April 24, 2023 | Digest No. 343
Deep Dives: Why is #MentalHealth Trending?
SFU Public Square has a new and exciting event series – Deep Dives! For their first instalment, they are asking “Why is #MentalHealth Trending?”. The demand for youth mental health supports has surged in Canada since the onset of the pandemic, but with long wait times, limited availability by service providers, a lack of affordable options, and many other barriers to access, people are not finding the care they need.
This event will explore this rising demand for mental health support, the driving force behind this surge, and the role that social media plays in discussions on mental health. The free event brings together panelists and audience to explore these questions – and they want to hear your thoughts! Join SFU Public Square for this timely and important conversation by following the link below!
Five Days in May
2023 marks the 11th year of Five Days in May, and is a collaboration between Fraser Health, Interior Health, Island Health, and Northern Health, in partnership with the BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research. Five Days in May brings together researchers and students, patients and health care providers, decision-makers and members of the public to educate, inform, inspire and stimulate conversation.
Themes for this year’s event include Indigenous health, seniors' health, planetary health, mental health and harm reduction.
Join us every Tuesday in May to learn how research is transforming health and care across BC!
· All events take place via Zoom;
· All events are free and open to everyone;
· Most events are 12 – 2 pm PST
West Coast Virtual Fair 2023
West Coast Virtual Fairs 2023 is coming back on May 17 and 18! Save the Date and Sign Up Now to get notifications to receive special link access by May 10. This Fair is a collaboration between SFU, UBC and UVIC. You will find plenty of interesting career, co-op, volunteer, and graduate program opportunities no matter what faculty and program you are in! Open to all 3 universities’ students and alumni.
Science Career Chats Drop-in
Attention Science students and recent alumni! Want to learn more about careers that complement your degree? Join us for drop-in Career Chats on Mondays from 11:30am to 1:30pm at SCI-SPACE (AQ 3146) this Spring. Meet Brenda from Career & Volunteer Services and learn about exploring career possibilities, gaining experience, and job searching. No appointment required, just show up!
2023 MDDC BC Student Biomed Awards
This is a reminder to all BPK students and student teams about the upcoming MDDC Medical Device Development Centre of British Columbia (‘the MDDC’) student awards (see attached announcement materials). SFU students have done well at this competition in the past securing spots as finalists and winners.
The MDDC is pleased to announce the renewed and increased endowment of up $19,000 to the MDDC Student Awards to encourage and recognize student innovators in technologies relating to medicine and health care, including medical devices, systems, software, apps, and assistive technologies.
Important dates:
Award applications deadline midnight Sunday April 2nd, 2023
Finalists will be notified on or before Monday April 10th, 2023
Finalists will demonstrate their project/prototypes on Saturday May 6th, 2023
Information related to applying and terms and conditions is available at www.mddc.org
For more information email awards@mddc.org
UBC Department of Physical Therapy 2023 Spring Info Sessions
UBC's Department of Physical Therapy is offering two live virtual info sessions for those who are interesting in applying to the Master of Physical Therapy program. Department representatives and current students will discuss the physical theraphy profession and admission requirements for hte MPT program followed by a Q&A session.
MPT-Vancouver/Fraser info session - May 3rd, 12:00-1:00
MPT-North info session - April 26th, 5:30-7:00
BCIT Environmental Public Health program
The BCIT Environmental Public Health program trains students to become health inspectors and environmental health professionals. Through legislation, education, and promotion, BCIT graduates work with people in almost every industry to safeguard public health. Our students gain current, practical experience to become certified and start working as soon as they graduate.
About the Program
- Two year, full-time Bachelor of Environmental Public Health program
- Small class sizes provide individual support
- Lectures, field trips, and research deliver a solid theory-based education
- A three-month practical experience at a BC health agency offers direct field experience
This program is for individuals who:
- Like working with teams to problem solve and manage conflict in a public health setting
- Enjoy a flexible work environment that changes daily
- Are interested in building strong communication skills
- Have two or more years of post-secondary education
The need for environmental health is everywhere. From law enforcement, consulting, and legislation, to government and quality assurance, public health jobs are critical to keeping people safe.
STEM Streams - Pre-employment & Skills Development Training Program
The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) is offering their pre-employment & skills development training program designed for women who identify as racialized, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, living with disabilities, and those returning to the workforce. These 8 Free courses and support services will boost your employment skills and preparedness for STEM jobs. This training program is funded by the Government of Canada.
Skills covered include:
- Marketing your skills (Resumes and cover letters)
- Elevating your online presences (networking and social media)
- Elevator pitch and interview skills
- Authentic networking skills
- Climbing the career ladder
- Career planning and transitioning (relationship-building skills, how to find mentors, self awareness & finding your purpose)
- Digital skills (ie. Web3 Blockchain Technology)
- Navigating workplace culture (self-advocacy, knowing your workplace rights & responsibilities)
Acceptance is on a rolling intake for this program, and will conclude in August 2023.
Recreational Swimmers Needed to Test Smart Swim Googgles
Aidan Kits is looking for experienced recreational swimmers to test a pair of smart swim goggles. This study features a 1-week familiarization period, and a 12-week training program. There will be 3 swim workouts a week:
- Week 1 consists of two supervised familiarization sessions and a performance test
- Between Week 1 and 2, Group 1 and Group 2 will be established:
- Group 1 will full access to the FORM goggles features
- Group 2 will have limited access to the FORM goggles features
- Weeks 2-13 consist of unsupervised workouts (i.e. swimming at an indoor 25m pool of your choosing on your own time) and a final supervised performance test in Week 13
- Each session will be around 1 hour in duration
For more information, and if you are interested in participating, please complete the screening questionnaire below. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the researchers directly via email (akits@sfu.ca).
