, and love to go skiing in the nearby Rockies. Outside of academic life I also volunteer with Canadian Blood Services, enjoy watching sports during wing-night on Wednesdays (followed by cardio on Thursdays), and am a die-hard – but long-suffering – Toronto Maple Leafs fan. It is my hope to one-day study medicine and specialize in orthopedic surgery.

Abstracts, Posters, Conference Presentations

1. Christie MP, Doyle-Baker PK, Clark M. (2017, Dec.) Injury surveillance of U14 alpine racers in a Southern Alberta ski club: a Feasibility study with preliminary injury incidence. In (Ed. E. Mueller), Science and Skiing V, Meyer and Meyer, Salzburg Austria. In press.
2. Doyle-Baker PK, Smith L, Smith B, Christie M, Jones L, (2016, May). An Investigation of Kids’ Steps in the Summer at University Camps (KISS UC). (2016, May 9-12) Annual International Symposium on Leisure & Recreation, Athens, Greece.
3. Smith L, Smith B, Christie M, Jones L, Doyle-Baker PK. (2016, Mar. 11). How many steps do kids walk when enrolled in a summer camp? Crossroads Interdisciplinary Health Research Conference, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS.
4. Christie M, Doyle-Baker PK. (2016, Mar. 11). Evaluating hamstring muscle strength bilateral asymmetry in an alpine ski racer one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a pilot study. Crossroads Interdisciplinary Health Research Conference, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS.
5. Christie MP, Jordon MJ, Doyle-Baker PK. (2015 Oct.). Hamstring muscle strength two years after ACL ligament reconstruction: what you really “knee” to know. SPIN Summit 2015, Toronto, Ontario.
6. Christie MP, Doyle-Baker PK .(2015 Sept.). Hamstring muscle strength two years after ACL ligament reconstruction: what you really “knee” to know. Campus Alberta Student Conference on Health, Banff AB.

Kaitlyn Verge 2014-16

As a new member of the Doyle-Baker lab, I am thrilled to be working with a team of very talented people who are committed to creating and locating cutting-edge research relating to kinesiology and public health. I am especially excited to be filling my current role as a summer student researching physical activity in university students. I love my job because I am constantly challenged, I have the chance to work with great people at an esteemed university, and my work gives me the chance to make a difference. I am looking forward to sharing knowledge through my blog posts.

Originating from the beautiful city of Calgary and spending most of my life in the Rocky Mountains, outdoor physical activity is a big part of my life, health, and mental well-being. In particular, I enjoy skiing. This is a sport I have participated in since the age of five, and it has allowed me to compete and train all over the world. I also love to hike and bike around mountainous cities like Canmore and Banff. As an undergraduate student studying biology and neuroscience, I am interested in the mental health effects that regular physical activity can have on university students both during and after their degree. I hope to help build a university community with healthy and happy students that are active in life. Welcome to the Doyle-Baker blog and thank you for reading!

• Doyle-Baker PK, Verge KM, McClelland L, Fung T. (2018, Nov.). First-Year University Students Self-Reported Health Outcomes Over an Academic Semester. Journal of Behaviour Therapy and Mental Health. 2(1):21-29 DOI:14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-18-2348

Carla van den Berg 2013-15

As a Master’s student in the Doyle-Baker lab group, my research involves examining the associations between health outcomes and injury risk in adolescent youth. Over this first year as a student in the lab, I have expanded my knowledge on the challenges of conducting high-quality research as well as the critical role played by physical activity early on in life. Before working with Dr. Doyle-Baker I was already very familiar with the outcome of chronic disease as a result of a poor diet and lack of exercise, but I had not realized the magnitude of the impact this lifestyle could have on other aspects of health, such as injury.

My passion for physical activity promotion stemmed from my four years studying at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia where I completed an Honours BSc in Human Kinetics. During my studies, I was a member of the varsity women’s rugby team and a student athletic therapist for the varsity women’s soccer team. I supplemented my undergraduate studies by volunteering with programs that helped encourage physical activity participation and healthy eating in the Antigonish community. To complete the capstone of my BSc, (my honours thesis) I measured the physical activity levels that children achieve while participating in organized hockey. Interestingly, we found that a single organized hockey practice or game only contributes to ~1/3 of the daily recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for children and youth. These findings contribute to the literature that discusses the importance of including additional forms of physical activity throughout the day since one typical session of organized sport is not sufficient to achieve full health benefits.

I am a strong believer in the positive effects of physical activity and am involved in sport and physical activity outside of school. I absolutely love soccer and have been playing competitive my entire life. In my free time, I love to swim, run, play tennis, go on canoe-camping trips, and snowboard… although snowboarding out here in the mountains is far more challenging than it is back home!

