cv
Current CV as of September 2026
General Information
| Full Name | Dr. Robert John Holash |
| Title | Associate Professor (Teaching) |
| Department | Faculty of Kinesiology |
| Institution | University of Calgary |
| Office | KNB 436 |
| rjholash@ucalgary.ca | |
| Location | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| ORCID | |
| Google Scholar | |
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 Associate Professor (Teaching) - Exercise Physiology
University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology - Teaching and research in exercise physiology, data science, and computational biology
- Leading undergraduate and graduate instruction while supervising student research in muscle physiology and performance analysis
- Granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor effective July 1, 2025
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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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1996 - 2000 Research and Teaching Assistant
University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology - Graduate teaching assistant for anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics courses
- Research coordination and data analysis for exercise science studies
Selected Publications
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2025 Wearable Technology in Orthopaedic Surgery: Applications and Future Directions
JBJS Reviews 13(7) - Alexander W. Iwasyk, Sia S. Gaur, Alyssa Federico, John R. Holash, Fred Nicholls, Michael J. Monument, and Joseph K. Kendal
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2025 Maximal active force in skinned muscle fibres from children with cerebral palsy
Journal of Biomechanics 186, 112710 - Venus Joumaa, Faizan Syed, Jason J. Howard, Gavin K. Thomas, Latif Omerkhil, Sach Dabgotra, Isaac Obrigewitsch, Shuyue Liu, Robert J. Holash, Timothy R. Leonard, and Walter Herzog
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2024 A Ramp- Versus Step-Transition to Constant-Work Rate Exercise Decreases Steady-State Oxygen Uptake
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise - Gabriele Marinari, Danilo Iannetta, John R. Holash, Robin Trama, Robin Faricier, Alessandro M. Zagatto, Daniel A. Keir, and Juan M. Murias
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2024 Heavy-intensity priming exercise extends the VO₂max plateau and increases peak-power output during ramp-incremental exercise
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 327(2) - Gabriele Marinari, Danilo Iannetta, Robert John Holash, Alessandro M. Zagatto, Daniel A. Keir, and Juan M. Murias
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2023 Technological Breakthroughs in Sport
Applied Sciences 13(23), 12965 - Victor R. A. Cossich, Dave Carlgren, Robert John Holash, and Larry Katz
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2019 A stochastic simulation of skeletal muscle calcium transients in a structurally realistic sarcomere model using MCell
PLOS Computational Biology 15(3) - Robert John Holash and Brian R. MacIntosh
Courses Taught
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2019 - 2026 KNES 213 - Introduction to Kinesiology
University of Calgary - Taught 11+ sections; recent enrollments of 146-150 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 - 2025 KNES 375 - Tests and Measurements in Kinesiology
University of Calgary - Five or more sections; recent enrollment of 86 students
- Incorporated CURE (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience) methodology
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2010 - 2026 KNES 381 - Computer Applications in Kinesiology
University of Calgary - Specialized programming and data analysis course, 24 students per section
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2022 KNES 475 - Physiological Bases of Athletic Performance
University of Calgary - Physiological factors, training principles, and the scientific evidence underlying athletic performance
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2020 - 2024 KNES 606 - Applied Exercise Physiology Practicum
University of Calgary (Graduate) - Eight graduate-level laboratory sections; approximately 14 students per section
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2025 - 2026 KNES 613/614 - Applied Exercise Physiology Practicum
University of Calgary (Graduate) - Graduate-level practical laboratory skills course; recent enrollment of 15 students per section
Honours and Awards
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2026 Biomedical Engineering-Kinesiology Summer Research Studentship
University of Calgary - Student: John Al-Rachid; Project: "Does Menopause Accentuate Stroke-Induced Muscle Weakness in Rats?"
- Grant Value: $7,500
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2026 PURE Award
University of Calgary - Student: Faraja Herve Habiyakare; Project: "Effect of Menopause and Stroke on Skeletal Muscle Sarcomeric Proteins in a Rat Model"
- Grant Value: $7,500
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2025 Alberta Spine Foundation Research Grant
Alberta Spine Foundation - Project: "ACTIVATION: Activity Capture To Investigate Voluntary Activity in Oncology and Normal populations"
- Co-investigator with Drs. Joe Kendal and Fred Nicholls; Grant Value: $75,000
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2025 SPARK Alberta Project
SPARK Alberta - Activation Health technology advancement and commercialization project
- Chief technical designer, programmer, and researcher
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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. Joe Kendal)
- Grant Value: $20,000
- Co-developed the research program and technical framework for ACTIVATION Health
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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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2019 Faculty of Kinesiology Startup Funds
University of Calgary - Research startup funding; Grant Value: $40,000
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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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2025 - present Current Graduate Students (Supervisory Committee)
Faculty of Kinesiology - MSc Alyssa Federico, Medical Science: "Evaluating the Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) in Sarcoma Patients"
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2022 - 2026 Recent Graduate Completions
Faculty of Kinesiology - MSc Alex Iwasky, graduated March 2026: "ACTIVATION: MSK Oncology | Mobility and Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO)"
- PhD Jim Griffiths, graduated 2026: "Heart Rate Novel Methods of Detection"
- PhD Keenan McDougal, graduated July 29, 2025: "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 Marissa Doroshuk: "Novel Ovulation Research-Recruitment Methods for an App Study"
- MSc Alissa Kazakoff: "Novel Ovulation Research-Recruitment Methods for an App"
- MSc Mary Mackie: "The Step-Ramp-Step Protocol: Evaluating the Effects of a Smaller First Step Amplitude"
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2026 Current Undergraduate Research Students
University of Calgary - Biomedical Engineering-Kinesiology Summer Research Studentship - John Al-Rachid: "Does Menopause Accentuate Stroke-Induced Muscle Weakness in Rats?"
