Sarah Der, SURF 2022

Human Kinetics (Clinical Exercise Physiology)

Supervisor: Dr. mary jung

Examining the recruitment strategies and processes aimed at improving diversity within Small Steps for Big Change

Awards and Scholarships

  • Weatherill Family Award 2022
  • Peter Lougheed Leadership College Tavender Award 2022
  • The Marokus Scholarship in Physical Education 2020 and 2021
  • Golden Key Academy Chapter Award 2021
  • Jason Lang Scholarship 2019, 2020 and 2021
  • Alexander Rutherford Scholarship 2017
  • Paul Kane OnSIDE Scholarship 2017

Certifications

  • Certificate of Interdisciplinary Leadership, Peter Lougheed Leadership College (2022)
  • FASE: Functional Assessments of the Spine and Extremities, Alberta Kinesiology Association (2022)
  • Emergency First Responder, Canadian Red Cross (2019)
  • National Coaching Certification Program, Gymnastics Foundations, Theory and Artistic
  • Respect in Sport and MED Certification, Gymnastics Canada

“My name is Sarah Der, and I grew up in Edmonton, AB, before moving to Kelowna, BC. I recently graduated with a Kinesiology degree, studying exercise science, human physiology, and fitness and health in varying populations. I hope to pursue a career in healthcare and innovation in the future.

My project is within Small Steps for Big Change (SSBC), an evidence-based lifestyle program aimed at lowering the risk of developing type II diabetes. My work will involve examining the recruitment strategies and processes aimed at improving diversity within the program, such as imaging, wording, program deliverer training, and culturally appropriate program administration.

My project is important because by understanding how referral and recruitment strategies are received in the community, we can work to improve our reach and the diversity of underrepresented groups. This will contribute to the Rural Expansion Project of SSBC where the program will be implemented in several rural and remote communities throughout British Columbia. This is important to me because equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the program as well as in my personal, and academic life.”

 

To the Stober Foundation

“I want to thank the Stober Foundation for their generosity in creating exceptional opportunities for undergraduate students, like myself, to pursue work in both existing and new research initiatives. I am grateful for the wide array of opportunity that the foundation has created for my peers and I to further our professional development in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences.”