Helping make the world a healthier place to live
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Annual Report 2014-15
From campus to career path. We are helping make the world a healthier place to live.
Contents 3
Vision, Mission and Dean’s message
4
Who we are
5
Undergraduate studies
6
Experiential learning
7
Department of Health Sciences
8
Department of Kinesiology
9
Department of Nursing
10
Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies
11
Department of Sport Management
12
Graduate studies
13
Research
14,15
Research centres
16,17
Brock-Niagara Centre for Health & Well-Being
18
New to FAHS
19
FAHS supporters
Message from the Provost This Annual Report offers a glimpse into the outstanding work and commitment of the faculty and staff of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, to educate and support the well-being of students and the broader community. I wish to congratulate and thank Interim Dean, James Mandigo as he finishes his term on June 30, for his dedication to the continued success of the faculty. We will welcome incoming Dean, Peter Tiidus on July 1 and look forward to working with him as he engages faculty, staff, and students in the vision to advance the health and well-being of individuals, making the world a better place.
Dr. Neil McCartney Provost and Vice-President, Academic
Dean’s message As Interim Dean, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (FAHS) Annual Report for 2014-15. Once again, FAHS experienced tremendous growth and success in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service to the community.
Vision We advance the health and well-being of individuals, making the world a better place.
Mission To foster excellence in education and research in a student-focused environment and to develop, promote, and maintain multi-disciplinary programs focusing on human health and well-being. We are committed to the application of basic and applied knowledge for the purpose of enhancing the social, environmental, and economic health of the Niagara Region and beyond.
Over the past year, our Faculty became the second biggest undergraduate Faculty on campus. We welcomed 780 new majors to our undergraduate programs, taught 10,969 students in our classes, mentored 3,403 majors throughout the year, and worked with over 275 community partners as part of our priority to achieve community engagement. This year also saw the awarding of three PhDs to Dr. Riaz Askeer, Dr. Dan Chirico, and Dr. Kaitlyn LaForgeMacKenzie. They were part of 142 graduate students (27 PhD, 57 MSc, & 58 MA) enrolled in the Faculty’s Graduate Program. For our Faculty, 2014-15 was also a very successful year for researchers with faculty members and graduate students receiving funding from all three of Canada’s Tri-Council Agencies. FAHS also led all faculties at Brock in receiving funding from non Tri-Council agencies. This included donations from community partners such as Niagara Recycling, the Lawson Foundation, and John Lean to support ongoing experiential
learning projects. At the same time, two of our research centres (Centre for Healthy Development and Centre for Bone and Muscle Health) were renewed for an additional five years by the Senate’s Research and Scholarship Committee. The Centre for Sport Capacity ran a very successful strategic planning session while the Brock Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being had its “official” opening in October, 2014 and continues to increase its community memberships currently at over 300 while also supporting a number of innovative research projects. And while our Faculty numbers are indeed impressive, it is the people who make up these numbers that are truly the reason behind our success. This year’s annual report is a chance for us to share with you just some of our successes over the past year and our vision for the year ahead. We hope you enjoy learning about what we do, as much as we enjoy doing what we do.
Dr. James Mandigo Professor & Interim Dean 3
Who we are The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences has five departments offering 14 undergraduate programs, seven Masters, and three Doctoral fields of study.
Number of faculty and staff
• 81 Faculty • 26 Staff
4
The faculty is home to five departments that offer diverse perspective on health in applied contexts. The departments are as follows: Health
Undergraduate studies
Sciences, Kinesiology, Nursing, Recreation & Leisure Studies, and Sport Management.
Undergraduate Numbers 2014-15 Intake Numbers
Course Enrollments 2011-12
9,687
2012-13
10,159
2013-14
10,628
2014-15
Dr. Madelyn Law
Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences
723
Dean’s honour roll recipients
787
731
839
780
2011
2012
2013
2014
Headcount
Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, 2015
21
10,969
Articulation agreements with Ontario colleges
56
3067
3087
3304
3403
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
7 Online courses
Spring/summer courses
775
Undergraduate degrees conferred
5
According to the recent National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), 74% of FAHS students indicated that they participated in
Experiential learning Active community partners Students in experiential courses
2,529
276
community service work prior to graduating.
Experiential learning provides opportunities for students Number of student engagement hours in community
to apply their knowledge in authentic ways, experiential
227,582
of Applied Health Sciences.
