Graduate Students of Kinesiology and Recreation Management Association (GSKARMA)

Mission statement: We will promote open communication and collaboration between graduate students from FKRM programs, as well as FKRM undergraduate student associations (PERKS, ATSA). Further, we will advocate on behalf of graduate students to FKRM faculty and administration, promote the department through community outreach and support graduate students' academic and social events. We will approach our responsibilities with a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, transparency and accountability.

Contact GSKARMA

View Terms of Reference

Meet our team

  • Headshot of Amy Abbeglen

    Amy Abegglen

    Position: Co-councillor, Events Co-coordinator

    Amy Abegglen is a second-year Master of Science in Kinesiology supervised by Dr. Todd Duhamel. She studies women’s heart health and caregiver involvement in early mobility activities in the cardiac surgery ICU.

    As the GSKARMA co-councilor, she hopes to foster a supportive and inclusive community for graduate students by overseeing events and initiatives that engage and support them.

  • Headshot of Faith Olarinde

    Faith Olarinde

    Position: Co-councilor, Events Co-coordinator, and MSc. Representative

    Faith Olarinde is a second-year Master of Science in Kinesiology student supervised by Dr. Rodrigo Villar. Her research focuses on the autonomic, cardiovascular and respiratory responses to physiological stress in individuals with long-COVID.

    Faith seeks to promote open communication between Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management (FKRM) grad students and FKRM faculty and administration through her roles. She also plans to lead events aimed at building community among students.

  • Elena-Broecklermann-Headshot

    Elena Broeckelmann

    Position: Graduate Program Committee Representative

    In her PhD, Elena is advised by Dr. Cheryl Glazebrook with whom she is investigating how sound, such as rhythms or melodies, can be used to improve movement performance and skill learning.

    Her goal with GSKARMA is to contribute to an open, welcoming research environment for graduate students and facilitate communication and collaboration with AHS. She hopes her experience as a former non-Canadian student adds to the diversity of GSKARMA members' backgrounds and informs how we support the broader graduate student body.

  • Headshot of Jamie Alexiuk

    Jamie Alexiuk

    Position: KRM First-Year Student Representative

    Jamie Alexiuk is a first-year Master of Science in Kinesiology student supervised by Dr. Todd Duhamel. Her research will focus on women's heart health and the lifestyle behaviours of cardiac surgery patients.

    As the KRM First-Year Student Representative, Jamie aims to ensure that first-year students feel heard and supported by representing their interests to GSKARMA and contributing to a collaborative environment within the department.

  • headshot of Vianney Vega

    Vianney Vega

    Position: Co-treasurer

    Vianney is a master's of arts in kinesiology supervised by Dr. Shaelyn Strachan. He is studying the impacts of mindfulness training on the personal and athletic lives of adolescent athletes.

    As the GSKARMA Treasurer, his goal is to actively seek out and secure additional funding sources, such as grants, sponsorships, or partnerships, to expand GSKARMA’s budget and enable more events, resources, and support for graduate students.

  • Headshot of Jasper Kaur Dhaliwal

    Jasvir Kaur Dhaliwal

    Position: Co-treasurer

    Jasvir Kaur is a master of science in kinesiology, under the supervision of Dr. Yannick Molgat-Seon and Dr. Rodrigo Villar. Her research evaluates the physiological and perceptual responses to inspiratory muscle training in healthy males and females.

    As Treasurer, she aims to manage GSKARMA’s finances accurately and transparently while securing new funding opportunities to enhance our budget and support initiatives for graduate students. I also hope to collaborate with faculty leadership to allocate resources effectively and maintain financial stability in alignment with our goals.

  • Headshot of Saba Mohammadalinezhad Kolahdouz

    Saba Mohammadalinezhad Kolahdouz

    Position: International Student Representative

    Saba is a Ph.D. candidate in the Applied Health Sciences program at the Perceptual Motor Integration lab (PMI), where she is advised by Dr. Cheryl Glazebrook. Her research focuses on understanding how sensory inputs influence movement precision, speed and motor recovery, particularly in older adults.

    As an International Student Representative, she advocates for the unique needs of international students, ensuring their voices are valued in university decisions and policies. She is committed to providing guidance, fostering inclusivity, and improving the international student experience through open communication and feedback.

GSKARMA nominations

The newly formed Graduate Students of Kinesiology And Recreation Management Association (GSKARMA) is currently accepting nominations for voting positions to fill roles on the committee. Please see below for details.

  • Voting Members

    Voting members will be requried to attend recurring monthly meetings. Voting members will be expected to contribute to and assist with GSKARMA initiatives in addition to those duties specified herein whenever possible. 

    Positions will run from September to July 31 the following year. Nomination forms are due Friday, September 10, 2021.

    Nomination form

    All Voting Member positions must require at least 10 signatures from FKRM-affiliated graduate students to be nominated. No signatures will be required for the nomination of the first-year representative. If there is more than one nomination submitted for a position, then elections will be held for the contested seats.

    Member roles and responsibilities 

  • Sitting KRM UMGSA representatives  
    • UMGSA representatives will serve as council treasurer(s), including applying for UMGSA departmental grants, preparing financial statements and ensuring the timely transfer of funds for GSKARMA projects
    • Other duties as per the UMGSA
  • At least one graduate student serving on the Graduate Program Committee
    • Advocate on behalf of KRM graduate students and GSKARMA to the Graduate Program Committee
    • Ensure that GSKARMA is kept informed of decisions made by the Graduate Program Committee which directly impact the graduate student body
  • One Communications representative
    • Create social media content to inform students about GSKARMA initiatives and engage with the graduate student body
    • Facilitate communications between GSKARMA and students, faculty and administration
    • Schedule and reserve space for GSKARMA and subcommittee meetings
  • Two Events organizers
    • Responsible for managing established GSC events such as Journal Club and Office Hour
    • Propose new events to council and organize ad hoc volunteer committees
    • Whenever possible these positions should be filled by one MA and one MSc student
  • One International student representative
    • Welcome students to University of Manitoba and to Canada
      • Obtain a list from administration of incoming international and out-of-province students and their student emails
      • Provide international and out-of-province students with resources such as maps of the university and KRM labs, and information about how to access healthcare, housing and other relevant services
    • Outreach
      • Provide opportunities (in collaboration with the GSKARMA events organizers) to introduce incoming KRM international graduate and out-of-province students to other students, faculty and community members
      • Liaise with the International Student Centre as needed
      • Represent international student interests to the GSKARMA
  • One KRM first-year student representative
    • Represent first-year interests to the GSKARMA
    • This position must be held by a current first-year Masters student within FKRM
    •  
    One KRM-based AHS student representative
    • Represent KRM-based AHS students (those whose supervisor is in the FKRM)
    • Ensure the GSKARMA is kept informed of AHS events, decisions, and other news
    • Advocate for mentorship opportunities between AHS PhD students and KRM Master’s students
    • This position must be held by a KRM-based AHS student

Join the GSKARMA today!