People

Faculty

Dr. Liu-Ambrose has a leadership role in two major Canadian Institutes of Health Research initiatives in aging – the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA) and the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA). Recognition of Dr. Liu-Ambrose’s research excellence include her national research chair award (Canada Research Chair), 2 national salary awards (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada), 1 provincial salary award (Michael Smith Foundation of Canada), and 2 institution research excellent awards (Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement in Clinical Research and Peter Wall Scholar Award). She also received the Royal Society of Canada’s Alice Wilson Award as a postdoctoral fellow.

Dr. Liu-Ambrose is known internationally for her work in randomized controlled trials of exercise with cognitive and mobility outcomes in older adults. Her research findings have been implemented in health authorities, translated into a provincial-wide program, and influenced international practice guidelines to promote healthy aging.

Nárlon Cássio Boa Sorte Silva
PhD

CIHR and MSFHR/PARF Postdoctoral fellow
Department of  Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Nárlon Cássio Boa Sorte Silva is a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Liu-Ambrose’s lab. He received a PhD degree in Kinesiology from Western University in London, Ontario. Originally from Brazil, Narlon received a BSc degree in Physical Education from Nove de Julho University in São Paulo. The overarching goal of Narlon’s research is to investigate the impact of physical exercise on health outcomes in older adults at risk of dementia. In Dr. Liu-Ambrose’s lab, he is investigating whether exercise can prevent or slow down pathological processes affecting the white matter of the brain, in older adults with vascular cognitive impairment. He has established international collaboration in dementia research through the Vascular Cognitive Disorders Professional Interest Area (VPIA) within the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART). His postdoctoral fellowship in Dr. Liu-Ambrose’s lab is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and a joint grant by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR)/Pacific Alzheimer Research Foundation (PARF). Narlon is passionate about research, exercise, poetry, music, and Brazilian food.

Contact: narlon.silva@ubc.ca

Elizabeth Dao
PhD

Previously, Liz completed her BA (Hons) in Psychology at the University of British Columbia.  In her undergraduate training, she looked at the role of mind wandering in visual attention using event related potentials (ERPs) with Dr. Todd Handy. After completing her undergraduate degree, Liz worked as a coordinator on several research studies investigating the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in promoting neuroplasticity and motor recovery after stroke with Dr. Lara Boyd. Currently, Liz is a PhD candidate under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. Her PhD work focuses on the pathophysiology of small vessel ischemic disease and how it may affect cognitive and physical function in older adults. Specifically, Liz utilizes conventional and novel neuroimaging methods to assess the role of demyelination, white matter hyperintensities, and cerebral amyloid deposition in cognitive and physical impairments. In addition, her PhD work investigates the role of lifestyle interventions, such as aerobic exercise, in modifying small vessel ischemic pathology to improve clinical outcomes for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Contact: lizdao@hiphealth.ca

Lisanne ten Brinke
PhD

Department of  Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Lisanne ten Brinke is a postdoctoral fellow supervised by Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. During her PhD Lisanne focused on the effects of computerized cognitive training and exercise on cognitive function in healthy older adults and those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to cognitive performance, she focused on neuroimaging outcomes such as resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging collected at multiple timepoints. Lisanne is originally from The Netherlands and loves all the outdoor opportunities British Columbia has to offer, such as (mountain) biking, beach volleyball, surfing, and snowboarding.

Contact: lisanne.tenbrinke@ubc.ca

 

Ryan Falck
PhD

Department of  Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Ryan Stanley Falck is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Physical Therapy. His research investigates how lifestyle can promote healthy cognitive aging in people at risk for cognitive decline. Major research foci include examining how physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep quality share an interactive relationship with cognitive health.

Contact: ryan.falck@hiphealth.ca

Guilherme Moraes Balbim
PhD

Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Guilherme (Gui) got his PhD in Kinesiology and Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Gui is from Brazil, where he received his BS and MSc in Physical Education from the State University of Maringá. During his PhD, his research interests revolved around increasing older Latinos’ physical activity levels with dance interventions and examining its impact on the brain and cognitive health. In Dr. Liu-Ambrose’s lab, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, Gui investigates the efficacy of exercise training in mitigating the effects of experimental bed rest on older adults’ cognitive function and brain health. The research also explores the underlying mechanisms by which both bed rest and exercise training impact cognitive function and its potential moderators. His postdoctoral fellowship is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). In his free time, Gui loves running, cooking, being outdoors, and exploring the city and nature.

Contact: gui.moraesbalbim@ubc.ca

 

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PhD Trainees

Rebeca Hernández Gamboa
M.Sc.

