Dr. Jasmin Ma, Ph.D., P.Kin.
Education
- The University of British Columbia/Arthritis Research Canada, 2021, Post Doctoral Fellowship (Physical Therapy; Subject Area: Knowledge Translation)
- The University of British Columbia-Okanagan, 2018, Ph.D. (Health and Exercise Sciences; Subject Area: Behavioural Sciences and Disability)
- Queen’s University, 2014, M.Sc. (Kinesiology; Subject Area: Exercise Physiology)
- Queen’s University, 2012, B.Sc. (Kinesiology)
Background
Dr. Jasmin Ma is the faculty lead of the Movement for All (M4A) Lab. She is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, a Clinician Investigator with Arthritis Research Canada, Investigator with the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, and a Kinesiologist. Dr. Ma teaches and provides training in the areas of exercise prescription, physical activity behaviour change, and disability. Her research and educational leadership activities include three areas of focus: 1) implementing experiential learning opportunities in community-based exercise settings, 2) co-developing knowledge translation tools for clinicians to promote and prescribe physical activity for people with chronic disease and disability, and 3) advancing how we provide tailored physical activity counselling, particularly for people with arthritis and spinal cord injury.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I love any and all activities (that don’t require a gliding motion, never mastered that fundamental movement skill). I grew up in Campbellford, a small, rural town in Ontario. We lived the quintessential small town life, playing sports from dawn til dusk. When we weren’t outside, I was working on my bicep curls scooping ice cream at my parent’s corner store. Since leaving home, I started a sports camp for kids, worked as a personal trainer for people with disabilities, was the coordinator for a city-wide physical activity coalition, and finally found my home in teaching and research (in physical activity, of course). My dream has long been for everyone to find their love for physical activity- whatever that movement may be. Nowadays, you’ll find me playing beach volleyball, bike touring, open water swimming, active commuting, and to ensure caloric balance, eating doughnuts!
Fun fact: When I was in high school, we didn’t have enough girls show up to tryouts to fill a basketball team roster. While Grade 8 was really the peak of playing actual games of basketball for me, I am self-proclaimed above-average at ’21’ and ‘around the world’.“
Past and Current Funding
Caitlin Chiu, B.Kin. Candidate
Undergraduate Thesis Student, University of British Columbia
cdchiu@student.ubc.ca
Research
Implementation and assessment of an evidence-informed knowledge translation tool to facilitate resistance training prescription for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I love anything outdoors – from hiking up the beautiful mountains to a breathtaking view, to walking along the seawall on a sunny day, I love nature! I’ve also been growing my interest in exercise classes. Currently, my favourite way to get movement in is from spin classes. I love the music, fun choreography, and the energy that I feel from going to spin!”
Jessie Hall, B.Kin. Candidate + M.M. Dual Degree
Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of British Columbia
jessie.hall@ubc.ca
Research
Reviewing the best pedagogical practices for skill-based competencies to aid in the implementation of an exercise professional pathway in the School of Kinesiology.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I have a great appreciation for the outdoors; spending much of my time hiking, paddleboarding, and swimming in lakes. By far, my favourite outdoor activity is hunting for hidden hotsprings and waterfalls. I am always looking for new adventures in B.C.’s backyard. I have a history of playing volleyball and elite soccer, often playing recreationally now.”
Vienna Nguyen, M.Sc. Candidate, P.Kin
Graduate Academic Assistant, University of British Columbia
vienna.nguyen@ubc.ca
Research
Development and implementation of a qualified exercise professional curriculum pathway in Kinesiology
How I Move + More About Me!
“Outside of the M4A lab, I am also finishing up my M. Sc. looking at the role of exercise testing in primary care populations. In my spare time, I’m striving to be slightly above average at any and all ways of moving! My current challenges are road running, cycle commuting, and basketball“
Ryan Feng, B.Kin. Candidate (2024)
Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of British Columbia
ryan0623@student.ubc.ca
Research
Researching and compiling online module resources to address gaps in the kinesiology curriculum.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I grew up playing a variety of organized team sports, including track and field, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. The concept of teamwork has always resonated with me as it provided me with the opportunity to build connections with my peers and cultivate a deeper appreciation for individual
differences. Currently, I am exploring adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and floorball! You can also often find me playing recreational indoor and beach volleyball!”
What I’m Currently Doing
“I am currently in the final stages of completing my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at UBC
while concurrently working as a supervisor at PARC (Physical Activity Research Centre) at iCORD. I
am also currently in the process of applying to occupational therapy school.”
Kawami Cao, M.D. Candidate, B.Kin. (2023)
Undergraduate Thesis Student, University of British Columbia
kcao39@student.ubc.ca
Research
Developing and piloting a process model for work-integrated learning course co-development.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I am an avid paddler and I love to dragon boat and canoe. Paddling gives me the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful city, connect with the community, and also get some movement within my schedule. Fun fact: This headshot is actually a photo of me steering a dragon boat!”
What I’m Currently Doing
“I am currently a medical student at Queen’s University. My work with Jasmin has not only cultivated a passion for collaborative and patient-centred research, it has also taught me a diverse set of skills from research to curriculum renewal. I’m excited to carry these skills forward as I explore the field of medicine and healthcare.“
Joey Cheng, B.Kin. (2022)
Research Volunteer, University of British Columbia
joey47@student.ubc.ca
Research
Evaluation and knowledge translation of strategies for meaningful patient engagement.
How I Move + More About Me!
“Growing up, I was in love with the feeling of adrenaline rushes and was thus involved in many high-intensity sports, from hockey, to soccer, to basketball and so on. Unexpectedly, as I’ve grown older, nowadays, I’ve found a new appreciation for ‘calmer’ forms of exercise, whether it’s golfing, hiking (weather dependent), or a few casual rounds of pickleball! Fun fact: Aside from the loud and extroverted self that many people know me as, in my alone and spare time I like to write, record, and produce music!”