49 Experiential courses
learning is a pillar not only for Brock, but also for the Faculty
These opportunities can be provided to students through internships, field work placements, and community/ classroom collaborations.
Partnership development
2014-15 Canadian Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Scholarships - 2014-15 Internships in Samoa Sport Management Articulation Agreement with Niagara College Recreation & Leisure Services program with Durham College Cardiovascular Technology Articulation Agreement with Mohawk College Agreement of Cooperation with University of Tsukuba in Japan Agreement of Cooperation with the Olympic Committee of Guatemala Agreement of Cooperation with the National
6
Taiwan University of Sport
Department of Health Sciences
As the oldest undergraduate Department of Health Sciences in Canada, we have prepared our fair share of students who are making the world a healthier place.
Making a healthy difference Working with older adults with a variety of health conditions, students are provided with experience developing, assisting, and evaluating exercise programs that impact the lives of individuals within the Niagara community.
Dr. Tony Bogaert Professor, Health Sciences At the 2014 fall convocation, Dr. Bogaert received the Brock University Award for Distinguished Research and Creative Activity for his research on the origins of sexual orientation, asexuality, sexual offending, high-risk sexual behaviour, and a new model of women’s sexual desire and arousal.
Our programs: Bachelor Bachelor Bachelor Bachelor Bachelor
of Arts in Child Health of Arts in Community Health of Science in Medical Sciences of Science in Biomedical Sciences of Public Health (with co-op option)
Preparing to evaluate and engage with local residents to learn about our community neighbourhoods, students participate in aging simulation exercises to better understand the impact of aging on daily activities. “Aiming to increase satisfaction rates of patients, my I-Equip project provided me with a better understanding of educating patients and expanded my knowledge of Quality Improvement.” Bianca Fucile, Health Sciences (Class of 2016)
7
Our department has research that is currently being funded by all Tri-Council funding agencies in Canada.
Department of Kinesiology
Making a healthy difference
Cool Chair
Volunteering with varsity athletic teams provides Kinesiology students with hands-on experience as athletic therapists and trainers.
The Cool Chair Study A three member Brock University research team
“The Kinesiology program has allowed me to take my educational experience and apply it to a field that is important to me.” Natasha Chang, Kinesiology
has partnered with two community groups - Niagara Children’s Centre and Niagara Prosthetics and Orthotics - to find out more about how and why
(BKin), Class of 2014)
children with cerebral palsy produce heat and get sweaty in their chairs. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada awarded the team more than $585,000 earlier this year.
Our programs: Bachelor or Kinesiology (with co-op option) Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Bachelor of Physical Education Concurrent Bachelor of Physical Education/ Education - Junior/Intermediate
8
- Intermediate/Senior
Students use their knowledge and skills to assist children with a special need to actively participate in movement programming.
Department of Nursing
This past year, the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) recognized Brock University’s commitment to excellence in nursing education by granting the program a seven-year accreditation term, the highest level of CASN accreditation.
Making a healthy difference Interprofessional trauma simulations prepare students for potential scenarios in the emergency room (ER). Our Brock students work alongside Paramedic students from Niagara College and local ER doctors.
Dr. Karyn Taplay (RN, PhD) Assistant Professor, Nursing
“With clinical in first year, I was able to experience a wide range of nursing topics, which has helped me realize my passion for pediatrics.”
Dr. Karyn Taplay received the 2014 ATLAS.ti IIQM Dissertation Award as the 2015 PhD Level Dissertation Award recipient. As the recipient, Dr. Taplay’s innovative analysis in grounded theory research set her dissertation apart from more than 40 applications that were received from around the world. Her PhD dissertation is titled: “The Organizational Cultures of Ontario Schools of Nursing: A Grounded Theory Study to Explain the Adoption and Incorporation of Simulation.”
Our programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tori Wright, Nursing (BScN), Class of 2014
Taking part in one of the largest medical missions in Lima, Peru, nursing students used their knowledge, skills, and training to work alongside local volunteers to help over 3,000 patients over the three day campaign.
9
Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies
Excellence in teaching is a hallmark of our programs. Our professors have received three Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Awards for Teaching Excellence, one Chancellor’s Chair for Teaching Excellence, and one Brock University Distinguished Teaching Award in the past five years.
