Discover BPK Careers Night 2022

Heather Bourke

Heather graduated from SFU in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.  Heather worked as a Kinesiologist at a private medical clinic for several years, and then decided to go back to school.  In 2006, Heather completed the BCIT Advanced Certificate in Adult Echocardiography, and worked as a sonographer at Vancouver General Hospital for 6 years.   In 2012, Heather decided to move into teaching, and began working full time as a Sonography Instructor at BCIT.  While working at BCIT, Heather completed her Provincial Instructors Diploma from Vancouver Community College.  Heather is now the Program Head for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at BCIT.  The one piece of advice Heather would like to give students is to be patient with your career – appreciate every job along the way, no matter how small it may feel.  Graduating from university is just the first step of many – be prepared to be a life-long learner.

Shreya Luthra

Shreya is currently a UBC Medical Student. She majored in Biomedical Physiology during her time at SFU. Shreya didn’t officially graduate from SFU as she was accepted into UBC Med in her third academic year. She started SFU in Sept 2017 and was expected to graduate in April 2022. She completed three years of academic courses in Biomedical Physiology and 1 year of Co-op (3 work terms). Shreya’s advice to all undergraduate students is to take chances, try new things and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is so important to take your undergrad years and find out what you love and what you are passionate about. And in the process, you even get the wonderful chance to meet like-minded individuals and build connections! As an undergraduate student, you have this unique and important opportunity to speak with mentors, engage in research, or even take on endeavors that you normally wouldn’t consider. By taking these leaps, you gain exposure to a wide variety of learning environments (ex. teaching, research, industry) and it is so important to do that to find out what you want to do with your degree after you graduate. Undergrad is all about the foundational years where you find out what really drives you and what goals you have. She hopes every SFU BPK undergraduate makes the most of their time at SFU!

Carl Ganzert

Carl graduated from SFU's BPK program in 2012. He then completed his masters in Rehabilitation Science at McMaster university while attending the BCIT Prosthetics & Orthotics program. Now a Canadian Certified Orthotist, Carl specializes in orthotic management of scoliosis and limb spasticity. He is also the director of the Hodgson Orthopedic Group's R&D department which is working to develop and integrate things such as 3D printing and wearable technology into the realm of prosthetics and orthotics. To any BPK student looking for his advice, Carl would recommend learning about philosophy to better understand both academics and one's own experience in life.

Jamie Magpantay

Jamie graduated from SFU in 2015 with BSc. Kinesiology. SHe also has a BSc. Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic degree from University of Western States, Portland O.R. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor and  CCMI (Complete Concussion Management Institute) Practitioner. She is also  A.R.T Certified (Active Release Technique), which is a manual therapy technique for repetitive and sports injuries. She is a full time Chiropractor at Jointworks Chiropractic in Vancouver and also a part time Yoga Instructor at Oxygen Yoga and Fitness. She would like to urge students to research the different careers that are available to you. There are so many opportunities available for BPK undergraduates. Shadow different careers, shadow different people in the same careers, interview/call/email people in the field, attend as many “networking” events as you can, because you could meet someone who leads you into your career.

Lauren Tindale

Lauren got her BSc in 2012 in BPK and completed her PhD at SFU and Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Center in 2018 with Dr. Brooks-Wilson. Her PhD research focused on genotypes and phenotypes associated with healthy aging and longevity. After that, she did a postdoctoral fellowship at the BC Center for Disease Control where she examined methods for avian influenza genomic surveillance in the environment. She is now working as a Research Associate at UBC where her research focuses on cancer risk prediction and digital health initiatives in women’s health. She wants to assure students that it is ok to be unsure of the career they are aiming for. Every experience will get you closer to knowing what you do and don't want to do.

Karen Tulloch

Karen graduated in June 2014 from the BPK program with a concentration in Active Health & Rehabilitation. She also has a certificate in applied health & fitness & a certificate in applied human nutrition through SFU. She is a BCAK registered kinesiologist, a BCRPA certified personal trainer, group fitness and aquatic fitness instructor, and currently the Manager of Program Development & Physician Services at the Obesity Medicine & Diabetes Institute.

Her advice is to explore different areas of your field and gather as much experience as you can. Whether it be volunteering, co-op placements or other types of practicums, don't be afraid to venture outside of the box. There is so much value you can glean from these learning opportunities such as: various avenues to apply your formal education, chances to further develop your skill set, and environments to expand your professional network. These experiences not only allow you to mature and grow as an individual but they can also broaden your perspective, help you better discern your strengths and passions, and make you a more insightful and well-rounded candidate for your desired career.

Garveen Brar

Garveen is a registered Respiratory Therapist at Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospital. She holds a diploma in Respiratory Therapy in addition to her Bachelors of Science. She graduated from SFU’s Biomedical Physiology program in 2016. She is also certified in Neonatal Resuscitation, Basic Life Support, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. She would like BPK students to take their time through their undergrad and not be afraid to explore different career paths. She believes that the whole world is out there waiting for you to explore.

Dr. Veronica Gant

Veronica graduated from SFU with her BP degree in 2016 and now she is a family physician with a special interest in addictions medicine and primary care obstetrics. She started medical school in 2014 before getting her BP degree, but she ended up applying the credits from the first 2 years at UBC medicine to her degree from SFU. Alongside her BP degree she also holds the CCFP and MCC certification. She advises current undergraduates to take the time to explore the different options within healthcare and medicine to find a career that you are truly passionate about. She would also like everybody to remember that students should never settle for less as they’ve worked too hard all this time.

Isabelle CE

Isabelle is currently in her first year of the Masters of Physiotherapy program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She previously completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at SFU, where she also partook in the BPK Co-op program. She completed two co-op terms at a community physiotherapy clinic and one international term at a medical center in Nepal.  In her spare time, Isabelle loves to try new recipes, spend time outdoors, and exercise. She is happy to share her experiences with everyone! Her advice to current BPK students is that there is no ideal timeline, resume, or textbook applicant. Throughout university, it is very easy to fall into a trap of doing what you think you ‘should’ be doing, rather than pursuing what you truly want to be doing. Whether it is a volunteer or work role, a research project, or an extracurricular activity, follow opportunities that make you happy and create your own path, even if it’s beyond the norm. When applying for jobs or postgraduate studies, a unique candidate is someone who can speak to what they are passionate about!

Rajveena Jagpal

Rajveena is a 2017 SFU graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. Currently, she works full time at ICBC as a Senior Support & Recovery Specialist. She also works as a Clinical Exercise physiologist at LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic. She holds the ACSM certificate for Clinical Exercise Physiologists. She has also started some courses for the Disability Management Program at Pacific Coast University. Her advice to current BPK undergraduates is, “Sometimes the career path you think you will end up doing will change and to keep an open mind about other options a Kin degree can lead to!”