Research and volunteer opportunities
Health Sciences faculty are actively involved in research in a variety of areas and research topics. Below is a summary of some research currently being conducted by health sciences faculty. Students enrolled in health sciences programs may have the opportunity to participate in research. Opportunities within kinesiology and nursing will be updated frequently and listed below.
Current Research
Research Participants Needed
We are looking for children to take part in a one-on-one study to learn safer soccer heading techniques using virtual reality, with the foal of reducing concussion risk.
Who can take part?
You child may be eligible if they are:
- Aged 7 to 12 years
- Have no previous experience with socker heading
Your child cannot take part if they have:
- Epilepsy or a history or seizures
- Uncorrected vision problems
- Frequent or sever motion sickness
- A diagnosed balance condition
What is involved?
- One in-person session lasting approximately 20 minutes
- Your child will wear a virtual reality headset and a small wireless body sensor
- Your child will practice heading movements in a virtual reality environment
- No real ball is used at any time
- Parents are welcome to attend the session
Where?
University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack Campus
Postpartum and Perimenopause Research
Dr. Iris Lesser is seeking students who are interested in womens health and physical activity, specifically in postpartum and perimenopause. This could include being part of a working group which presents postpartum physical activity workshops in the community or working together to carry out a research topic as part of a KIN 401/402 or a special project topic as part of a KIN 488.
Contact Dr. Iris Lesser
Physically active adults and adult pickleball players wanted for a research study
Eligibility:
- Aged 55 years and older
- Currently active in pickleball or other activities
Study participation involves:
- 2.0 – 2.5 hours
- Two in-person sessions
- Performing tests to assess functional performance
Study Location
- School of Kinesiology, Chilliwack Campus
If interested in participating or for more information, please contact: jason.brandenburg@ufv.ca
Current Volunteer
Calling all Pilots!
Looking for a way to get active and get outdoors while giving back to the community?
The UFV trishaw rides program is currently recruiting new volunteer pilots.
- Build meaningful intergenerational relationships with generosity and cycling
- Help older adults enjoy the outdoors and connect with the community
- Enjoy flexible, self-selected hours
- Stand out! Build your CV with distinct volunteer experience
- Build connections and become part of a student community
- Feel the wind in your hair as your cycle along the beautiful Vedder River trails
To get started contact: trishawrides@ufv.ca
New volunteer opportunity:
UFV and Tourism Chilliwack Adaptive Mountain Biking Project (aMTB)
Tourism Chilliwack, with support from the City of Chilliwack, leads the Adaptive Mountain Biking Collective and is developing an adaptive mountain biking facility and training hub near Vedder Park and the University of the Fraser Valley Canada Education Park Campus. This partnership is intended to strengthen opportunities for accessible sport, applied learning, research, and community engagement in the Fraser Valley through collaboration between UFV’s School of Kinesiology, Tourism Chilliwack, and other project supporters, including the City of Chilliwack and Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe.
Six UFV Kinesiology students will be trained to instruct the use of the adapted mountain bikes (e.g. Bowhead bikes). The course is three full days long and will be held at the CEP campus. The course covers personal riding skills and adaptive mountain biking skills, as well as instruction. Upon completion, you will be awarded a biking level 1 Instructor Certification credential. Successful students will become certified instructors and ride leaders. The course costs will be covered by the project managers.
If you have an interest in mountain biking, adapted physical activity, or both, this opportunity may be for you! Volunteers should have some knowledge of mountain biking however basic training will be provided prior to taking the certification course. The training will be offered at some point during July or August (exact dates TBD) with the goal of being ready to start working with clients in late August.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Michael Gaetz via email (michael.gaetz@ufv.ca)