Research opportunities

Directed studies

Students with an interest in pursuing gerontological research can apply for directed studies under CERA members in subjects including media and communications, nursing and psychology.

MACS 490 Directed studies in media and communications studies

This course is designed for upper-level students who wish to examine in greater depth a particular problem/issue in media and communication studies.

NURS 490 Directed studies in nursing

Students who have a special interest in a nursing topic area not offered through identified core curriculum may request to do a directed study under the supervision of a faculty member.

PSYC 493A & PSYC 493B Directed studies in psychology

This is an independent reading and research in topics course, selected in consultation with a supervising instructor.

Research assistants

Alternatively, students can apply for a research assistant position. UFV faculty members request research assistants in March of every year and the positions become available for the summer, fall and winter semesters. Students should approach specific faculty or department heads to inquire about opportunities.

There are also a variety of grants and funds available for students to pursue and to present their research both on and off-campus. 

Research studies

This research study is examining the effect of a 12-week exercise program on balance in people with knee osteoarthritis. This study is being conducted by Dr. Gillian Hatfield, an Associate Professor, in the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley, in addition to Bryce Hastings (Head of Research for Les Mills International), Josh Acheta (physiotherapist), and Momina Asif (UFV Kinesiology student).

The study will involve two visits to the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley (Chilliwack campus). Each visit will last approximately one hour. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires and complete a balance test. In between visits, you will complete 12 weeks of an exercise program specifically designed for adults with osteoarthritis. You will do the exercise classes twice per week. You can do the classes in person at UFV Chilliwack (Monday and Wednesday evening at 6 pm) or you can do them on your own at home, at your own convenience. We aim to run the exercise classes from March 24-June 13, 2025.

Each exercise class is 45-minutes long and consists of flexibility, strength, and coordination exercises. In each class there are options to either increase or decrease the intensity of each exercise to cater to varying fitness levels and fluctuating symptoms. Each exercise has an assisted (using a chair for balance), body weight, and resisted (weight or exercise tubing) option.

You will receive $20 for your participation in this study. This is meant to offset the cost of travel and parking for the pre and post intervention data collections. Participant compensation is funded by Les Mills International, the New Zealand company that has created the exercise program that will be used for this study.

If you are still interested in participating, we have a series of questions in order to make sure you are a good fit for the study:

1. Have you been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis by your physician?
2. Do you currently have pain in your knee?
3. Are you over the age of 50 years?
4. Do you have less than 30 minutes of morning stiffness in your knee?
5. Does your knee crack or pop with movement?
6. Do you have bony tenderness in your knee?
7. Have you had a significant knee injury, knee surgery, or a knee injection in the previous six months?
8. Have you experienced any of the following within the past six months:
1. A diagnosis of/treatment for heart disease or stroke, or pain/discomfort/pressure in your chest during activities of daily living or during physical activity?
2. A diagnosis of/treatment for high blood pressure, or a resting blood pressure of 160-90 mmHg or higher?
3. Dizziness or lightheadedness during physical activity?
4. Shortness of breath at rest?
5. Loss of consciousness/fainting for any reason?
6. Concussion?
9. Do you currently have pain or swelling in any part of your body (such as from an injury, acute flare-up of arthritis, or back pain) that affects your ability to be physically active?
10. Has a health care provider told you that you should avoid or modify certain types of physical activity?
11. Do you have any other medical or physical condition (such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, spinal cord injury) that may affect your ability to be physically active?