I am happy to be a contributor to our webpage, blog, and Twitter account. My hope is that this blog will provide you with something new with every post, link, or tweet. Hopefully, through my posts I can pass on my passion and get you excited about physical activity and that you will share this new found passion with others!

 Lisa Campkin 2012-15

I am currently working on my Master’s degree in Kinesiology here at the University of Calgary, under the supervision of Dr. Doyle-Baker. My interests include running, biking, and participating in almost any team sport recreationally.

After initially enrolling in business courses at the University of Alberta, I transferred to the faculty of Kinesiology in Calgary to pursue a degree in health and fitness. My experiences in nutrition and education-based practicum with the Canadian Liver Foundation along with undergraduate courses in epidemiology, health, and physical activity encouraged me to begin working on my thesis immediately after graduating with a B.Sc degree in Exercise and Health Physiology. My goal is to have an impact on the improvement of chronic disease management in Canada and to assist physicians in getting their sedentary patients more active.

I am very excited about this social media project with the lab group. I have recognized a need to bring our current scientific truths to the general public in a way that is accessible while staying true to the underlying facts. I make every attempt to view new information through a more critical lens, and I feel everyone should be encouraged to do the same. We want to provide social media users with our take on what we feel are relevant and important topics, and we are anxious to hear what you have to say about them as well. Hopefully, our ideas, thoughts, and suggestions can help you, the reader, to engage with and question the information that is out there.

Here’s to your health.

1. Campkin LC, Doyle-Baker PK. (2015, July). A scoping review of the physician’s approach to counseling and utilizing exercise professionals in family medicine. Research Update, 26(4).
2. Campkin LC, & Doyle-Baker PK. (2013, winter). Exercise Physiologists and Chronic Disease management in North American: a role of importance. Fitness Informer, 23.
3. Campkin L, & Doyle-Baker PK. (2012, Nov.). A Scoping Review of Physician’s Approach To Counseling And Utilizing Exercise Professionals in Family Medicine. National Strategic Summit: Roadmap for Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Comparative Effectiveness Research conference. Phoenix Arizona.
4. Campkin LC, & Doyle-Baker Tish. (2012, summer). Five Tips for Knowledge Transfer. Fitness Informer, 20-23.

 Andrew Stewart

As a member of the Doyle-Baker lab, my research interests relate to the application of exercise physiology to the general population. With the alarming rate of obesity in Canada and North America, I believe that a shift needs to occur in society and within our healthcare system. We need to focus on protecting our population from the damaging and ultimately fatal effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. While Kinesiology’s origins lie in the study of elite athletes, we have the responsibility to use what we learn to help all of the members of our community.
Finally, a fact of interest in your author: As of May, I began rowing with the University of Calgary Rowing Club. At first, my reason for joining was due to the fact that it was a low impact and high-intensity workout which would allow me to rehabilitate a broken femur. It has since taken over a large portion of my life. While getting up at 5:00 (or 3:30) every morning for training is far from pleasant it has allowed me to take on a greater role in my own health while introducing me to a great group of people (even if they are little nuts).

Update: enrolled in PhD

1. Stewart A, Vanderkooi O, Reimer R, Doyle-Baker PK. (2018, Aug.). Immune Response in Highly Active Young Men to the 2014/15 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 43(8):769-774. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2017-0683. Epub 2018 Feb 26.
2. Lautermilch J, Fung T, Stewart A, Doyle-Baker PK. (2016, Oct.). A scoping review of influenza immunization rates in college and university students. International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science, 4(4):11-17. DOI:10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.4n.4p.10
3. Stewart A, Doyle-Baker PK. (Sept. 2013). Self-reported attitudes and beliefs of University and College Students for failing to receive an influenza vaccine. APNM, (38):1082-83.
4. Stewart A, Doyle-Baker PK. (Sept. 2013). A Review and assessment of Immunization Rates in College and University Students: Does this population warrant an intervention. APNM. (38):1082. Oral presentation.
5. Amery A, Stewart A, Fung T, Reimer R, Doyle-Baker PK. (2014, Sept.). The diversity of gut microbiota of fit and lean young males: A pilot study. Campus Alberta Student Conference on Health, Banff AB. Poster presentation.

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   Andrew A, Doyle-Baker PK. (2014, April). First, it giveth and then it taketh: Understanding youth beliefs in avoiding the influenza vaccine. Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute Symposium, Calgary AB. Oral Presentation.

7. Stewart A, Doyle-Baker (Sept. 6^th 2013). A Personalized Intervention for Changing Vaccination Attitudes and Beliefs in Unvaccinated College and University Students. Campus Alberta Student Conference on Health, Banff AB. Poster presentation.

