cv
Current CV as of February 2025
General Information
| Full Name | Dr. Robert John Holash |
| Title | Assistant Professor (Teaching) |
| Department | Faculty of Kinesiology |
| Institution | University of Calgary |
| Office | KNB 436 |
| rjholash@ucalgary.ca | |
| Location | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
Education
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2009 - 2017 PhD in Muscle Physiology
University of Calgary - Thesis: "Three dimensional stochastic computer model of the skeletal muscle half sarcomere: changes in calcium diffusion caused by the myofilament lattice."
- Committee: Drs. Brian MacIntosh, Henk ter Keurs, Christian Jacob, Chris Barclay
- Main subjects: Muscle Physiology, Computational Biology, Data Analysis, Structural Modeling, Stochastic Agent-based Modelling
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1997 - 2000 Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
University of Calgary - Thesis: "Validation of single maximal effort tests for power measurement."
- Committee: Drs. Brian MacIntosh, Stephen Norris, Douglas Syme
- Main subjects: Cycling Power, Muscle Power
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1990 - 1993 Bachelor of Physical Education
University of Calgary - Main subjects: Outdoor Pursuits, Leadership in Extreme Environments
- Senior Project: "Calgary River Cleanup, Conservation of Calgary Rivers and Pathways"
Experience
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2019 - present Assistant Professor (Teaching)
University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology - Teaching and supervising students in Exercise Physiology, Data Science, Computational Biology
- Developing current techniques for monitoring, recording, and understanding data relating to physical health, wellness, and performance across the lifespan
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2013 - 2018 Data Scientist / Systems Architect
Human Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology - Designed, developed and maintained expert computational solutions for research problems
- Maintained computers and research equipment, designed custom software and algorithms
- Guest lecturer for KNES 201, 203, 615, 381, 485/685 courses
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2000 - 2013 Senior Systems Analyst
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary - Technical lead, software designer, and analyst for Kinesiology IT
- Led development and implementation of software projects, network designs, and multi-factor computer projects
- Supervised up to 5 employees, developed 3 versions of Kinesiology websites
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1984 - 2015 IT Security and Networking Consultant
RJHolash Consulting - Private consulting firm providing technical support, security development, software development
- Clients included Calgary Separate School Board, Calgary Regional Health Authority, CNIB
- Employed up to 3 additional staff for various projects
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1994 - 1996 Civilian Instructor
Department of National Defence, CFB Medley - Developed and taught Survival Instructors and Air Crew Survival courses
- Programs included orienteering, backcountry survival, camp skills, water craft safety
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1991 - 1996 Outdoor Education Specialist
Various Alberta Institutions - Ski instructor, canoe instructor/coach/guide at Canada Olympic Park and Calgary Canoe Club
- Developed outdoor leadership programs with focus on experiential learning
Courses Taught
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2019 - 2024 KNES 213 - Introduction to Kinesiology
University of Calgary - Taught 11 sections with class sizes ranging from 55-150 students
- Core foundational course for Kinesiology majors
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2020 - 2021 KNES 355 - Human Growth and Development
University of Calgary - Large enrollment course with 250-262 students per section
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2020 - 2023 KNES 375 - Tests and Measurements in Kinesiology
University of Calgary - Applied statistics and measurement course with 71-80 students per section
- Incorporated CURE (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience) methodology
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2010 - 2024 KNES 381 - Computer Applications in Kinesiology
University of Calgary - Specialized programming and data analysis course, 24 students per section
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2020 - present KNES 613/614/606 - Practical Skills for Applied Exercise Physiology
University of Calgary (Graduate) - Graduate-level practical laboratory skills course, 9-15 students per section
Honours and Awards
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2024 Spark Grant - McCaig Institute
University of Calgary - Project: "ACTIVATION: Activity Capture To Investigate Voluntary Activity in Oncology and Normal populations" (with Dr. Joel Kendal)
- Grant Value: $20,000
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2024 Science of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Grant
University of Calgary - Project: "Evaluating Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Developing a Multimedia Library with Educational Videos and Interactive Tools for Laboratory Training" (with Dr. Venus Joumaa)
- Grant Value: $40,000
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2023 Faculty of Kinesiology COVID-Outstanding Achievement Award
University of Calgary - Recognition for excellence during pandemic teaching transition