Dates: May 13 - August 12
Deadline to apply: May 5, 2023
Contact information: akits@sfu.ca
Participants Needed for Research on Visually Guided Walking
Gemma (MSc student in BPK) is recruiting participants for her thesis experiment. If you are interested, please contact her.
In addition to the poster (click to enlarge), note the following when deciding if you are interested:
You should NOT participate in this study if one or more of the following applies:
- Your age is greater than 40 or less than 19 (or less than 18 for an SFU student)
- You have any known visual disorder other than one that can be corrected with lenses
- You have a musculoskeletal (e.g., arthritis) or neurological (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease) disorder that affects your movement or balance
- You are allergic to rubbing alcohol or adhesive
- You have participated in a research experiment using prism glasses before
- You are not vaccinated against COVID19
Your decision on whether to participate will not influence your grades in any coursework or benefit you in terms of status or success in any class.
Contact information: Gemma Malagon / gemma_malagon@sfu.ca
Supine-to-stand versus Supine-to-Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP), Cardiovascular/Musculoskeletal Baroreflex Responses (#30001262)
We are looking for healthy, able-bodied participants aged 19-35 years to come to the Aerospace Physiology Laboratory (APL) to undergo supine-to-stand and supine-to-lower body negative pressure (LBNP) testing protocols.
Your participation in this study will involve…
- 1 lab visit (no longer than 1 hour) at SFU’s APL where you will be lying on your back and standing on a force platform.
- 1 lab visit (no longer than 1 hour) at SFU’s APL where you will be lying on your back inside a LBNP chamber from below the hips.
Both visits will be measuring heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle activity.
Your contribution helps us improve our understanding if LBNP accurately mimics heart and muscle responses that are seen with quiet standing after laying down.
For more information, please contact APL via email or telephone:
Email: LBNP2022Study@gmail.com
Telephone: 778-255-3904
Cerebral Palsy Support
Looking for enthusiastic female student to work with 32 year old women with Cerebral Palsy in our home in the Langley area (Murrayville). A strong person is needed to put her through stretching and strengthening exercises that maintain her mobility. Must be able to make it fun to keep the motivation going.
Hourly rate is negotiable.
Time commitment would be ongoing for 1 hour 2x per week with possible respite work in addition to this, starting in May.
Criminal record check and Drivers Abstract required.
Deadline to submit application/resume to tetz@shaw.ca is May 31st, 2023.
Peer Ed Opportunities
Currently seeking volunteers for the 2023-2024 term for the following Peer Education programs. To learn more and apply, please visit myinvolvement.sfu.ca and search for the opportunity ID numbers listed.
English as an Additional Language Peer - Opportunity ID: 5996
Would you describe yourself as outgoing, friendly, and approachable? If so, we invite you to apply for a rewarding volunteer opportunity as an EAL Peer. In this role, you'll meet with multilingual students (virtual or in-person) to help them improve their English-speaking skills and enhance their learning experiences. Deadline is April 23, 2023.
Writing and Learning Peer - Opportunity ID: 5995
Join the Writing and Learning Peers to help your fellow students with their writing and study strategies through one-on-one consultations. Rigorous training is provided. This is a great opportunity to foster learning in others while gaining skills and building community. Deadline is April 30, 2023.
Active Bystander Network Member - Opportunity ID: 6010
Are you interested in advocating for a culture of care and consent? Do you want to help make meaningful impact on campus? ABN members are peer educators who work with the Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Office to raise awareness about sexual violence, consent, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships on campus, through educational outreaches and fun events. This opportunity is open to all SFU and FIC students. Deadline is April 30, 2023 Learn more about the ABN
If you have any questions about the roles or application process, please reach out to involved@sfu.ca
Ridge Meadows Pride U15 - Althetic Therapist
The Ridge Meadows Pride U15 Girls team is looking for either an Athletic Therapist candidate or Kinesiolgy student to help out with their team this season. They have 7 tournaments with games Tuesdays and Thursdays, and practices Sundays and Mondays. The season runs from April to June.
Tournament weekends will be about 8 hours a day, games 4 hours, and practices 3 hours. Duties will include taping, injury assessments, concussion testing, getting medical supplies to the team, and return to play protocols.
The team is willing to provide a $2000 bursary at the end of the season.
For anyone interested please contact Britnie at hemlockat@gmail.com
Fraser Health Crisis Line Volunteer Opportunity
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Why not start now!
The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity,the first step is to review the information on our website and then attend a Zoom Information Session. Please go to www.options.bc.ca and click on Get Involved -> I Want to Volunteer -> Crisis Line. Here you will find the dates and Zoom links for the up-coming sessions.
Many volunteers report that their Crisis Line experience was significant in helping them reach their educational and/or career goals, including acceptance into Graduate Programs, Policing, Medical School, E-Comm 911, Social Work, Mental Health and related fields. Volunteers also tell us that they find the Crisis Line to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as they are truly making a difference.
Brain imaging research brings new hope for people with life-altering condition
Health Research BC - April 18 2023
Featuring Dr. Xiaowei Song, BPK Adjunct Professor.
Free Tutoring Program Uses Indigenous Knowledge to Prepare Students for University
Indigenous Studies News - April 03 2023
Featuring Todd Nelson, Behavioral Neuroscience alumni!
DISCLAIMER: The Department of BPK is forwarding these opportunities as we receive them, however we strongly encourage you to research and obtain information regarding the reputation of organizations, the terms and conditions of employment or service, as well as to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Department does not endorse any specific individuals, organizations, products, programs or services. If you see any suspicious postings or hiring practices, please notify us immediately at bpk_engage@sfu.ca.