April 21, 2025 | DIGEST NO. 440
Caf茅 Scientifique April - What Brain Mapping Tells Us About Brain Function And Evolution
What brain mapping tells us about brain function and evolution
Your brain is your most complex organ. It has evolved to sense and respond to the environment, giving humans and other animals incredible abilities to interact with and move through the world. Given its complexity, there is still a vast amount we do not know about it. A key approach to understanding the brain is finding where it controls different functions like recognizing faces or catching a ball. Join SFU Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology associate professor Dylan Cooke for a talk about how brain mapping gives scientists clues about how brains work and how they have evolved.
Tuesday, April 29
5:00 - 6:30 pm
On Zoom - Webinar link wil lbe e-mailed to all registered attendees, Register
Questions about Caf茅 Scientifique? E-mail cafe_scientifique@sfu.ca!
BPK Students Shine at Kin Games 鈥� Get Ready for Next Year!
This past week, BPK students headed to Calgary to take part in the exciting Kin Games where they joined over 25 universities to compete in academics, athletics, dance, and spirit. If you鈥檝e never heard of it, Kin Games is a competition for those registered in Kinesiology and similar programs across Canada that has been running since 2001. SFU was previously involved in just prior to the pandemic and made an exciting comeback this year.
They had an amazing time representing BPK and are thrilled to share that they placed second in academics. Beyond the awards, Kin Games is a chance to meet students from other universities, learn from the best, and an opportunity to have fun whilst make lasting memories.
Kin Games would love to see even more BPK students join us next year. Whether you鈥檙e into academics, athletics, dance, or just want to show your school spirit, Kin Games has something for everyone. If you鈥檙e interested keep an eye out on the official instagram @sfu_kingames.
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.
For more information email us @bpkasst@sfu.ca
Empower students: Services available through the Student Learning Commons & Research Commons Spring 2025
The Student Learning Commons (SLC) offers free workshops and events on a wide variety of topics in on-campus, virtual, and hybrid settings. Our writing workshops help with all aspects of the writing process. Our learning workshops help with a variety of learning, studying, and academic performance and engagement topics. We also offer workshops, coaching and a variety of resources for students to improve conversational and listening skills in English. A list of this term鈥檚 workshops and events is below. Scan the QR code next to the offering of your choice, or click here to register.
SCIENCE & MATH PEER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Free, drop-in support for many introductory Science courses
Available at Burnaby & Surrey campuses, and online
Calling All Ergonomics Enthusiasts
The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) is now offering FREE student memberships! 馃捈馃挕
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!
West Coast Virtual Fair platform is now open!
West Coast Virtual Fair features career, co-op, volunteer and graduate school opportunities from 60+ organizations. Whether you are searching for current opportunities or exploring future career options, this event is for you! Open to all students & alumni.
Log into the today to create your profile, browse the digital booths, drop-off a resume, and pre-book sessions with exhibitors:
1-on-1 Session: 10-minute private conversation with organization representatives
Group Session: Presentation or group conversation with representatives and other students
Don't delay! Space is limited, and spots for some popular opportunities fill very quickly.
On Tue April 29 & Wed April 30
From 10 AM - 3 PM
to attend your pre-booked sessions!
UBC Medicine Vancouver Summer Program
We are excited to invite domestic and international undergraduate students to join our focused on medicine, healthy aging, and "movement is medicine." This four-week academic program offers students a unique opportunity to experience Canadian health and life sciences at its best.
Our program is offering two packages, Package L and Package H, which provide a unique opportunity to:
Understand the Treatment and Recovery from Injury and Chronic Disease (Package H) through interactive workshops, case studies, and hands-on physical activity measurement sessions.
- Learn the Biological and Clinical Aspects of Aging (Package L) including practice-based learning in laboratories and group presentations.
Students will study under leading faculty in health sciences and will collaborate with peers from around the world, building skills and connections for their future careers.
Program Highlights:
- Dates: July 11, 2025 鈥� August 11, 2025
- Location: UBC Vancouver Campus
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students 19+ with an interest in medicine and health sciences.
- Application Deadline: April 25th, 2025 (extended from April 4, 2025)
West Coast Virtual Fair
Looking for career, co-op, volunteer and graduate program opportunities?
The West Coast Virtual Fair has you covered, no matter what faculty and program you are in! The fair will take place on April 29 & 30, but you can access the platform to browse all booths and pre-book sessions with your favourite exhibitors starting April 15. Pre-register now to receive the event link and check out preparation workshops & tips.
Important Link (for student sign-up): /students/career/workshops-and-event/wcvf.html
Seeking: Indigenous student stories
The Indigenous Recruitment & Admissions office is looking for Indigenous students who would be interested in sharing their stories as part of a student profile for the Indigenous Student Viewbook. Students that are chosen to be a part of this initiative will be gifted.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their own journey to their dreams and goals of a SFU degree.
