Faculty

PhD Western University (Cardiovasular Dynamics), MSc University of Waterloo (Physiology), BSc University of Waterloo

I love what I do. I’m a dad, a teacher, an athlete, a brewer and a Leafs fan. As a dad, I enjoy cooking, singing and dancing with my kids. As a teacher, I continually improve my course materials, delivery methods and pedagogy to enhance the learning experiences for my students. I am a proponent of Open Education, and am working with my students to develop Open Educational Resources in my classes. I believe that technology can play a prominent role in and outside of the classroom, and I strive to give my students authentic learning experiences. As an athlete, I remain physically active by playing hockey. My team (The Renegades) may not win a lot, but we work hard in the corners, chase the puck and try to make good things happen out there. As a brewer, I enjoy making and sharing different styles of beer with family and friends. And as a Leafs fan, I see a bright future!

PhD Arizona State University (Curriculum & Instruction/Exercise & Wellness), MSc University of Victoria (Exercise Physiology), BSc University of Victoria

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach, learn and live on Snuneymuxw traditional territory, in Nanaimo. I am passionate about supporting student success in the broad field of kinesiology and connecting with people in active and healthy settings. I have several academic interests including pedagogy (the art and science of teaching), nutrition science, human physiology and research methods. I grew up playing a lot of sports. I competed as a varsity volleyball player at UVic, a tennis player around BC, and a squash player in Nanaimo. I have worked with numerous amateur and professional athletes, including a 4year period as the strength and conditioning coach with the Los Angeles Kings (1996-2000). I stay active by running, golfing and working in my garden. I love growing food on Protection Island, where I live with my wife Jodi and cat Luca. I am also a drummer and like to build things.

Ph.D. (candidate) University of Victoria (Wellness of Personal Trainers), M.Sc. University of Calgary (Adult Education), B.Sc. Simon Fraser University (Kinesiology)

Although my undergrad degree is technically from SFU, I completed most of it here, at VIU. My time at VIU as a student, and as a varsity athlete (badminton), was an incredibly inspiring and empowering time in my life. I feel incredibly honored to now be a part of this teaching team, hoping to inspire and empower this generation of students.

I believe that education is about relationships. When students feel seen, heard and valued they can develop the courage and the confidence they need to learn and to challenge themselves. There is no greater joy for me than creating a learning environment where a student, who is struggling, finally “gets it ''. Their whole perception of themselves changes at that moment. Suddenly what they thought wasn’t possible, could be. Students learn that they can do hard things. As a first-generation academic, I understand the importance of inspiring students to learn, especially those who perhaps don’t think they belong in university. Relationships involve give and take, and so I see myself as more of a facilitator of learning rather than a teacher. I bring a certain amount of knowledge and experience to the classroom, and so do my students.

Outside of VIU I love having adventures with my husband and my daughter and exploring different ways to be creative. I had never considered myself to be a “creative” person, so exploring ways to engage that part of my brain has been a lot of fun.

PhD McMaster University, Post-Doctoral Fellowship University of Calgary, MSc Lakehead University (Kinesiology), Honours BKin Lakehead University, Former Canada Research Chair Mount Royal University, Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Vancouver Island University

I was born and raised on Robinson-Superior Treaty territory and attended Lakehead University as a varsity cross-country and track and field athlete. It was here that my passion for studying human movement grew, as I became interested in studying human movement as a means to improve myself as a competitive runner. As I finished my undergraduate degree, I became very interested in pursuing a career where I could continually study and research human movement.

This initial interest led my down a 15-year path to study human movement from different disciplinary lenses such as motor control, neurophysiology of movement, and biomechanics.  This unique journey allowed me to learn from many experts in the field and also conduct research with a number of world-leading footwear and sport apparel industries. At Vancouver Island University, my current work examines how your foot and ankle are important for stable locomotion and how issues that affect the foot and ankle can lead to detrimental outcomes such as joint injuries or falls in older adults. My future goals are to use a combination of biomechanics, neurophysiology, and computer models to find ways to prevent falls in older adults and keep people mobile as they age.