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2021 CURE Curriculum Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning - Project: Redevelopment of Lab component of Kinesiology 375 for student inquiry-driven learning
- Grant Value: $10,000
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2013 Young Investigator Award
University of Calgary - Best Presentation: "The importance of structure on calcium release, diffusion, and binding in a spatially realistic 3-D Sarcomere Model"
- Bio-medical Basis for Human Performance Across the Lifespan Conference
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2013 Outstanding Leadership (Staff) Award
Roger Jackson Centre for Health and Wellness - University of Calgary recognition for leadership excellence
Student Mentoring and Supervision
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2019 - present Current PhD Students (Supervisory Committee)
Faculty of Kinesiology - MSc. Alex Iwasky (Faculty of Medicine): "ACTIVATION: MSK Oncology| Mobility and Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO)"
- PhD Jim Griffiths: "Heart Rate Novel Methods of Detection"
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2022 - 2024 Recent Graduate Completions
Faculty of Kinesiology - PhD Keanen McDougal: "Alterations in fatigue, efficiency, and pedaling mechanics during incremental and constant-load high-intensity cycling"
- PhD Gabriele Marinari: "New approaches to characterize the V̇O₂ slow component and its physiological mechanisms"
- MSc Brynn Lindstrom: "Does critical power underestimate thresholds in experienced exercisers"
- MSc Timi Ajayai: "Detrended fluctuation analysis of heart rate data during constant intensity exercise"
- MSc Mary Mackie: "The Step-Ramp-Step Protocol: Evaluating the Effects of a Smaller First Step Amplitude"
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2022 - 2025 Undergraduate Research Awards (NSERC/PURE)
University of Calgary - 2025: NSERC Award - Sunnie Vuong - "Structural Characteristics of Two Muscles from Children with Cerebral Palsy" ($6,000)
- 2025: PURE Award - Abdul-samad Ahmend - "Structural properties and mitochondrial function of cardiac muscle in response to a high-fat and high-sucrose diet in female rats" ($7,000)
- 2024: NSERC Award - Arianna Hu - "Investigating effects of flash freezing on active force production of skinned muscle fibres" ($6,000)
- 2023: NSERC Award - Birtej Mangat - "Investigating Mechanical Properties of Cardiac Muscle in Obese Rats" ($6,000)
- 2022: PURE Studentship - Gavin Thomas - "Active force in skeletal muscle fibres from children with cerebral palsy" ($7,000)
- 2022: Faculty Research Funding - Thomas Manktelow - "Objective Analysis of Double-Pole Timing in X-Country Skiing" ($7,000)
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2024 - 2025 Current Undergraduate Research Students
University of Calgary - Honours 590 - Dana Litvak: "Cold Water Immersion for Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Recovery: A Systematized Umbrella Review"
- Honours 590 - Sia Gaur: "Assessing the Impact of Exercise Duration, Intensity, and Modality on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes Using Wearable Technology: A Correlational Analysis"
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2020 - 2024 Former Undergraduate Research Students
University of Calgary - 2024: Summer Internship - Latif Oerkhil: "Investigating active force and sarcomeric protein content in gracilis muscle of children with cerebral palsy"
- 2023-2024: Honours 590 - Conner Hass: "Palmer cooling and the effect on metabolic work production on exercise performance"
- 2023-2024: Honours 590 - Thomas Manktelow: "X-country skiing double poling efficiency"
- 2023: Summer Internship - Latif Omerkhil: "Investigating active force in muscle fibres from children with cerebral palsy"
- 2022-2023: KNES 466 - Ashley Matesic: "Relative Hip Drop Timing at Different Speeds and its Relationship to Performance and Force Production in Cross-Country Skiing Double Poling"
- 2021-2022: KNES 490 Honours - Allysan Lui: "Assessment of Aerobic power in Collegiate Contemporary Dance Using a High-Intensity Dance Performance Fitness Test (DAFT2)"
- 2021-2022: KNES 490 Honours - Chantal Vogel: Effect of Zwift's Virtual Setting on Individual Outcomes and Performance in Comparison to Traditional Stationary Cycling
- 2021-2022: KNES 490 Honours - Andreas Cordido: "Exercise Thresholds: Functional Threshold Power on an Exergaming Platform versus Power Output at the Respiratory Compensation Point"
- 2021: Biomedical Engineering - Maleeka Malik: "Investigating the changes in titin isoforms and concentration and sarcomere organization in skeletal muscles of obese rats"
- 2020-2021: KNES 490 Honours - Ashley Lorenz: "Investigating Physical Activity Intensity of Virtual Reality Exergame in Recreationally Active Young Adults"
- 2020-2021: KNES 604 - Tara McNeil: "Physiology of Swimming"
Student Awards and Recognition
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2023 McCaig Institute Summer Student Symposium
University of Calgary - Second Place: Latif Omerkhil - "Investigating Active Force in Muscle Fibres from Children with Cerebral Palsy"
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2022 International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
IADMS - Student Research Award: Allysan Lui - "Validity of the high intensity dance performance fitness test in undergraduate contemporary dancers"
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2021 BME/Faculty of Science Summer Student Award