Rebeca is a licensed psychologist and current doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. She received her MSc on Human Movement Sciences at the University of Costa Rica, specializing on lifestyle factors that influence cognitive ageing. Her research has been mainly focused on the effect of resistance training on cognitive function, and the relationship between changes on physical and cognitive outcomes during ageing. Rebeca’s doctoral studies will explore sex differences in exercise efficacy in improving cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Contact: rebecahg@student.ubc.ca

Matthew Noseworthy
M.Sc.

Matthew is a PhD student in the Neuroscience program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. Previously, he completed a BSc in Biochemistry (Honours and Co-op) and ran with the varsity cross-country running and track team at the University of Victoria. During his Honours and Co-op terms, Matt performed research in Dr. Brian Christie’s molecular neurobiology lab, Dr. Brad Nelson’s cancer immunotherapy lab, Dr. Katherine Elvira’s microfluidics lab, and Drs. Sandra Hundza and Marc Klimstra’s motion and mobility research lab. Broadly, Matt is interested in lifestyle and integrative approaches to cognitive and physical health and performance. His MSc project will assess the effect of exercise in a natural, outdoor environment versus a built, indoor environment on cognitive health in community-dwelling, older adults. Outside of the lab, Matt will be training and competing with UBC’s cross-country running team.

Contact: mattnose@alumni.ubc.ca

Ryan Stein
B.Sc.

Ryan Stein is a MSc Student in the Rehabilitation Sciences program and is under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. He completed his BSc in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria under the supervision of Dr. Brian Christie in the UVic Concussion Lab.

Contact: rstein03@student.ubc.ca

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MSc Trainees

Jammy Zou
B.Sc.

Jammy is a MSc student in the Rehabilitation Sciences program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. He previously completed a BSc in Kinesiology at McGill University and participated in Exercise Psychology research investigating the effects of peer-models on exercise self-efficacy. One of his favourite courses during his undergraduate degree was musculoskeletal and visceral anatomy because it gave him the opportunity to appreciate the complexity of the human body. Outside of the lab, he enjoys any type outdoor activity especially when the activity involves being surrounded by nature. Although he prefers the snow over rain, he is happy to have left the cold winters in Montreal.

Contact: jmzou@student.ubc.ca

Victoria Cirone
B.Sc.

Victoria Cirone is a MSc student in the Neuroscience Program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. She completed a BSc in Kinesiology at McMaster University. Her undergraduate thesis was under Dr. Jennifer Heisz’s supervision looking into the effects of exercise intensity on inhibitory control in an ADHD population. Victoria wanted to research the effects of exercise on brain health through the aging process after working in a long-term care home. In her spare time she loves reading, running, and trying new coffee shops!

Contact: vcirone@student.ubc.ca

Vicky Gu
B.Sc.

Vicky completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of British Columbia in Cognitive Systems, brain and cognition stream. She is currently a MSc Student in the Neuroscience program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. Her undergraduate research focused on brain imaging techniques (e.g., rs-fMRI) and the resultant brain functional connectome. She is interested in investigating brain aging and aging-related neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., AD, MCI) through the brain imaging approach. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and baking. She loves the summer in Vancouver.

Contact: guyi730@student.ubc.ca

Ryu Lien
B.Sc.

Ryu Lien is a MSc student in the Rehabilitation Sciences program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. He previously completed a BSc in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. He is working with Dr. Lindsay Nagamatsu in the Exercise, Mobility, and Brain Health Lab. Ryu’s work aims to measure the effects of resistance training on white matter structural connectivity in older adults at-risk for cognitive decline using neuroimaging tools. In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting, running, and pour-over coffee!

Contact: rlien@student.ubc.ca

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Research Coordinators

Alexis Bullock
B.Sc., M.Sc.

Alexis completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Masters of Science in Kinesiology at McMaster University. In her spare time, Alexis enjoys mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and spending time in the great outdoors.

Sofia Grant
B.Sc.

Sofia completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary with a major in Exercise and Health Physiology. In her spare time, Sofia enjoys reading, listening to music, spin classes, and spending time with her family and friends.

Nathan Wei
B.Sc.

Nathan completed his Bachelor of Science in Cellular, Anatomical, and Physiological Sciences at the University of British Columbia. He is interested in medicine and health care research. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and being active, and is an avid football and F1 fan.

 

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Research Assistants

Jasmine Sindhar
B.Kin.

Jasmine completed her Bachelor degree in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. She is currently working as a research assistant within the Factorial exercise studies and assisting in other exercise studies. After tearing her ACL and having a positive experience with physical therapy throughout her recovery, Jasmine became inspired to pursue physical therapy to provide the same if not better level of care for others. In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and baking.

Sarah Heath
B.Kin.