For more information about this opportunity, please email Angela Wolfe, Director Indigenous Recruitment and Admissions, at angela_wolfe@sfu.ca
Western Final of Ma th猫se en 180 secondes (MT180) on March 21, 2025.
MT180 is the French-language equivalent of the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT), offering graduate students an exciting opportunity to present their research in French to a wide audience in just 3 minutes!
Key dates:
- February 6: Training offered by Acfas.
- February 13: Registration deadline.
- February 14: Training offered by Acfas for doctoral students wishing to take part in the competition.
- March 21: Western Final at 尤物视频.
- May 7: National Final as part of the 92nd Acfas Congress in Montreal.
Candidates will be supported through at least one Acfas training session to prepare their presentations. Master鈥檚 and doctoral students enrolled in a Canadian university and able to present in French are eligible. More details are available here.
Research Participants Recruitment
Graduate students and volunteers
Currently hiring Master's students to start around September 2025.
鈥婣ccepting volunteers anytime!
鈥媁orking with us will expose you to a range of disciplines including physiology, psychology, epidemiology, and healthcare quality improvement. You can focus on one of our research areas or be involved in all areas, whatever feels right for you.
Wanted: Respite Caregivers (in City of Vancouver)
Would you love to work with children or adults with disabilities, and have one or two available afternoon(s) or day(s) per week? If so, we've got a great opportunity for you!
The Developmental Disabilities Association is seeking contracted Caregivers to work 1:1 with a child or adult in our Respite 尤物视频. Our caregivers provide a break for families by taking their family member for a fun, supervised and safe community outing once or twice a week. Respite takes place mostly on weekends, or on a weekday after school, depending on the family's needs. Wages are $20 or $22/hr, depending on level of support needs. Read more..
Registered Kinesiologist in Coquitlam
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Kinesiologist to join our multidisciplinary team on a part-time, independent contractor basis. This role involves working 1:1 with patients recovering from injuries, including those from motor vehicle accidents, in a collaborative and integrative health care setting. Read more..
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 鈥� 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
Volunteer opportunity for students - Let's Talk Science Challenge at SFU
SFU Let's Talk Science is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with this year's Let's Talk Science Challenge on Monday, April 28th. The is a day-long, team-based competition for Grades 6-8 students (ages 11-13) across Canada. Teams compete in a quiz-show style event and a hands-on engineering challenge. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience facilitating a major event, collaborate with fellow SFU students, and have a lasting impact on youth interested in STEM. We are expecting 130+ students to attend and are looking for 20+ volunteers to support the event.
Date: Monday, April 28th
Time: 8am 鈥� 3pm (including set up and clean up time)
Location: SFU Burnaby Campus
Register here:
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:
- 路 Make a positive impact on the lives of athletes with disabilities.
- 路 Develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
- 路 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 .
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:
- 路 Make a positive impact on the lives of athletes with disabilities.
- 路 Develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
- 路 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 .
BC Wheelchair Sports Assocaitaion : Volunteers needed !
We're looking for awesome volunteers to help out at our Indooor Wheelchair Athletics 尤物视频 in Richmond and Coquitlam
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).
Coaches & Volunteers Opportunities!
- Program will run once a month for 6 months
- 4-8 hours a month, working in groups
- Training provided virtually
- No prior experience needed
- Opportunities perfect for anyone interested in Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Physio Therapy, Speach Therapy and Therapeutic Rectreation
- Prior coaching with kids an asset
Contact for question or to sign up: program@bccerebralpalsy.com
More infomation can visit
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 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 尤物视频, 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:
Instagram:
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.
馃搮 When: Thursdays, 2-5 pm
馃搷 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.
馃摡 Interested? Drop an email to Dr. Mark Moore: moore@allard.ubc.ca
Fraser Health Crisis Line Volunteer Opportunity
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 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 尤物视频, 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.
Wearable technology aided by artificial intelligence can warn and prevent falls for patients recovering from stroke and spinal injuries.
尤物视频 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 , 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.
Get to Know BPK鈥檚 New Chair
About Dr. Steve Robinovitch: Steve grew up in Winnipeg and moved to Vancouver in 1986 to complete his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at UBC. Unsure of his career path after graduation, Steve was fortunate to secure a summer job in a research lab at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, where he was first introduced to the field of biomechanics. Driven by his newfound passion for research, Steve spent the next decade in the US, earning his Master鈥檚 and PhD degrees at MIT and subsequently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of California, San Francisco. In 2000, Steve returned to the Lower Mainland and joined SFU as a faculty member in BPK. His research centers on injury biomechanics, including falls and fall-related injuries in older adults, as well as traumatic brain injuries in sports. Outside of research, Steve enjoys skiing, mountain biking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is grateful to live and work in such a beautiful setting and feels a profound connection to both the Lower Mainland and SFU as an institution for higher learning.
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.