Making a healthy difference The Therapeutic Recreation program provides field experience with the completion of 100 hours in fourth year and a 16-week internship under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Dr. Mary Breunig Associate Professor, Recreation & Leisure Studies
2015 Chancellor’s Chair for Teaching Excellence
“Working with the Niagara Sport Commission to evaluate after-school programs at the DSBN Academy provided me with experience that has led to a full-time job at the City of Mississauga in the Community Development Unit.” Jocelyn Sagar Stuckless,
Community Recreation (BRLS), Class of 2015
Our programs: Bachelor of Recreation & Leisure Studies - Community Recreation - Outdoor Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation 10
On average, outdoor recreation students take part in at least 30 days of experiential learning opportunities in the field over the course of their program of study. Some opportunities include designing and delivering a canoe workshop for local high school students.
Department of Sport Management
An international survey by education leaders ranked our program fourth in the world among undergraduate sport management programs. (Sport Business International, Issue 212, June 2015)
Making a healthy difference Through a partnership with the Commonwealth Games, students will be recognized as Queen Elizabeth II Scholars and awarded $6,000 for international internships in Commonwealth countries.
Kyle Dubas Sport Management Alumnus (‘07)
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
A major games field course has helped nearly 50 students find placements for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games taking place in Toronto.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Assistant General Manager headlined the third annual Sport Management Alumni Day and received the Brock University’s inaugural Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Our program: Bachelor of Sport Management
“The Sport Management program has given me a chance to be part of this once in a life time experience and I couldn’t be more excited for the Pan Am/ Parapan Am Games to begin”
Stephanie Williamson,
Class of 2016 Bachelor of Sport Management 11
With an individualized program, students benefit from a mentorship-style of learning that concentrates on expanding current research interests into well developed theses.
Graduate studies
Master fields of study
Doctoral fields of study
PhD, Behavioural & Population Health MA, Community Health MA, Health & Physical Education PhD, Health Biosciences PhD, Social & Cultural Health Studies MA, Leisure Studies MA, Nursing MA, Sport Management MSc, Health Sciences MSc, Kinesiology
Student success rate Year Masters Doctoral
Dr. Nancy Francis Professor, Kinesiology
External scholarships
2015 Graduate Mentorship Award Recipient
(OGS/NSERC/SSHRC/ CIHR)
Average time of degree completion (in years)
2012-13
22%
75%
2013-14
29%
80%
2014-15
25%
78%
Graduate student numbers 2012-13
12
MSc
MA
PhD
2.1
3.0
3.7
Programs
2013-14
2014-15
Headcount
Intake
Headcount
Intake
Headcount
Intake
Master of Science (MSc)
46
24
52
26
57
23
Master of Arts (MA)
59
22
48
18
58
22
Doctoral (PhD)
25
5
17
3
27
4
Total
130
51
117
47
142
49
Over the past five years, we have received nearly $14 million in funding from various national and provincial agencies and foundations. The
Research
interdisciplinary nature of our research has allowed us to secure funding from all major granting agencies: CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.
Research Statistics
20
Dr. Martin Tammemagi Professor, Health Sciences 2015 Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Research Excellence Award Recipient As one of the most recognized scholars of Cancer Epidemiology around the world, Dr. Tammemagi is the recipient of the 2015 Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Research Excellence Award. Through his research, he has used existing data to create a “risk threshold� that helps prioritize lung cancer screening.
(2014-15)
21
41
Total number of grants awarded
Tri-Council Grants Awarded
Non-Tri-Council Grants Awarded
$875,200
$2,067,610 Non-Tri-Council Grant Funding
Tri-Council Grant Funding
$2,942,810 Total Grant Funding
13
Research centres
The Centre for Bone & Muscle Health (CBMH)
The Centre for Healthy Development through Sport & Physical Activity (CHDSPA)
Our goal is to optimize bone and muscle function and health to achieve and maintain a period of time through which an individual is physically and mentally healthy.
Our centre continues to focus on projects that result in effective strategies for enhancing physical literacy and active healthy living.
With this goal in mind, our vision is to further develop and continue to implement a transdisciplinary researchto-practice approach through the integration of the fundamental pillars of bench sciences, psychosocial determinants of health, and community engagement. 14
This year, the Centre for Bone & Muscle Health launched a Musculoskeletal Health Education Forum that focused on preventative and maintenance strategies associated with bone health. With 54 attendees representing academia, public health, and the community across Southwestern Ontario, the event will be returning next year as an annual event.
