Lab Members

Kathleen Martin Ginis, B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D., O.M.C., Distinguished University Scholar

Director, UBC Faculty of Medicine Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Professor, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine
Professor, School of Health and Exercise Sciences
Principal Investigator, ICORD (International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries)
Chair & Principal Investigator, Canadian Disability Participation Project

The University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus)
Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory
1088 Discovery Avenue
Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7
Phone: 250.807.9768
kathleen_martin.ginis@ubc.ca

Education

• B.Sc. Psychology, 1992, University of Toronto
• M.A. Kinesiology, 1993, Western University
• Ph.D. Kinesiology, 1996, University of Waterloo
• SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1996-1998, Wake Forest University

Research

My primary research focus is physical activity participation in community-dwelling people living with spinal cord injury. In particular, I am interested in how we can use principles of exercise psychology and behavioural science to improve physical activity participation. I am also interested in the psychosocial and physical health benefits of physical activity in people with SCI and other physical disabilities.

Community partnerships are at the heart of my research program. I work closely with over 20 provincial and national organizations (e.g., Spinal Cord Injury British Columbia [SCI BC], Disability Foundation, Neil Squire Society, Praxis Spinal Cord [formerly Rick Hansen] Institute, Canadian Paralympic Committee). I also collaborate regularly with a close network of colleagues working in a wide variety of disciplines including exercise physiology, rehabilitation science, sport psychology, and disability studies.

Graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in my lab typically have a primary interest in the behavioural aspects of exercise or other health-related behaviours* in people with disabilities. Most students in my lab have a background in Kinesiology, Psychology or a related discipline that has provided training in the behavioural aspects of health or exercise.

(*Note that we are not a bioscience research lab. We do not do research with animal models or in areas such as neuroregeneration or biomedical treatments for spinal cord injury)

Selected Awards and Honours

• 2019 SCAPPS Brawley & Elliott Award for Excellence in Supervision & Mentorship
• 2019 Readers’ Choice Award for best review paper published in 2018 in Spinal Cord
• 2015 John Gibbons Counsell Award for contributions to the cause of people with SCI
• 2014 Government of Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
• 2014 National Spinal Cord Injury Conference Research Award, 1^st Prize
• 2011 International Fellow, National Academy of Kinesiology
• 2010 The President’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision, McMaster University

Funding

Julia Kathrin Baumgart, PhD

Marie Curie Global Post Doctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia (Okanagan) & Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Email: julia.baumgart@ubc.ca or julia.k.baumgart@ntnu.no
LinkedIn: Julia Kathrin Baumgart

Research

• Wearable device-based tracking of human physical behavior (physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep) in wheelchair users.
• Validation of commercially available devices.
• Development of better algorithms.
• Physical activity and exercise interventions in wheelchair users.
• Sustainable approaches to wearable device-based tracking of physical human behavior
  • Environmental impact: Investigating the ecological footprint of wearable devices and the data they generate.
  • Inclusive design and accessibility: Ensuring wearable devices are designed to be accessible for individuals with physical impairments.
  • Community engagement and feedback: Involving people with disabilities in the development and testing phases to ensure the devices meet their specific needs and preferences.

More information: https://www.ntnu.edu/inb/wham

Education

• BSc, Physical Therapy, 2012, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
• MSc, Biology of Human Performance and Health (Movement Science), 2014, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
• PhD, Health Sciences, 2018, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

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Kenny Noguchi

Email: kenny.noguchi@ubc.ca
Twitter: @ksnoguchi

Research

• Examining the associations between quality of physical activity participation, physical activity levels, and wellbeing in people with disabilities.
• Measurement of health measures in people with stroke and physical disabilities.
• Evaluating the feasibility and effects of power-focused resistance training in people with stroke.

Education

• BSc, Department of Kinesiology, 2018, McMaster University
• MSc, School of Rehabilitation Science, 2020, McMaster University
• PhD, School of Rehabilitation Science, 2024, McMaster University

Scholarships and Awards

• SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2025-2027)
• Mitacs Accelerate Grant (2025-2026)

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Cameron Gee, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia

Email: cgee@icord.org
Twitter: @CameronMGee

Research

• Effects of novel exercise interventions, specific to individuals with spinal cord injury, on quality of life.
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity levels, stressors, and lifestyle habits in Canadians with disabilities.
• Hemodynamic management in the intensive care unit to enhance spinal cord oxygenation and promote neurological recovery following acute spinal cord injury.

