Faculty
Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose
PhD, PT
Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD, PT, Professor, is a physical therapist and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Healthy Aging at the University of British Columbia, Department of Physical Therapy. She directs the Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Health Laboratory and the Vancouver General Hospital’s Falls Prevention Clinic (www.fallsclinic.ca). Dr. Liu-Ambrose is Co-Director of the Centre for Aging SMART at VCH (also known as Centre for Hip Health and Mobility).
She leads the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Data Collection Site at UBC, the CLSA Neuroimaging Working Group, and the CLSA COVID-19 Brain Health Study. Dr. Liu-Ambrose also co-leads the CLSA Healthy Brains, Healthy Aging initiative.
Dr. Liu-Ambrose’s research focuses on understanding the role of exercise, and other lifestyle interventions, in promoting cognitive and mobility outcomes in older adults. Her research findings have been implemented into clinical practice, community programs, and international practice guidelines or recommendations to promote healthy aging.
Postdoctoral Fellows
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 focused 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 research 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
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
Contact: gui.moraesbalbim@ubc.ca
Jordyn Rice
PhD.
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Jordyn Rice is a post-doctoral fellow supervised by Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. Jordyn completed both her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) and PhD degrees at the University of Miami. As a clinician, her primary practice settings were in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. During her PhD studies, her lab focused on the use of exercise to promote brain health in sedentary aging adults and the utilization of non-invasive brain stimulation to characterize intracortical circuits relevant to synaptic plasticity. Her dissertation work investigated how dual-task walking assessments are related to measures of physical and cognitive reserve, brain maintenance and brain reserve in aging adults. Jordyn’s current research interest is to further understand the interrelationship between physical and cognitive health with the overall goal to find the most efficient strategies to maintain and improve these domains utilizing physical exercise interventions. In her spare time Jordyn enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, reading, and spending time with her pup Cado.
Contact: Jordyn.rice@ubc.ca
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
B.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@student.ubc.ca
Ryan Stein
M.Sc.
Ryan Stein is a PhD 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
Vrinda Dimri
M.Sc.
Vrinda is a PhD student in the Rehabilitation Sciences program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. She completed a MSc. Research in Psychology from Tilburg University, Netherlands. Prior to this, Vrinda had completed her MSc. In Clinical Psychology from University of Groningen, Netherlands. She is interested in exploring the role of individual differences in physical activity participation and its subsequent impact on cognitive functioning. Outside of the lab, Vrinda enjoys working out, playing racquet sports and traveling!
Contact: vdimri@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
Chuidan Kong
M.A.
Chuidan is a PhD student in the Rehabilitation Sciences program at the University of British Columbia, under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. She completed her MA in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Chuidan is interested in understanding the impact of lifestyle factors and physical activity on cognitive health and quality of life during middle age, with a focus on their long-term effects into later life. Outside of the lab, Chuidan enjoys bouldering and yoga.
Contact: chuidank@student.ubc.ca
Winnie Weng
M.A.
Winnie completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Contact: wweng05@student.ubc.ca
MSc Trainees
Christine Seo
B.Sc.
Christine completed her Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. She is currently a MSc student in the Neuroscience program at UBC under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. Her undergraduate research investigated near-infrared light and its potential for improving cognitive performance in healthy undergraduate students. She is interested in studying interventions that can promote healthy aging, especially in terms of slowing cognitive decline and dementia prevention, as well as factors that may influence their effectiveness. She has previously served as a volunteer, work learn student assistant, full-time research assistant in the lab and, most recently, as the clinic coordinator of the Falls Prevention Clinic. In her spare time, Christine loves exploring cities and traveling to new places.
Contact: cysseo@student.ubc.ca
Daniel Elesin
B.Kin.
Daniel Elesin is a MSc student in the Rehabilitation Sciences program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. He completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. As an aspiring physician, he hopes to incorporate knowledge from his Kinesiology degree into innovative clinical research that can improve an individual’s physical and cognitive well-being. In his spare time, he loves exercising, listening to music, and trying new foods.
Contact: delesin1@student.ubc.ca
David Zimmon
B.Sc.