In my spare time, you will find me running on many of the beautiful trails around the area, riding my bike, or playing disc golf.

Graduate Certificate in Strategic Human Resources Management Royal Roads, BA University of Victoria, Criminology Diploma Simon Fraser University

I believe experiential education opportunities are the golden ticket in terms of career planning and making a successful transition to the world of work. I am passionate about supporting students to apply their education in the field, and I love being a part of that process. Former students would say I am slightly (completely) obsessed with networking, transferable skills and career planning. Motto: Onwards and Upwards! Fun and irrelevant fact about me: I have been stung over 100 times by bees…before the age of 12.

Ph.D., Queen’s University (Kinesiology/Sport Psychology), M.Sc., Queen’s University (Kinesiology/Sport Psychology), B.Kin., The University of British Columbia, A.S., Monroe Community College (N.Y., U.S.A)

I consider myself very fortunate to have lived, worked, and played in some of the most beautiful places in Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. Among the closest to my heart are the unceded traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and the Omàmiwinini (1000 Islands region). My wife, Allie and I are grateful for the opportunity to call Nanaimo, on the unceded traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw, our new home.

What I love most about my career is helping students to develop their curiosity, critical thinking, and ability to effectively communicate their ideas. My expertise lies in understanding and optimizing group environments to develop leadership, create participation opportunities, and enrich individuals’ experiences in sport, exercise, and rehabilitation settings. Whether teaching sport psychology, psycho-social aspects of physical activity, or motor control, I like to leverage the group in either the content of the class or how we engage with the material.

Outside of my career, I enjoy being in the outdoors, participating in most sports, and playing board games. As recent transplants to Vancouver Island, Allie and I are excited to explore everything our new home and community has to offer.

Ph.D. University of Saskatchewan (Kinesiology), Post-Doctoral Fellowship University of Saskatchewan (Medicine).

Dr. Kerpan’s work is centred on children’s health. Through community-engaged scholarship she partners with schools, organizations, and Indigenous communities to investigate and address child health disparities. Her current research focuses on prenatal opioid exposure, particularly prenatal opioid exposure in First Nation communities. Dr. Kerpan also conducts research on school-based physical activity promotion, specifically how to support educators in the implementation of quality daily physical activity.

As a teacher, Dr. Kerpan is passionate about teaching at the intersection of public health and physical activity. She is interested in experiential learning, authentic assessment, and the development of critical thinking and communication skills. 

PhD Penn State University (Anatomy), MS Penn State University (Anatomy), B. Applied Science (Athletic Therapy) Sheridan College. 

My academic areas of interests are human anatomy, sports injuries and rehabilitation, and exercise physiology. I believe anatomy is the foundation for effective medicine. Having strong fundamental knowledge of anatomy allows for effective diagnosis and treatment of common injuries and complex pathologies. Furthermore, one of our most efficient treatments for a variety of conditions is appropriately prescribed exercise, and a well-designed plan of exercise can be a powerful modality for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and in treating disease.

I teach at Anatomy, Injury Management, and Strength and Conditioning at Vancouver Island University. One of the things I’m passionate about is the environment we are able to foster here on Vancouver Island. I grew up on Thetis Island and appreciate a smaller community feel. This fits in very well at VIU where class sizes are smaller, which supports effective teaching and connection with students.

My approach to academia as a student and now as a teacher has been one of consistency and hard work. There is always material we cover in class that will inevitably be challenging, and I prefer to navigate this content using different delivery methods (e.g., notes, illustrations, discussions, case studies) and lots of repetitions! In the case of Anatomy, there are many effective tools available through smart phones and devices; however, there is no replacement for hard work studying content with pen to paper. I feel this approach lays down a strong foundation of study habits that will continue to be successful in further courses.

At home, I get excited about old cars and maintain hobbies in automotive and aviation themes. I appreciate hands-on work, and because of this I try to incorporate hands-on lab experiences for content learned in the classroom whenever possible. This is paramount for relating what we learn to how it fits in clinically or functionally, as well as allowing for another opportunity to get more repetitions!