Faculty Directory

After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Mount Allison University in 2004, Gillian graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 2007. She worked clinically for two years in private practice while completing a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Research. Following her MSc degree, Gillian obtained a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie University in 2013, where her research focused on developing prediction models for knee osteoarthritis progression based on gait biomechanics. 

In 2014 Gillian began a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Physical Therapy. She worked there, while teaching Biomechanics and Topics in Human Nutrition at Douglas College until September 2016, when she began working at the University of the Fraser Valley full time. She currently teaches Introduction to Biomechanics, Applied Biomechanics, and Introduction to Athletic Injuries and Taping.

She has a reputation as an enthusiastic and dedicated instructor, and has a strong track record of quality research that is highly engaging of students. Gillian’s research interests lie in biomechanics and muscle activation patterns in clinical populations, such as people with knee osteoarthritis or low back pain. She is particularly interested in the effect of exercise interventions on biomechanical risk factors for knee osteoarthritis progression. She is also a member of the research team for Les Mills International, a New Zealand-based group fitness company that licenses group fitness programs to gyms internationally. As part of her role with Les Mills she conducts research on the efficacy of their group fitness offerings, as well as general research on group exercise, such as how people can be more motivated to exercise as a group compared to exercising alone.

Gillian has served UFV in numerous capacities including as Chair of the Human Research Ethics Board, Chair of the Animal Care Committee, Chair of Research Advisory Committee, and numerous other committees, and she serves on the executive board for the Canadian Society for Biomechanics.

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, 2014-2016

PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, 2009-2013

MSc in Rehabilitation Research, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, 2007-2009

BSc in Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, 2004-2007

BSc in Biology/Chemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, 2000-2004

Centre for Education and Research on Aging (Faculty Associate)

UFV Human Research Ethics Board (Chair)

UFV Animal Care Committee (Chair)

Canadian Society for Biomechanics (Treasurer)

I believe that education continues throughout one’s lifetime. Our students will continue to learn after they leave our program, thus it is crucial for a university education to not just deliver curriculum, but give students the tools to be successful lifelong learners. This is particularly important in the kinesiology field, as many of our students will enter evidence-based professions, where they will be responsible for keeping up with the latest scientific advancements in the field and incorporating them into their professional practice. Accordingly, the development of critical thinking skills is central to my teaching philosophy. I develop these skills using a student-centred approach that integrates active learning and time to reflect and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.

To me, a student-centred approach means delivering material based on the needs of the student. Students have varied preferred learning methods, and therefore curriculum must be delivered and evaluated in diverse ways. I deliver my curriculum using a combination of lectures, laboratory and in-class activities, small group discussions, case studies, and practice problems, depending on the course. I evaluate my curriculum using a combination of quizzes/midterms/final exams, written assignments, and oral presentations.

Introduction to Biomechanics

Applied Biomechanics

Introduction to Athletic Injuries and Athletic Taping

Gillian’s research interests lie in biomechanics and muscle activation patterns in clinical populations, such as people with knee osteoarthritis or low back pain. She is particularly interested in the effect of exercise interventions on biomechanical risk factors for knee osteoarthritis progression. She is also a member of the research team for Les Mills International, a New Zealand-based group fitness company that licenses group fitness programs to gyms internationally. As part of her role with Les Mills she conducts research on the efficacy of their group fitness offerings, as well as general research on group exercise, such as how people can be more motivated to exercise as a group compared to exercising alone.

Past 5 years

Gottschall J, Hastings B, Hatfield GL. Perceptions of Fitness Training and Well-Being Across the Menstrual Cycle in a Highly Active Population. 2026 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT. May 26-29, 2026. Poster presentation.

Hatfield GL. Is altered muscle activation in knee osteoarthritis associated with balance, proprioceptive deficits, or self-reported instability? Canadian Society for Biomechanics conference. Edmonton, AB, 2024. Podium presentation.

Hatfield GL, Hastings B. Muscle activation patterns in various core training exercises: implications for running performance. Canadian Society for Biomechanics conference. Edmonton, AB, 2024. Podium presentation.

Janzen A, Hatfield GL. The Physiological and Cognitive Benefits of Pickleball Participation in Older Adults. Aging Better Together Symposium. Vancouver BC. November 19-20, 2023. Poster presentation.

Canning S, Blakeborough D, Couse C, Hatfield G, Hughes A, Jessiman L, Murray G, Prichard-Orr. How age-friendly are we? Conducting an age-friendly university audit. Canadian Association of Ageing Conference. Regina, SK, October 2022. Poster presentation.

Hatfield GL. The effects of a dynamic core stability group exercise intervention on trunk muscle activity, strength, and endurance in people with and without a history of low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. North American Congress on Biomechanics. Ottawa, ON, 2022. Podium presentation.

Last 5 years

Janzen A, Hatfield GL. The cognitive and physiological benefits of pickleball participation in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity- In press (May 29, 2026). https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2024-0176.

Thomson CJ, Lesser IA, Hatfield GL. Psychological and physiological effects of an acute bout of yoga before a simulated academic exam in university students. Journal of American College Health. 73(6):2518-2528. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2308267.

Lesser IA, Hatfield GL. The effectiveness of a yoga program on heart rate variability in postpartum women: yoga postpartum and heart rate variability. The Health and Fitness Journal of Canada. 2024. 17(1),3-14. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v17i1.846

Lesser I, Wurz A, Bean C, Hatfield GL. Exploring feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of the Mom Movement Intervention (MOMmi). Nursing for Women’s Health. 2024. 28(4):264-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2024.01.006.

Lesser I, Nienhuis C, Hatfield, G. Moms on the Move: A qualitative exploration of a postpartum group exercise program on physical activity behavior at three distinct time points. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Health & Well-being. 2023;18:1, DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2172793

Hatfield GL. Effects of a core strengthening program on muscle activity patterns, strength, and endurance in people with and without a history of low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Kinesiology & Sports Science. 2022; 10(3): 37-46. http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.10n.3p.37

Hatfield GL, Lesser IA, Nienhuis CP. Utility of an outdoor group exercise program for improving postpartum mental health. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada. 2022;15(1):18-30. doi: 10.14288/hfjc.v15i1.807.

Hatfield GL, Costello KE, Astephen Wilson JL, Stanish WD, Hubley-Kozey CL. The association between knee joint muscle activation and knee joint moment patterns during walking in moderate medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: implications for secondary prevention. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2021;102(10):1910-1917. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.03.038.

Hatfield GL, Costello KE, Astephen Wilson JL, Stanish WD, Hubley-Kozey CL. Baseline gait muscle activation patterns differ for osteoarthritis patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty 5–8 years later from those who do not. Arthritis Care & Research. 2021; 73 (4): 549-558. doi: 10.1002/acr.24143.