University of Calgary - Best Presentation Award: Maleeka Malik - "Titin isoform changes in an obesity feeding rat model"
Teaching and Recognition Awards
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2023 Faculty of Kinesiology COVID Outstanding Achievement Award
University of Calgary - Recognition for exceptional contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic period
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2013 Young Investigator Award
University of Calgary - Best Presentation: "The importance of structure on calcium release, diffusion, and binding in a spatially realistic 3-D Sarcomere Model" - Bio-medical Basis for Human Performance Across the Lifespan
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2013 Outstanding Leadership (Staff) Award
Roger Jackson Centre for Health and Wellness - University of Calgary recognition for exceptional leadership contributions
Historical Awards and Recognition
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1998 Alberta Sports Research Grant
Government of Alberta - Development of electronic bike ergometer for sports performance research
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1996 Alberta Parks and Recreation Grant
University of Calgary - Measuring muscle tone in children with Downs Syndrome
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1996 You Make a Difference Award
Canadian National Institute for the Blind - Recognition for blind bowling program development and leadership
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1994 Clean World Award
International Association for Environmental Urban Living - For accomplishments running the Calgary River Clean-up 1994
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1993 Mayor's Environmental Stewardship Award
City of Calgary - Presented by Mayor Al Duer for organizing and running the Calgary River Clean-up 1993
Media Appearances and Public Engagement
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2024 Future Tense Podcast (ABC Radio)
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Interview with Antony Funnell: "Technology is revolutionizing sport performance"
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2024 Cold Plunge Media Series
Various Media Outlets - CBC News, Global News, CKNW 980 Vancouver, CHEB Edmonton, Calgary Herald
- Expert commentary on cold plunge benefits, thermoregulation, and exercise science
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2023 Taylor Institute Video Series
University of Calgary - Featured as "Innovator/Educator" discussing teaching innovations
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2021 COVID Coffee Chats Podcast
University of Calgary (Spotify) - Episode 8: "Creating a flipped Classroom with John Holash"
Committee Work and Service
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2024 Search Committee - Exercise Physiology Position
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary - Faculty hiring committee member
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2022 - present Teaching and Learning Committee
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary - Faculty curriculum and pedagogy development
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2021 - present Ethics Committee for Human Studies
University of Calgary - Faculty of Kinesiology representative
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2019 - present Learning Technologies Advisory Committee
Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning - Educational technology integration and policy
Research Institute Memberships
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2024 - present Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
University of Calgary - Member, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
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2024 - present McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health
University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine - Associate Member
Professional Memberships
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1997 - present Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
CSEP - Professional member since 1997
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2010 - present European Muscle Physiology Society
EMC - International research society membership
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2010 - present Canadian High Performance Computing Society
HPC - Computational research community
Certifications and Training
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2020 Range Safety Officer
Canmore Nordic Centre - RSO certification for sporting events
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2016 FIS X-Country Ski Official
Canmore Nordic Centre - International Federation of Skiing officials certification
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2004 Microsoft Certified System Architect
University of Calgary Continuing Education - MCSA certification
Volunteer Leadership
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2003 - 2016 Board Member
Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) - Governance of Canadian internet infrastructure
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1993 - 1996 Environmental Director
Calgary Canoe Club / Calgary Area Outdoor Council - Led environmental conservation initiatives
- Organized Calgary River Clean-up programs
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1995 - 1996 Special Olympics Technology Director
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games - Technology infrastructure for major sporting event