Aiya Amery

I am currently a summer student working in the Human Performance Lab at the University of Calgary under the supervision of Dr. Doyle-Baker. I am investigating whether exercise influences changes in the gut bacteria profile.

I recently completed my BSc in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and this fall I will be attending the University of Saskatchewan to start my Masters of Public Health. After taking classes in health, physical activity, and nutrition, as well as completing a practicum that allowed me to speak to elementary students about the importance of heart-healthy habits, my interests shifted from treating disease to preventing it. From my volunteering efforts, I have seen firsthand how physical activity positively impacts cancer survivors. I am motivated to see how increasing activity can be used to impact the prevalence of other chronic diseases as the importance of physical activity in the eyes of society becomes more valued.

After years of being involved in organized sports such as hockey, I strongly believe in the positive effects of being active. I love playing hockey regardless if it’s on a team or just a pick-up game of shinny at the outdoor rink. Due to my competitive nature, I also enjoy participating in a multitude of other team sports. My other interests include trying things that scare me and baking!

1. Amery A, Stewart A, Fung T, Reimer R, Doyle-Baker PK. (2014, Sept.). The diversity of gut microbiota of fit and lean young males: A pilot study. Campus Alberta Student Conference on Health, Banff AB. Poster presentation.

Paridhi Ghai

My name is Paridhi Ghai and I am a new member of the Doyle-Baker Lab Group! I am a Bachelor of Science student at the University of Alberta, currently in my second year. I am a summer student supervised by Dr. Doyle-Baker conducting research on physical activity patterns of overweight/obese children in North America, as well as the association of Vitamin D deficiency levels with inflammation markers in overweight/obese children. I was welcomed into the Doyle-Baker Lab group with no previous research experience or expertise, and I can proudly say that I have been learning since Day 1. I have been able to push myself and expand upon my current skills in the vast world that is research. Learning from this lab group and Dr. Doyle-Baker has been a privilege and I am excited to continue on this challenging yet rewarding journey!

I wanted to become a part of the Doyle-Baker Lab because I genuinely believe that physical activity and exercise have a huge impact on one’s quality of life in more than just the physical aspect. Having experienced health struggles of my own, I value physical activity, and one way that I am currently active is through the art of dance! I’ve danced for a few years now, and although I have never joined a professional company I look forward to dancing and learning new steps every day. I also like to swim, run, and play volleyball.

Jodi Nettleton

2019 update: completed her Ph.D. in the Reimer lab

My name is Jodi Nettleton and I am a new addition to the Dr. Doyle-Baker lab group as a Master’s student! I have recently graduated from the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Health and Exercise Physiology. I also completed an Honours thesis examining the barriers and benefits of exercise in childhood cancer populations.

Throughout my undergraduate degree, I was involved in the Health and Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary (Dr. Culos-Reed) with research that examined the role of exercise in specific cancer populations. It was incredible to understand and witness the positive impact that exercise had on survivors’ lives throughout their journey. I came to realize that exercise has an important role in each of our lives despite our circumstances and may positively impact us in different ways – be it psychologically, socially, or physically.

In my fourth year of study, I took a course that explored the relationship between health and physical activity, taught by Dr. Doyle-Baker. Initially nervous about the course based on rumors I had heard about the workload, I never imagined it would have the impact on me that it actually did. “You are responsible for your own health” – a statement so simple, yet when breaking it down in the course, an empowering one. I learned that by understanding your family background, current health status, and daily lifestyle choices, you impact your health in many different ways. Ultimately, what I learned in this course and my passion for health research lead me to pursue a Master’s with Dr. Doyle-Baker and further my knowledge in this field.

I am very excited to be a contributor to this blog and twitter webpage. My hope is that each person who visits will take away some knowledge and feel more empowered to take control of their health.

A little about me:

Outside of school, I have found a passion for running. I have run half marathons and smaller distances, but I am training for my first full marathon this fall! Training can be daunting at times, but it is “runner’s high” that keeps me going back. Further, I am running to help raise money for a friend’s NGO, which focuses on teaching proper sterilization techniques for surgical/medical tools at clinics in Africa! I also love to cook/bake, socializing with friends, and play all different sports and activities in the warm sun (wearing sunscreen of course!). I also love taking my 100 lbs. Golden Retriever named Bruce out for long walks and swimming in the river when it is safe to do so!

1. 1. Nettleton JE, Doyle-Baker PK. (2013, Oct.). Here comes the sun: Vitamin D levels of freshmen at the University of Calgary, Alberta. Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, Toronto, Ont.
   2. JE, Doyle-Baker PK. (Sept 6^th 2013) Dietary intake of vitamin D in 1st-year students at the University of Calgary, Alberta. Campus Alberta Student Conference on Health,