UBC Human Kinetics – GRIP Laboratory

Dr. Jim Rupert  B.Sc. (Guelph), M.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (UBC)(Assistant Professor): My lab focuses on the contribution of genetic variations to physical performance and adaptation to extreme environments. My Ph.D. research, which was done under the supervision of the late Peter Hochachka (Zoology, UBC) focused on the role of genetics in adaptation to high altitude in the Quechua people of the Peruvian altiplano.  My interest in underlying bases of hypoxia adaptation has now extended to the study of altitude related illness and the role of genetic variants in determining susceptibility to acute mountain sickness.  As one of the principal changes that occur in response to hypoxia is the increase in the number of red blood cells, I developed an interest in the erythrogenic hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which eventually led to my current research into the use of high resolution methods of gene expression analysis to detect EPO doping in athletes. I teach a fourth year course on genetic issues in sports and exercise that covers everything from “gene doping” to transgendered athletes. When not in my office staring at a computer monitor, I train with the Pacific Spirit Triathlon Club and watch a lot of very bad movies. Email: Dr. Jim Rupert

Dr. Matthew Fedoruk B.Sc. (Alberta), Ph.D. (UBC) (Post-doctoral Fellow): Matt joined the Rupert Lab in May 2006 to head up the WADA-funded project. He completed his Ph.D. in 2006 at UBC in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine with a focus on the molecular biology of prostate cancer progression including gene expression analysis and gene delivery. Meshing his lifelong interest in sport with science, Matt is focusing on the emerging field of gene doping in sports. When not in the lab, Matt can usually be found running around all the beautiful surrounds of Vancouver and is currently President of a local running club, the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club. He’s got a geeky new tech toy, his GARMIN Forerunner 305 to be a nerd and plot all his running routes. Email: Dr. Matt Fedoruk

Pei Wang B.Sc. (Tianjin Normal University), M.Sc. (Tianjin Institute of Physical Education) (Ph.D. Student): Pei’s hometown is Beijing, China and she graduated from Tiajin Normal University with a B.Sc. and got M.Sc. degree with a focus in Genetics and Exercise Physiology from Institute of Physical Education in China. Before coming to Canada and UBC, she worked as a research assistant at the Beijing Genomics Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences for two years. As a second year PhD student, her research interests include the role of gene polymorphisms and mRNA/protein levels of candidate genes in exercise performance, high altitude adaptation and exercise-related clinical conditions, such as mountain sickness. She has also recently received funding from the UBC Graduate Entrance Scholarship during 2005-2006 academic year. Email: Pei Wang

Cynthia Thomson B.Sc. and B.P.H.E. (Queen’s 2003) – (MSc. Student): During a 2-year hiatus from academics in Lake Louise, AB., Cynthia rekindled her passion in mountain sports including rock climbing and alpine skiing. In Lake Louise she discovered an interest in high altitude physiology and moved further west to Vancouver to join the Rupert lab in September 2006 working as a M.Sc. student. Cynthia has found an area to study that combines her outdoor activities and her fascination with science. She will be looking at genetic variations in one of the dopamine receptor genes and behaviours associated with ‘risky’ sports. She will also be heading to California in the summer of 2007 to help out with a high altitude acclimation study on cyclists. In her free time Cynthia likes to sneak away from the city to ski and go on camping/climbing trips. Email: Cynthia Thomson

Mona Maghsoodi B.Sc. (UBC 2006) – (M.Sc. Student): Use of genetic polymorphisms to detect homologous blood doping in athletes. Email: Mona Maghsoodi