What I’m Currently Doing
“I am currently working as a Movement Specialist at Paris EveryBODY, a clinic specializing in orthopedic bracing and custom foot orthotics. My role encompasses promoting active living in patients with various injuries and conditions through bracing and mobility aid consultations. In this position, I’ve been able to pair my knowledge in kinesiology with what I’ve learned from my work in the M4A lab to meaningfully engage the patients I work with and provide the best care possible. Outside of work, I am currently in the process of applying to medical school.“
Myah Sisson, M.P.T. Candidate, B.Kin. (2023)
Undergraduate Thesis Student, University of British Columbia
myah.sisson@student.ubc.ca
Research
How a knowledge translation tool and training affects strength training prescription behaviours amongst clinicians working with patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
How I Move + More About Me!
“Growing up as a competitive gymnast, I was constantly in awe of the boundless abilities of the human body. There is no comparison to the adrenaline rush of twisting and flipping! Today, you’ll find me at the gym tumbling or stunting with UBC Cheerleading, at the gym lifting weights, on the golf course, or experimenting with fitness classes in the area (mainly spin and Lagree!)”
What I’m Currently Doing
Davin Hu, B.Kin. Candidate
Undergraduate Thesis Student & Research Assistant, University of British Columbia
davinhu@student.ubc.ca
Research
Development of an evidence-informed knowledge translation tool to facilitate resistance training prescription delivery for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I grew up involved in all types of sports, so desperately wanting to be good at something but always failed gracefully due to a heathy case of incoordination! Nowadays, I enjoy any kind of average, active, Vancouverite hobbies such as hiking, skiing, and biking (just anything I can post on Strava basically). Fun fact: I have an expired private pilot license!”
Chihiro Abe, B.Kin. (2022)
Undergraduate Thesis Student, University of British Columbia
chihiroa@student.ubc.ca
Research
Working with the local spinal cord injury community to develop one of the first work integrated learning courses at the UBC School of Kinesiology with the purpose of improving student knowledge, skills, and training in providing physical activity prescription and counselling for people with physical disabilities.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I really enjoy dancing! From Grade 6 until 2nd year of university, I trained 5-8 hours/day, 6-7 days/week. I now continue to take dance classes, stretch daily, and spread my passion for dance through teaching. I also love going on nature walks/hikes and exploring and engaging in new activities – I tried indoor climbing (and want to get into it more) and recently tried dragon boating!“
What I’m Currently Doing
“I plan to take more time for myself, gain various life experiences, and continue exploring my hobbies (dance, digital art, etc.)!“
Marisa Shinobu Lin, M.OT. Candidate, B.Kin (2022)
Undergraduate Thesis Student, University of British Columbia
marisali@student.ubc.ca
Research
Implementing coordinated physical activity coaching: Barriers and facilitators identified by physiotherapists and spinal cord injury peer coaches.
How I Move + More About Me!
“Growing up, my mom and I bonded over our mutual love for adrenaline-seeking sports! I will always be thankful to her for getting me involved in martial arts, skiing, and swimming 😊. I also love teaching adapted sports for kids and youth!”
What I’m Currently Doing
“Following graduation, I will be pursuing my Master of Occupational Therapy degree.“
Hattie Shu, M.D. Candidate, B.Kin. (2020)
Undergraduate Thesis Student, University of British Columbia
hatshu@student.ubc.ca
Research
Implementation of physical activity coaching for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) during transition from hospital to community, and its effects on behavioral determinants.
How I Move + More About Me!
“Growing up in the Prairies, I developed a soft spot for spectacular sunsets. This has not changed since I moved out west, and I find myself happiest catching golden hour up in the mountains. When not in the mountains, I enjoy playing tennis and Spikeball at Kits beach, and reliving my glory(?) days vicariously through coaching basketball to little ones. At sea level, nothing beats consuming sushi with friends on a paddle board — at sunset of course!“
What I’m Currently Doing
“I am currently in my third year of medical school at UBC. My undergraduate research project with Jasmin fostered in me a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of lived human experience. Starting my clinical rotations this summer, it has been a privilege to learn the stories of so many individuals, both different and similar to myself.”
Amber Chan, PA Candidate, B.Kin. (2020)
Undergraduate Thesis Student & Research Assistant, University of British Columbia amber.chan@midwestern.edu
Research
1) Rates and barriers of physiotherapist-prescribed resistance exercise prescription for older adults in acute care & 2) Wearable physical activity measurement devices used in arthritis: Actical, Actigraph GT1M, GT3X, GT3X+, ActivPAL, RT3, Fitbit, Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity, and SenseWear Pro3.
How I Move + More About Me!
“I started bouldering during my first year of undergrad and continue to climb 6 years later! I enjoy the physical and mental challenge involved in figuring out the beta to a route. I also dabble in yoga every so often.”
What I’m Currently Doing
“I am currently in school to become a physician assistant. My background in kinesiology has helped me in assessing and treating patients presenting with musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries.“
Michael Wu, M.D. Candidate, B.Kin. (2017)
UBC MEDD 419 Summer 2020 FLEX Student, University of British Columbia
wu41@student.ubc.ca
Research
Tailoring strength training prescriptions for people with rheumatoid arthritis: A scoping review.
How I Move + More About Me!
“Badminton was my first love but stopped competing when I entered university and have since enjoyed coaching and playing recreationally. I also mix in some hiking (fair weather hiker!), jogging, and quick strength training at home or the park.”
What I’m Currently Doing
“I am in my last year of medical school at UBC and will be applying to residency programs in 2023”