Ephrem Mekonnen

Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology (BPK) master's student in the Faculty of Science

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

My passion for my field stems from my background in track and field. I am a distance runner and recently completed my NCAA eligibility with SFU for cross country and track. As a distance runner, I understand the unique needs and challenges faced by athletes in this sport and recognize the gaps in existing research. My ongoing quest for the best training, strengthening, recovery, and rehabilitation methods led me to realize that much of the research in these areas focuses primarily on males. This insight, combined with my interest in endocrinology sparked during my undergraduate Neuroscience major, inspired me to pursue research on how different outcome measures related to running biomechanics may change depending on the menstrual cycle phase. This research at the intersection of sports science and endocrinology is fascinating to me, and I am eager to continue exploring its implications for injury prevention and optimizing performance in female distance runners.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

Initially, I chose SFU for its comprehensive and challenging curriculum and its alignment with my health sciences research interests. However, after my first couple of semesters, my interests shifted to Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) and Psychology. Unsure whether to pursue a science or psychology path, I found Behavioral Neuroscience to be the perfect major. I also completed a minor in counseling and human development. Towards the end of my undergraduate studies, particularly after taking BPK 310, I knew that the BPK route was for me.

Having completed my bachelor's degree at SFU, I found it to be an excellent fit and decided to stay for graduate school. Additionally, as a member of the varsity cross country and track team, I needed to continue my education to utilize my remaining year of eligibility. I reached out to Dr. Dave Clarke, who recommended contacting Dr. Chris Napier. Dr. Napier was glad to take me on, and I also reached out to Dr. Alex Coates, whose research on female athletes and low energy availability, overtraining, and RED-S greatly interested me. Dr. Chris Napier’s SFU Run Lab, with its focus on running biomechanics, injury prevention, and wearable technology, was the perfect fit for my research interests.

Furthermore, the chance to work with Dr. Alex Coates and Dr. Dave Clarke, experts in exercise physiology, along with Dr. Emily Kraus, expert in female athlete research at Stanford, on my committee solidified my decision to continue my academic journey at SFU.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

In my research, I study how the menstrual cycle affects how female runners move and how much effort they need to maintain their running pace. Even though more women are participating in long-distance running, most studies have focused on men and haven't considered the unique ways women's bodies work. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can significantly impact muscle function and control, which are important for running. Surprisingly, we don't know much about how these changes affect running and the risk of injuries for women. My goal is to understand how different phases of the menstrual cycle influence running performance and to use this knowledge to improve training and prevent injuries in female runners.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Menstrual Cycle, Running Biomechanics, Running Economy

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My RA-ship has provided invaluable practical experience. Last summer, I received an undergraduate student research award to assist in Dr. Chris Napier's Run Lab. My main role was to assist in a study investigating the differences between different running shoes, one of which were women-specific shoes (Hettas), catered to the unique anatomy of a female. This immersion into the research world was instrumental in my decision to pursue this field further. I gained hands-on experience with the Vicon motion capture system, K5 metabolic cart, and IMUs and ended up creating lab manuals for these. Additionally, I became familiar with platforms such as MATLAB and SPSS for data analysis, platforms I had no idea how to use beforehand. This experience culminated in my first lead-author abstract, which I presented at BPK Research Day and the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference, titled “Peak Impact Accelerations in Elite Female Runners: Supershoes Vs. Female-Specific Shoes.” I look forward to future RA-ships for directed studies aimed at future conferences!

As a TA for BPK 448 and BPK 110OL, I have diversified my knowledge, enhanced my communication skills, and developed a passion for helping students learn. These roles have been crucial in several ways. Firstly, teaching different courses has broadened my understanding of various subjects within my field, enabling me to approach my research from multiple perspectives. Secondly, explaining complex concepts to students has honed my ability to communicate effectively, a skill that is essential for disseminating research findings, writing papers, and presenting at conferences. Thirdly, working with professors and students has improved my ability to collaborate and work within a team, fostering a supportive learning environment. Fourthly, helping students understand difficult topics has fueled my passion for teaching and mentorship, reinforcing my desire to contribute to academia and research.

Non-academic experiences, such as attending various social events, have also played a significant role in my development. Participating in social events has fostered a sense of belonging and community. Building relationships with peers and faculty members has created a support network that is invaluable for my personal and professional growth. Also, taking breaks from research to engage in social activities has been essential for maintaining my engagement in research. These events provide a necessary outlet for relaxation and stress relief, ensuring that I remain motivated and focused.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I have been awarded the CGSM - CIHR (starting Fall 2024) and the Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship (Fall 2023). These awards alleviate financial stress, allowing me to dedicate more time and energy to my research.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

The most valuable lesson I've learned is the importance of flexibility and patience. Research timelines and schedules don’t always go as planned, so adapting to changes is crucial. As a budding researcher, I recognize that I won't have all the answers immediately, and gaining experience is a continuous learning process. Communicating with supervisors, committee members, lab colleagues, and others in the field is essential for guidance and support. Stepping out of my comfort zone and interacting more, despite being introverted, has helped me become more comfortable and confident with my graduate school progress.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

Networking at conferences and using LinkedIn have been key strategies for building connections. At ACSM, I attended symposiums related to my field and introduced myself to presenters, engaging in discussions and asking questions. LinkedIn has allowed me to connect with individuals within and outside my academic community, exposing me to diverse research and opportunities for collaboration and work.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

As a varsity runner, I learned early on the importance of balance through organization, work ethic, and time management. Creating weekly schedules, to-do lists, and calendars of events helped me manage my time effectively. Small habits like studying on transit and meal prepping saved a lot of time, and since I was spending less time on school every day due to commitments with running and in the gym, I was always open to studying on the weekends and fitting in school whenever I had to. These activities served as mental breaks as well to keep me refreshed and keep my engagement high as I knew I needed to always be productive to make my busy schedule work. While there are inevitably unproductive days fueled by procrastination, I view them as a signal to take a break. It's essential to recognize that just as your body requires rest after intense exercise, your mind also needs breaks. Therefore, if you experience an unproductive day, it's important not to stress over it.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I would dedicate my research to future female runners, who will hopefully have more information on how to periodize their training. I would also dedicate my research to myself, as I find it personally rewarding and interesting. This dedication motivates me to continue exploring and contributing to the field.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You can do what you train your mind to do! And don’t forget to take breaks, even if it is little 5 minute breaks for every 20-30 minutes of studying/researching.

Contact Ephrem:emekonne@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn

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