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology specializing in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology at the University of the Fraser Valley. Her dance background and experience with scoliosis inspired her passion for sports injury and physiotherapy. Sarah’s goal is to help encourage others to maintain their physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. After traveling to Fiji in 2019, this sparked her desire to make sports programming, physiotherapy and nutrition education more accessible, especially in developing countries. Her passions include dance, snowboarding, yoga and traveling.

Gwen Tam
B.A.

Gwen completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Her goal is to continue to advocate for mental health and persons with disabilities awareness. Gwen hopes to someday pursue a career in mental health care and/or social and support work for persons with disabilities. During her spare time, Gwen likes to go hiking, take long scenic drives, dine out with friends, and generally be part of nature wildlife viewing.

Sioban McCormick
B.Kin.

Sioban completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of the British Columbia. Her previous background in aquatics and experience with neurological conditions inspired her passion for active rehabilitation and long term recovery. During her time at UBC she worked in the Fitness, Aging and Stress Lab under Dr. Eli Puterman, helping to test physical literacy in early childhood educators.
In addition, she served as a student athletic trainer for both men’s and women’s varsity rugby teams. Combining her love of active rehab with her keen interest in research methods, she is interested in how group movement and mindfulness impacts cognitive function in trauma survivors. In her spare time she enjoys running, skiing and mountain biking.

Aliana Manji
BSc

Aliana completed her Bachelor of Science Degree, with a Major in Kinesiology and concentration in Active health and rehabilitation at Simon Fraser University. Her goal is to be support individuals in being the best version of themselves and be able to live life to the fullest and this aspires Aliana to pursue physical therapy in the future. During her spare time Aliana enjoys spending her time outdoors, hiking and travelling.

Patrick Chan
B.Sc.

Patrick completed his Bachelor of Science in Integrated Sciences at the University of British Columbia. He has an interest in medicine, hoping to pursue a career as a geriatrician. In his spare time, Patrick also enjoys playing the piano, listening to music, running, hiking, and playing soccer.

Daria Tai
B.Sc.

Daria completed her Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. She is currently the Clinic Coordinator for the Falls Prevention Clinic. She enjoys baking, hiking and swimming in her spare time; she is also a swimming instructor and lifeguard.

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Undergraduates

Vivien Liang

Vivien is an undergraduate student studying Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. She is currently working as a student assistant for research exercise interventions. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, hiking, and skiing.

Lily Gu

Lily is currently in her 3rd year of Integrated Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She loves working with people of all ages and helping individuals achieve their goals and overcome their challenges, and hopes to go into a field where she gets the chance to do so. When she’s not studying or working, she can be found listening to music, singing, but she is always on the hunt for new and interesting hobbies!

Rachelle Tweed

Rachelle is currently studying Kinesiology and business at the University of British Columbia. She is working as a student assistant for research exercise interventions, and loves spending time in classes with participants! In her free time she enjoys running with friends, hiking and skiing.

Elena Scheibler

Elena is a third-year undergraduate student studying psychology at the University of British Columbia. Her career goals center around helping others overcome setbacks, whether they be physical or mental. She is passionate about the impact exercise can have on individuals and hopes to incorporate this into her future studies. On weekends, Elena can be found outdoors, whether that be hiking, skiing, or trail running.

Daniel Do

Daniel is an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia studying Biochemistry. In his spare time, Daniel likes listening to music, reading novels, and watching TV shows.

Masih Golbidi

Masih is an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia majoring in Integrated Pharmacology and Physiology. Masih works as a Personal Trainer at UBC and his research interests lie in the use of exercise as a preventative healthcare measure. In his free time, Masih enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and watching F1 highlights.

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Alumni

Masters Students

Ryan Stein, MSc
Madison Kaisers, MSc
Kim Bennett, MSc
Tracy Dignum, PT, M.Ed
Walid Al Keridy, MD
Elizabeth Dao, B.A.
Lauren Marcotte, B.Sc.
Liang Hsu, B.Sc.
Lindsay Nagamatsu, B.A.

PhD Students

Rachel Crockett, PhD
Ryan Falck, PhD
Lisanne ten Brinke, PhD
Elizabeth Dao, PhD
Liang Hsu, PhD
Lindsay Nagamatsu, PhD
Niousha Bolandzadeh, PhD
Jennifer Davis, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellows

Cindy Barha, PhD

Rachel Crockett, PhD

Deborah Jehu, PhD

Glenn J. Landry, PhD

Jennifer Davis, PhD

Olav Kringolson, PhD

Anna Rita Egbert, PhD

John R. Best, PhD

Hyuma Makizako, PhD

Research Associates

John Best, PhD
Jennifer C Davis, PhD