Understanding neuromuscular fatigue to help individuals with chronic lung disease
Primary Supervisor, Chris McNeil
Supervisory team: Neil Eves
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Skeletal muscle dysfunction is common in people with COPD and is a major contributing factor to the reduced exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in these individuals as well as the increased fatigue, dyspnea and mortality associated with the disease. It is also becoming evident that COPD affects females and males differently, with females experiencing more severe shortness of breath, greater physical limitations and poorer quality of life than males. The overarching aim of the research fellowship will be to investigate the causes of neuromuscular fatigue in individuals with COPD and identify novel (potentially sex-based) therapeutic approaches to overcome fatigue and improve health outcomes. The PhD student will first conduct a study to investigate whether sex-based differences in neuromuscular fatigue exist for patients with COPD and if the findings mirror those from healthy, age- and activity-matched females and males. Results of this initial study will guide further experiments to examine questions such as the specific mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue and their role in the development of adverse symptoms during exercise or potential therapeutic approaches to effectively offset skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD.
If you are interested in applying for this Stober Fellowship please email a statement of interest and a CV to the PI of this project by January 7, 2022. Successful applicants will be informed in time to submit an application to the College of Graduate Studies by January 31, 2022 to ensure a September 2022 start to the PhD program.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects approximately 3 million Canadians and more than 600 million individuals worldwide. The disease is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction and airway inflammation, which accelerates the normal age-related decline in lung function. However, inflammation is not isolated to the lungs as patients also present with systemic inflammation, which negatively affects the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Impairments in muscle function lead to enhanced perceived fatigability during physical activity, which often leads to increasingly sedentary behaviour and poorer health outcomes. Despite recognition of the importance of muscle function to health-related quality of life, there has been relatively little research on the development of neuromuscular fatigue in individuals with COPD. As such, it is imperative to expand our understanding of the mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue with COPD to guide the development of effective and appropriate interventions.
The successful Stober Foundation Fellow will be enrolled in the PhD in Kinesiology at UBC Okanagan, which is a research-intensive program. Formal milestones for the program include: establishing a faculty advisory committee; preparing, presenting and defending a dissertation research proposal; passing a written. and oral candidacy exam; writing the dissertation; and defending the work.
The Stober Foundation PhD Fellowships are based on research excellence and on-going funding will be contingent on appropriate progression through the degree program as determined by the College of Graduate Studies annual report and a short, award-specific report that will be reviewed by the HES leadership committee. Insufficient progress or achievement will result in withdrawal of Fellowship funding (but will not affect the student’s standing in the PhD program).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to UBC graduate programs is competitive. The admission requirements described on this page are only a summary so visit the College of Graduate Studies website to ensure you are familiar with all requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Applicants to the PhD degree in Kinesiology are normally required to have a thesis-based master’s degree in Health and Exercise Sciences, Kinesiology, or other related field of study, along with appropriate undergraduate and graduate coursework. Applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree in a non-Kinesiology program may be considered for admission, particularly if they have a strong background in the biological, natural, behavioural or health sciences. In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these grade requirements but have significant relevant research training or professional experience may be granted admission on the recommendation of the School of Health and Exercise Sciences Graduate Committee and with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. No applicant will be admitted to the PhD program until a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty has agreed to supervise the dissertation research; thus, again, applicants are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor prior to beginning an application.
MORE INFORMATION
Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full information of admission and program requirements; the Calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia. * In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Applicants to the PhD degree in Kinesiology are normally required to have a thesis-based master’s degree in Health and Exercise Sciences, Kinesiology, or other related field of study, along with appropriate undergraduate and graduate coursework. Applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree in a non-Kinesiology program may be considered for admission, particularly if they have a strong background in the biological, natural, behavioural or health sciences. In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these grade requirements but have significant relevant research training or professional experience may be granted admission on the recommendation of the School of Health and Exercise Sciences Graduate Committee and with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicants from universities outside Canada for which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests and minimum required test scores for admission are listed on the College of Graduate Studies website. No applicant will be admitted to the program until a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty has agreed to supervise the thesis research; thus, applicants are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor prior to beginning an application. Test scores must have been taken within the last 24 months.
No applicant will be admitted to the PhD program until a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty has agreed to supervise the dissertation research; thus, again, applicants are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor prior to beginning an application.
MORE INFORMATION
Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full information of admission and program requirements; the Calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia. * In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country and institution. Search the Required Grades and Credential Guide — a guide to assist international students in estimating their eligibility.
An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC, Canada. Go to the International Programs and Services website to meet the team.
Tuition & Funding
UBC Okanagan’s tuition and fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre.
Tuition
Tuition amounts presented here are estimates only and all fees are subject to change. For official tuition and fee information, visit UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar*, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at The University of British Columbia.
| Program | Schedule | Domestic (per year) | International (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Msc | Full-time | $4,995.78 | $8,776.74 |
| PhD | Full-time | $4,995.78 | $8,776.74** |
Tuition is paid three times a year at the beginning of each term, and on the first day of the term, as per the Academic Calendar: Winter Term 1 (September), Winter Term 2 (January), and Summer Term (May).
In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct..
Note: International doctoral applicants with an admission grade point average (GPA) of first-class standing may receive the International Four-Year Doctoral Partial Tuition Award, which will cover the difference between international and domestic tuition fees
Stober Fellowship Funding Opportunity
The UBC Stober Fellowship Program has been established as a catalyst for excellence in health-related research and student training within the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBC’s Okanagan campus. The Stober PhD Fellowship program funds four, four-year PhD Fellowships within the School of Health and Exercise Science. The Fellowships will begin in 2021 with the generous support of $25,000 for four years for four exceptional trainees. The Stober PhD Fellowship is designed to strengthen world-class health research taking place in the Okanagan. Applications are now open.
Doctoral scholarship funding is available for a motivated student interested in investigating sex-based differences in fatigability in individuals with a chronic respiratory condition and how adverse cardiopulmonary function contributes to neuromuscular fatigue and exercise intolerance in these individuals. The successful student will be co-supervised by Drs. Chris McNeil and Neil Eves and should have a track-record of research in neuromuscular and/or cardiopulmonary physiology. Previous experience working with clinical populations would be an asset. Interested applicants should email either Dr. McNeil (chris.mcneil@ubc.ca) or Dr. Eves (neil.eves@ubc.ca) directly with a CV and a statement of interest.
awards & scholarships
UBC Awards
The College of Graduate Studies administers merit-based graduate awards at the Okanagan campus. The College manages a number of award competitions each year and administers payment of all internal awards and selected external awards.
External Awards
All prospective graduate students should explore and apply for external awards and fellowships, including, in the case of domestic students, scholarships offered by Canada’s three research councils: CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC.
Graduate scholarships and awards may also be available from foundations, private companies or foreign governments (check with your country’s education authority).
UBC’S OKANAGAN CAMPUS
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. At the School of Engineering on UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.
DYNAMIC CITY
UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.
More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.
UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.
NATURAL BEAUTY
A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.
Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*
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CAMPUS HOUSING
Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
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Clubs: Make friends with similar interests, stay informed, and organize or participate in academic and recreational events in the Graduate Health and Exercise Sciences Society.
Events: Various orientations help graduate students to explore, discover and learn about the School of Engineering, UBC Okanagan, and living in the Okanagan Valley.
Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.
Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.
College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation.
Centre for Scholarly Communication: Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty in disseminating their research. The Library’s CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles, and grant proposals.
Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training, and use of technology in educational programming.
Learn more about graduate student resources and support.
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