lab team
The brilliant minds powering the Digital Athlete Lab
KNB 436
Faculty of Kinesiology
Human Performance Laboratory
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
I’m Dr. John Holash, leading the Digital Athlete Lab at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Kinesiology. My research focuses on muscle physiology, specifically investigating the complex mechanisms of muscle activation, adaptation, and performance.
With a background in computational biology and exercise science, I combine high-tech approaches with practical applications. My work includes development of 3D stochastic models of muscle sarcomeres, investigating calcium diffusion in skeletal muscle, and exploring the physiological effects of exercise across various populations.
Beyond the lab, I’m passionate about outdoor activities that blend with my research interests - from cross-country skiing and cycling to canoeing and sailing. These experiences inform my understanding of human performance and help me connect theory with real-world application.
I’m dedicated to mentoring the next generation of exercise physiologists and researchers, fostering an environment where students can develop their scientific curiosity through hands-on experience and cutting-edge methodologies.
“The future is faster than you think!”
Where Science Meets Performance
At the Digital Athlete Lab, we’re not just studying human movement – we’re revolutionizing how we understand the body in motion. Our team combines expertise in muscle physiology, computational modeling, and exercise science to push the boundaries of what’s possible in human performance research.
Doctoral Candidates (Committee Member)
Keanen McDougal
PhD Candidate (2020-Present)
Dr. Aboodarda's Lab
Investigating alterations in fatigue, efficiency, and pedaling mechanics during incremental and constant-load high-intensity cycling. Keanen's work bridges the gap between laboratory measurements and real-world performance.
Jim Griffiths
PhD Candidate (2019-Present)
Dr. MacInnis's Lab
Developing novel heart rate detection methods to enhance monitoring capabilities in both clinical and performance settings. Jim's research is revolutionizing how we track cardiovascular responses during activity.
Recent Graduates (Committee Member)
Brynn Lindstrom
MSc (2022-2024)
Dr. Murias's Lab
Examining critical power thresholds in experienced exercisers, challenging conventional testing methods.
Timi Ajayai
MSc (2023-2024)
Dr. MacInnis's Lab
Applying detrended fluctuation analysis to heart rate data during constant intensity exercise.
Gabriele Marinari
PhD (2022-2024)
Dr. Murias's Lab
Pioneering new approaches to characterize the V̇O2 slow component and its physiological mechanisms.
Marissa Doroshuk
MSc (2022-2024)
Dr. Doyle-Baker's Lab
Developing novel recruitment methods for ovulation research using mobile applications.
Alissa Kazakoff
MSc (2022-2024)
Dr. Doyle-Baker's Lab
Advancing methodologies for ovulation research using mobile technology.
Mary Mackie
MSc (2021-2022)
Dr. Millet's Lab
Evaluating the "Step-Ramp-Step" Protocol for determining V̇O2 response time during exercise testing.
Undergraduate Researchers
The Digital Athlete Lab provides cutting-edge research opportunities for talented undergraduate students, helping them develop hands-on skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific inquiry.
Undergraduate Projects (2023-2024)
Arianna Hu
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award, 2024
Investigating the effect of flash freezing on active force production of skinned muscle fibers, exploring preservation techniques for biological samples.
Latif Oerkhil
Summer Student Internship, 2024
Examining active force and sarcomeric protein content in gracilis muscle of children with cerebral palsy, contributing to our understanding of muscle adaptations in this population.
Conner Hass
Kinesiology Honours 590, 2023-2024
Exploring palmer cooling effects on metabolic work production and exercise performance, investigating targeted thermoregulation strategies.
Thomas Manktelow
Kinesiology Honours 590, 2023-2024
Analyzing cross-country skiing double poling efficiency with biomechanical analysis and performance metrics.
Past Undergraduate Projects (2020-2022)
| Researcher | Program | Year | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Matesic | KNES 466 | 2022-2023 | Relative Hip Drop Timing in Cross-Country Skiing Double Poling: Performance and Force Production Analysis |
| Gavin Thomas | PURE Studentship | 2022 | Active Force in Skeletal Muscle Fibres from Children with Cerebral Palsy |
| Allysan Lui | KNES 490 Honours | 2021-2022 | Aerobic Power Assessment in Collegiate Contemporary Dance Using High-Intensity Dance Performance Test |
| Chantal Vogel | KNES 490 Honours | 2021-2022 | Virtual Reality Effects on Cycling Performance: Zwift's Virtual Environment Compared to Traditional Stationary Cycling |
| Andreas Cordido | KNES 490 Honours | 2021-2022 | Exercise Thresholds: Functional Threshold Power on Exergaming Platform vs. Respiratory Compensation Point |
| Maleeka Malik | BME Summer Studentship | 2021 | Titin Isoform Changes in Skeletal Muscles of Obese Rats |
| Ashley Lorenz | KNES 490 Honours | 2020-2021 | Physical Activity Intensity in Virtual Reality Exergames for Recreationally Active Young Adults |
Interested in joining our team? The Digital Athlete Lab is always looking for passionate undergraduate and graduate students who want to explore the frontiers of exercise physiology and muscle function. Contact Dr. Holash to discuss potential research opportunities.