Education

• BSc, School of Human Movement Studies, 2008, University of Queensland
• MSc, School of Human Movement Studies, 2011, University of Queensland
• PhD, School of Kinesiology, 2020, University of British Columbia

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Matteo Ponzano, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus)

Email: matteo.ponzano@ubc.ca
Twitter: @PonzanoMatteo
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5471-041X

Education

• BSc, Sports Sciences, 2014, University of Turin, Italy
• MSc, Sciences and Advanced Techniques of Sport, 2016, University of Turin, Italy
• PhD, Kinesiology, 2022, University of Waterloo

Research

• Matteo is a physical activity and health promotion scientist. His research focuses on the development and implementation of non-pharmacological interventions for people with disabilities to:
  • improve mental health and quality of life
  • promote the adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviours
  • prevent falls and fractures

Scholarships and Awards

• Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) Trainee Award (2022-2025)
• Exceptional Doctoral Student Scholarship (2018)

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Robert Buren, MA

PhD Candidate, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus)

Email: rburen@mail.ubc.ca

Education

• B.A. Honours, Sociology, 1995, University of Western Ontario, King’s College
• M.A., Sociology, 1998, University of Victoria

Research

• Investigating the potential of mindfulness meditation for pain relief to reduce neuropathic pain among individuals with a spinal cord injury
• Investigating the relationships among biopsychosocial factors and the individual’s experience of suffering from neuropathic pain

Scholarships and Awards

• University of British Columbia Okanagan, Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship (2022)
• Mitacs Accelerate Grant (2022-2025)
• University of Victoria, Graduate Teaching Fellowship (1998)
• University of Western Ontario, King’s College, Gold Medal Award for Highest Academic Achievement (1995)

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Nathan Adams, MA

PhD Candidate, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus)

Email: adamsnt@student.ubc.ca
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nathan-Adams-11

Education

• B.S., Exercise Science, 2020, Pacific Lutheran University
• M.A., Exercise Physiology, 2022, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Research

• Evaluating the psychosocial and physiological characteristics of acute sedentary behaviours in individuals with spinal cord injury
• Determining if cardiometabolic health in individuals with spinal cord injury can be improved by breaking up or reducing sedentary behaviour in addition to increasing physical activity

Scholarships and Awards

• Marvin E. Allen Excellence in Teach Award: UNC Chapel Hill Department of Exercise and Sport Science (2022)
• UNC Chapel Hill Graduate and Professional Student Government Travel Award (2022)
• PLU Presidential Scholar (2016-2020)
• Bangsund Endowment Scholarship (2018-2020)
• Gates Global Study Opportunity Scholarship (2020)

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Haley Berrisford, BKin/BEd

MSc Candidate, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus)

Email: hberrisf@mail.ubc.a

Education

• BKin, 2023, University of Alberta
• BEd, Secondary Education, 2023, University of Alberta

Research

• My research is focused on investigating the effects of quality physical activity on psychological and physical wellbeing for adults with disabilities.

Scholarships and Awards

• Stober Undergraduate Research Fellow 2022 (University of British Columbia Okanagan)
• Dean Mortensen Award 2022 (University of Alberta)
• National Achievement Award 2018-2022 (University of Alberta)
• Academic All-Canadian 2018-2022 (University of Alberta)
• Kathleen Yetman Team Contribution Award 2021-2022 (University of Alberta)
• Undergraduate Scholarship 2019-2020 (University of Alberta)
• Chris and Kerry Mummery Swimming Scholarship 2018-2020 (University of Alberta)
• Kinesiology Academic Excellence Scholarship 2018-2019 (University of Alberta)
• Governor General Bronze Medal Award 2017-2018
• Academic Excellence Scholarship 2018

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Aleksandra Jevdjevic, MSc

Research Coordinator, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus)

Email: aleks.jevdjevic@ubc.ca
Phone number: 236.970.6226

Education

• BPHE, 2017, University of Banja Luka
• MSc, Health and Exercise Sciences, 2023, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus)

Research

• My research is focused on exploring the lived experiences of children with physical and/or sensory disabilities and developing a deeper understanding about children’s participation in physical education classes.

Scholarships and Awards

• Academic Excellence Scholarship, The City of Banja Luka (2013-2017)
• Student Organization of Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (University of Banja Luka) – Vice President (2013-2017)
• AIESEC Alumni
• Association for Sports Animation and Recreation of Serbia (Ministry of Youth and Sports, Republic of Serbia) – Teaching Assistant (2020-2021)

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Adrienne R. Sinden, B.Sc., MSc.

Research Coordinator, University of British Columbia

Email: adrienne.sinden@ubc.ca

Education

• Hons. B.Sc., Psychology, Specialist, 1996, McMaster University
• Hons. Kinesiology, 2^nd degree course work, 1998-1999, McMaster University
• M.Sc., Health & Exercise Psychology, 2001, McMaster University

Research

• SCI Action Canada Lab research coordinator (2010-present), UBC
• Canadian Disability Participation Project research coordinator (2013-present), UBC
• Health & Exercise Psychology Lab (Kinesiology), Community Health Lab (Rehabilitation Sciences) research assistant (2003-2004), McMaster University
• Infant Auditory Lab, Cognitive Lab research coordinator (1996-1998), Psychology, McMaster University
• Experience researching and coordinating studies involving adults with spinal cord injury, able-bodied adults, infants and seniors

Awards

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2000-2001)
• Harry S. Lyman Hooker Senior Fellowship (1999-2001)
• Abe Black Memorial Prize (1996)