- PURE Award - Faraja Herve Habiyakare: "Effect of Menopause and Stroke on Skeletal Muscle Sarcomeric Proteins in a Rat Model"
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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 Ahmed - "Structural properties and mitochondrial function of cardiac muscle in response to a high-fat and high-sucrose diet in female rats" ($7,000)
- 2025: Abdul-Samad Ahmed and Sunnie Vuong contributed to MELT lab videos on muscle preparations and protein analysis, including Western blot workflows, with Mauricio Delgado leading filming and video editing and Dr. Venus Joumaa collaborating
- 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 Recent Undergraduate Research Students
University of Calgary - Honours 590 - Andrew Filewich: "Multimedia-Experiential Learning in KNES 375: Developing Demonstration Videos and Interactive Learning Modules for Physiological Assessment Techniques" (MELT grant supported)
- 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: "Palmar 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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2026 McCaig and BURP Summer Student Symposia
University of Calgary - John Al-Rachid: "Does Menopause Accentuate Stroke-Induced Muscle Weakness in Rats?" (August 12-13, 2026)
- Faraja Herve Habiyakare: "Effect of Menopause and Stroke on Skeletal Muscle Sarcomeric Proteins in a Rat Model" (August 12-13, 2026)
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2026 Faculty of Kinesiology Department Symposium
University of Calgary - Andrew Filewich: "Multimedia-Experiential Learning in KNES 375: Developing Demonstration Videos and Interactive Learning Modules for Physiological Assessment Techniques"
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2025 Transdisciplinary Child & Maternal Health Trainee Research Day
University of Calgary - Poster Presentation: Sunnie Vuong - "The Structural Characteristics of Adductor Longus and Gracilis Muscles from Children with Cerebral Palsy"
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2025 26th Annual AB BME Conference
Alberta Biomedical Engineering Conference - Oral Presentation (8 min): Sunnie Vuong - "The Structural Characteristics of Adductor Longus and Gracilis Muscles from Children with Cerebral Palsy"
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2025 HPL Seminar
Human Performance Lab, University of Calgary - Seminar Presentation: Sunnie Vuong - "Structural Characteristics of Adductor Longus and Gracilis from Children with Cerebral Palsy" (alongside summer student Priyal)
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2025 McCaig Institute Summer Student Symposium
University of Calgary - Oral Presentation: Sunnie Vuong - "Structural Characteristics of Adductor Longus and Gracilis from Children with Cerebral Palsy"
- Poster Presentation: Abdul-Samad Ahmed - "Structural Properties and Mitochondrial Function of Cardiac Muscle in Response to a High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet in Female Rats"
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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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2026 ACTIVATION Health - Made-at-UCalgary app aims to change how recovery is measured
UCalgary News - Feature published September 17, 2026
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2025 Exploring the AI Running Revolution
Run to the Top Podcast - Expert discussion of artificial intelligence and running
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2025 Can A Weighted Vest Amp Up Your Daily Walk?
Canadian Living - Expert commentary for an article by Sara Romano
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2025 Cold-plunge media interviews
CBC Radio One and AM 770 CHQR - Interviews on the science and health effects of cold plunging
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2024 - present ACTIVATION Health Platform
Activation Health Corp. - Co-developed and co-led the ACTIVATION research program with Dr. Joe Kenal
- Designed and developed the ACTIVATION Health mobile-health research platform
- Built secure University of Calgary-hosted infrastructure for participant enrollment, informed consent, passive activity tracking, wearable-device integration, questionnaire delivery, and research-data management
- Advanced research translation through Alberta SPARK Accelerator participation and co-founding Activation Health Corp.
- Released ACTIVATION Health through the Apple App Store
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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
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2020 - present Thesis Examiner and Neutral Chair
University of Calgary - Examiner for PhD candidacy examinations
- Neutral chair for 15+ doctoral and master's thesis defenses across Kinesiology and Biomedical Engineering
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
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2025 - present European Congress of Sports Science
ECSS - Professional member
Patents, Licenses and Innovations
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2025 - 2026 ACTIVATION Health
Apple App Store - App development and release
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2025 - 2026 Sauna Timer
Apple App Store - App development and release
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2025 - 2026 Plunge Timer
Apple App Store - App development and release
Certifications and Training
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2025 European College of Sports Science Congress
Rimini, Italy - Professional development, July 1-4, 2025
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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
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2008 ITIL Intermediate Level V3
University of Calgary - Standards for computer support
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2001 Microsoft Certified Database Professional
University of Calgary Continuing Education - MCDP certification
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1998 Microsoft Certified Professional
University of Calgary Continuing Education - MCP certification
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1994 Canadian Ski Instructor Certifications
Canada Olympic Park, WinSport - Canadian Association of Alpine Ski Instructors Level I
- Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors Level I
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1992 Canadian Recreational Canoe Association
Calgary Canoe Club - CRCA Level V
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