Currently, we have four main projects underway: 1. Partnering with Canadian Sport for Life, we assess physical literacy in children and youth of Ontario (funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport). 2. Investigating the dynamics of school recess that influence play and engagement of children in several regional schools.
The Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC)
Over the past year, our centre has grown to 11 faculty, graduate students, and community members. 3. Assessing the validity of the new national (Canadian) Passport for Life program for assessing the physical literacy levels of children at Ridley College. 4. Analyzing data collected from the National (US) Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA/ NASPA Consortium) in relation to the benefits of campus recreational sport participation.
A renewal process to explore collaboration within and beyond the CSC was initiated during the past year. A key focus of the CSC moving forward involves the development and implementation of a communication plan to disseminate research through various mechanisms,
such as podcasts, technical reports, and policy briefs, and share innovative practices with community leaders. Some examples of 2014-2015 CSC projects include sport capacity and human resources initiatives related to sport manager training and sport event volunteerism.
15
Our membership has doubled in the past year
Transdisciplinary Research Centre
and the demand for our community-based exercise programs continues to grow.
Brock-Niagara Centre for Health & Well-Being Grand opening celebration The grand opening for the BrockNiagara Centre for Health & Well-Being officially introduced the new facilities at the Brock Research and Innovation Centre to more than 150 guests. In attendance to celebrate the grand opening was Brian McMullan (then Mayor of St. Catharines), Jim Bradley (MPP St. Catharines), John Suk (Chair of the Board of Trustees), Susan Sydor (Chair of Senate), Jack Lightstone (President and Vice-Chancellor) and members of Brock’s Senior Administration along with faculty, staff, students, and members of the centre. 16
At the heart of our success, is the bridge between health initiatives and academic advancements. Research is a driving force that provides each community program with up-to-date and innovative information. We focus on fitness programs that address both the individual’s health history and their desired physical and psychological goals. In less than two years, this transdisciplinary centre has facilitated experiential learning opportunities for over 200 student and community volunteers from various disciplines. At our centre, members can stay fit, stay healthy, and stay ahead of the curve.
Our programs
Working together for a healthy community
Heart Strong Program
The Brock-Niagara Centre for
Power Cord Program
Health & Well-Being currently has more than 300 members
Brock T.E.A.M. Program
enrolled in four communitybased exercise programs dedicated to enhancing quality of life among healthy individuals and those with chronic disease.
SeniorFit Program Fitness today for tomorrow 17
Elyse Lappano, Experiential Learning Coordinator, Inclusive & Adaptive Physical Activity,
New to the FAHS
Dean’s Office, FAHS
Dr. Adam MacNeil, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Sciences
Justin Parro, Coordinator, Brock-Niagara Centre for Health & Well-Being
Brock University Award for Excellence in Teaching for Early Career Faculty Dr. Paula Gardner
Assistant Professor Department of Health Sciences Since joining FAHS in 2013, Dr. Gardner’s experiential teaching efforts have not gone unnoticed. Her creative approach to teaching has led to her early success within and outside the classroom; including an intergenerational community project that focused on examining the age-friendliness of the Niagara region. Dr. Gardner received the award at the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation’s Annual Tribute to Teaching Ceremony. 18
Rachel Corbett, Instructional Limited Term Appointment (ILTA), Department of Sport Management
FAHS supporters
Through the support of our community, FAHS continues to make the world a healthier place to live.
The Brock Niagara Penguins, a program for athletes with a disability operating through the Centre for Healthy Development, received a very generous gift of $10,000 from the Lawson Foundation. The donation is in recognition of the positive impact the Penguins program has had in the Niagara Region for the past 8 years.
With over 275 registered attendees, the third annual Health Quality Symposium (HQS2015) showcased 19 I-EQUIP (Interprofessional Education for Quality Improvement Program) projects that are the result of a powerful partnership that pair students from Brock University
Niagara Recycling made an operational donation to Brock University that will help to fund seven community programs that support individuals living with disabilities. The $180,000 donation over the next four years will fund a coordinator position that will have a direct impact on the operation of the programs administered in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.
and McMaster’s School of Medicine - Niagara campus, with front-line staff from the Niagara Health System.
John Lean donated
$25,000 to support the purchase of new equipment to outfit the Nursing Simulation Lab with new technology. 19
Cover
Kyle Dubas Brock alumnus Bachelor of Sport Management (‘07) Assistant General Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs
Brock University Niagara Region 500 Glenridge Ave. St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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