Name: Gillian Smith
Program: MSc
Supervisor: Dr. Kristin Campbell
Tell us a little bit about your lab!
I am in Dr. Kristin Campbell’s Clinical Exercise Physiology Lab which focuses on how exercise can support people living with and beyond cancer. Our research aims to understand the role of exercise during and after treatment for cancer to improve quality of life, physical function, and survival. We are also exploring how exercise can be implemented into clinical practice.
What project are you currently working on?
I am studying how changes in muscle and body composition during chemotherapy affect colon cancer outcomes, and how psychosocial factors like social isolation and income impact this relationship. For this retrospective study, I am analyzing computed tomography scans and patient records at BC Cancer. Alongside my thesis work, I am writing a systematic review and contributing to several randomized controlled trials in my lab.
What do you like to do outside of academia?
I love to snowboard and hike, so I can be found in the mountains most weekends! I also enjoy organizing social events for our program through my role on the Rehabilitation Science Student Executive Council (RSEC).
Congratulations Gillian on being our featured Student of the Month for September!
Interested in seeing what else our Rehabilitation Sciences students and trainees are working on? Stay tuned for our next feature!