Journey through Kinesiology at University of Waterloo
Meet Beth Godkin, a dedicated PhD student in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. With a passion for research, teaching, and community engagement, Beth has carved out a unique path in the field of Kinesiology, blending academic excellence with a commitment to improving lives through health research.
Beth began her academic journey with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Queen’s University, followed by a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at McMaster University. In fall 2021, she took the next step by enrolling in the PhD Kinesiology and Health Sciences program at UWaterloo, aiming to complete her studies by fall 2025.
Reflecting on her time as a graduate student, Beth describes it as an enriching experience. Over the past three years, she’s been an active member of the Kinesiology Graduate Student Association, taking on leadership roles in planning events that foster community among students, faculty, and staff. One standout event was the Aftab Patla Memorial Cup Hockey Game, a cherished tradition that honors a beloved faculty member while bringing together the UWaterloo community in the spirit of sport.
Choosing the right path
The decision to pursue a PhD at UWaterloo was influenced by a combination of personal experiences and professional opportunities. After completing her MSc, Beth worked as a laboratory demonstrator at UWaterloo, where a passion for teaching and mentorship flourished. Simultaneously, a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease sparked an interest in research aimed at improving the quality of life for those with chronic conditions. This led to a pivotal role at the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE), where she worked closely with Dr. William McIlroy on innovative research using wearable technology to monitor patients with neurodegenerative diseases. This collaboration eventually inspired Beth to pursue her PhD under Dr. McIlroy’s supervision, focusing on advancing the use of remote measurement technology in clinical care for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
The Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE), which is located within the Toby Jenkins Building, exists as a collision space of health research and clinical exercise programming for community members. Community members who are cancer survivors, who have had a stroke, or those who live with cognitive impairment can participate in tailored exercise programming under the guidance of highly trained exercise professionals. At the same time, community members are also exposed to research opportunities and to researchers from within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences who have an interest in understanding the impact of physical activity on health outcomes. Researchers, in turn, can learn from the lived experience of community members to ensure that research questions and investigations are meaningful and impactful.
Achievements along the way
Throughout her PhD journey, Beth has celebrated several significant achievements. A highlight was receiving the prestigious Doctoral Research Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), funding the remaining three years of her research. Additionally, she was selected as one of 41 trainees to attend the CIHR Summer Program in Aging, a two-week intensive that connected her with leading researchers and fellow trainees from across Canada. Her academic contributions while at UWaterloo include publishing five articles in academic journals and presenting her research at seven national and international conferences.
Looking beyond academics
During her time as a graduate student, Beth has learned the importance of maintaining balance and wellness. Whether it’s walking her dog, playing sports with friends, or spending time with loved ones, she emphasizes the need to prioritize activities that bring joy to avoid feeling burnt out. She also stresses the importance of challenging feelings of imposter syndrome and recognizing one’s own capabilities, highlighting the value of peer support and community.
“As a student in Kinesiology, we are taught about the importance of engaging in positive lifestyle behaviours to optimize health and wellness and minimize the risk of developing chronic diseases. This exposure has compelled me to try to maintain a physically active lifestyle as much as possible!” Outside of her academic pursuits, Beth stays active by running and taking her two-year-old dog, Eddie, for daily walks. Recently, she completed the challenging 30km Around the Bay Run, a testament to her commitment to stepping outside her comfort zone. Other hobbies include reading and baking, activities that offer relaxation and a creative outlet amidst her busy schedule.
Advice for future students
For those interested in Kinesiology, Beth offers valuable advice: the field is broad, encompassing areas like physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and health behavior change. She encourages prospective students to reach out to current graduate students, faculty, or staff to learn more about the various opportunities available. The supportive community at UWaterloo, coupled with exceptional experiential learning opportunities, makes the Kinesiology program an excellent choice for those passionate about health research.
“I think that with our population aging, there is an increasing need for health researchers who have expertise related to disease prevention and/or strategies that can be used to optimize quality of life and health for those who live with chronic diseases. The field of Kinesiology is well suited to equip students with this type of expertise and to provide opportunities to develop important skills that can be used to support our aging population. Specific to Kinesiology at UWaterloo, there is an emphasis on experiential learning opportunities that are unparalleled and an awesome group of staff and faculty that are here to support students. To that end, I would recommend the Kinesiology program at UWaterloo!”