Meet Spencer Ursel

Spencer Ursel in the lab

Program

Master of Science in Health & Exercise Sciences

Research Supervisor

Dr. Jonathan Little

Hometown

Kelowna, Canada

Awards

Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s ($27,000)

Award Impact

The Canada Graduate Scholarship funding provides support in developing my research skills, accessing resources, and producing high-quality academic work. The funding also helps cover tuition fees and living expenses, reducing the financial burden on myself and allowing me to focus more on my studies.

What inspires you about your research?

My research is primarily focused on unraveling the relationship between exercise, metabolism, and immune function. Lifestyle interventions are known to have profound effects on our body, but understanding the underlying cellular mechanisms is still an ongoing area of research. I’m particularly interested in how interventions, such as exercise training or dietary changes, can modulate immune cell function and metabolism.

What inspires me about this research is the potential it holds for improving public health outcomes. By understanding our immune system at a cellular level, we can potentially develop more targeted interventions for preventing and managing various diseases. Whether it’s promoting immune resilience, combating chronic inflammation, or enhancing vaccine responses, there are numerous avenues where this research could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

Spencer Ursel performs standard blood culture in the lab.

My decision to pursue a graduate degree stemmed from a passion for research that developed in my undergraduate degree thanks to Dr. Kirk Bergstrom and Dr. Jonathan Little. During my undergraduate years, I developed an interest in the research process and how creative thinking can be implemented within science thanks to Dr. Kirk Bergstrom who fostered my learning and personal growth in my undergraduate studies. Toward the end of my undergraduate degree, I found myself drawn to the intersection of exercise physiology, metabolism, and immunology, which led me to Dr. Jonathan Little, who took me into his lab despite my prior experience being unrelated to his field of research. Through this experience, I realized that to make meaningful contributions to this field, I needed to expand my knowledge, develop specialized skills, and engage in more in-depth research projects. A graduate degree has provided me with the opportunity to do just that. It allows me to immerse myself in cutting-edge research, work closely with experienced mentors, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in my chosen field. Additionally, pursuing a graduate degree opens up doors to future career opportunities in academia, industry, or healthcare, where I can continue to pursue my passion for research and make a positive impact on society.

Why did you choose to come to UBC Okanagan?

I chose to pursue my graduate studies at UBC Okanagan for several reasons. Firstly, the university has a strong reputation and excellent faculty with an environment conducive to conducting high-quality research and collaborating with experts in my field.

Beyond the academic and research opportunities offered by UBC Okanagan, being able to study in my hometown allows me to maintain close ties with family and friends while immersing myself in a supportive and familiar environment. The combination of academic excellence and the unique lifestyle that Kelowna affords makes UBC Okanagan the perfect place for me to pursue my graduate studies and further my passion for research and community engagement.

My decision to attend UBC Okanagan is not just about advancing my academic and professional goals, but also about embracing the place that has shaped me into the person I am today. It’s an honour to be able to contribute to academia while pursuing my graduate education at UBC Okanagan. Kelowna is a truly beautiful place and I feel extremely lucky to live here.

Where do you hope your degree/research will take you next?

Looking ahead, I hope that my graduate degree and research will position me for a fulfilling career in medicine and research. I aspire to integrate my knowledge of exercise physiology, metabolism, and immunology into clinical practice, where I can directly impact patient care and outcomes.

Furthermore, I envision myself continuing to conduct research that bridges the gap between basic science and clinical applications. Whether it’s exploring novel therapeutic interventions, optimizing exercise prescriptions for specific patient populations, or contributing to public health initiatives, I’m excited about the potential avenues where my research could make a difference.

Ultimately, I hope to be part of a collaborative and dynamic team that is dedicated to advancing our understanding of human health and translating research findings into tangible benefits for individuals and communities.

Please share a little bit about yourself.

Outside of academia and research, I have a passion for outdoor activities and sports. Rock climbing, Ironman triathlons, golf, and beach volleyball are not only sources of enjoyment for me but also outlets for relaxation and stress relief. Engaging in these activities allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance and recharge both physically and mentally.

I find that pursuing these hobbies not only complements my academic pursuits but also enhances my overall well-being. Whether it’s the thrill of reaching new heights on a climbing route or the sense of accomplishment after completing a challenging triathlon, these experiences contribute to my personal growth and resilience.