David is a MSc trainee in the Rehabilitation Sciences program under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. He previously completed his BSc in Pharmacology at McGill University and has participated in research focusing on immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease. He was inspired to join the lab by his time volunteering with organizations promoting healthy lifestyles for aging communities. David is interested in investigating how exercise interventions can affect cognition, brain structure and function in those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and staying active.
Contact: dzimmon@student.ubc.ca
Research Coordinators
Cindy Sha
M.Sc.
Cindy completed her Master of Science in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in collaboration with the British Columbia Children’s Hospital. She also earned her Bachelor of Kinesiology from UBC, where she competed on the varsity rugby team throughout both degrees. Her thesis explored the interplay between surgical, physiological, and behavioural factors influencing exercise capacity in adolescents with Tetralogy of Fallot. Cindy is passionate about the role of exercise in supporting both healthy aging and childhood growth and development. Outside the lab, you can find her playing sports with friends, adventuring with her cat, or relaxing on the beach!
Contact: cindy.sha@ubc.ca
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.
Contact: Nathan.wei@ubc.ca
Intervention Research Coordinator
Sioban Tatara
B.Kin.
Sioban is a Registered Kinesiologist with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. Her training as a Kinesiologist has focused on evidenced based practice in the prevention of chronic disease using physical activity and lifestyle interventions. For several years, she has developed clinical skills and expertise while working with older adults living with chronic pain conditions and degenerative diseases. Sioban is keen to hone her skills in data management, exercise intervention delivery and participant engagement. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, learning Japanese, and playing piano.
Contact: sioban.tatara@ubc.ca
Research Recruitment Coordinators
Jammy Zou
M.Sc.
Jammy completed his Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences with Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose at the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at McGill University. His thesis examined the contribution of muscle strength vs. cardiorespiratory fitness to cognitive function in aging adults. Broadly, Jammy is interested in promoting healthy aging via lifestyle interventions through research and knowledge translation. In his spare time, you can find Jammy snowboarding at Cypress, running, or playing badminton.
Contact: jammy.zou@ubc.ca
Victoria Cirone
M.Sc.
Victoria Cirone completed her MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose at the University of British Columbia and a BSc in Kinesiology at McMaster University. Her Master’s thesis examined the feasibility and effects of high-intensity interval training on brain health in perimenopause. Victoria is passionate about exercise’s role in women’s brain health to promote healthy aging, and communicating research through social media to academic and general audiences. In her spare time she loves running, reading, and cooking!
Contact: victoria.cirone@ubc.ca
Research Assistants
Kaitlyn Cheung
Kat Loutet
Kat is an undergraduate student studying Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. She also spent a year abroad in Spain to complete her minor in Spanish! Her previous experience as a kayaker on Team BC sparked her interest in research investigating the effects of exercise on overall health and wellness. In her free time, Kat enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and baking.
Daria Tai
B.Sc.
Alexis Bullock
B.Sc., M.Sc.
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. She is currently completing her Master of Occupational Therapy at UBC. In her spare time, Sofia enjoys reading, a good happy hour, live music, spin classes, and spending time with her family and friends.
Contact: Sofia.grant@ubc.ca
Undergraduates
Ariane Huang
Ariane is a third-year Integrated Sciences student at UBC studying Neuroscience, Physiology, and Public Health. She is interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and is an advocate for individuals of all ages to stay active both physically and cognitively. During her free time, Ariane enjoys hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and music!
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.
Joan Liu
Joan is currently an Integrated Sciences undergraduate student at UBC studying Neurophysiology and Immunology. Her interest in clinical research surrounding health and wellness stemmed from her time as an athlete and coach, as well as a volunteer at a pediatrics physiotherapy clinic. In her free time, Joan enjoys hiking, playing ultimate frisbee, video-editing, and trying new food spots in the Lower Mainland!
Manya Goyal
Christy Wong
Vedika Handa
Sophie Van Cuylenborg
Kyle Chan
Kyle is an undergraduate student studying Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, with hopes of becoming a physiotherapist in the future. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys playing hockey, weightlifting, running and cooking.
Sarah Taneja
Lemon Lin
Maria Huang
Alumni
Masters Students
Victoria Cirone, MSc
Ryu Lien, MSc
Jammy Zou, MSc
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
Research Associates
John Best, PhD
Jennifer C Davis, PhD