BIPOC Spotlights

BIPOC Faculty Spotlight: Jasmin Ma

Follow Dr. Ma’s research on Twitter @JasminKMa

What do you identify as? (Ethnicity, race, gender, etc) What are your pronouns?

My pronouns are she/her and I identify as a mixed-race female. My dad is a Chinese immigrant from Hong Kong and my mom is Canadian-born and of Polish and French descent. Fun fact: my parents dated secretly for 7 years as their inter-racial relationship wasn’t well-accepted amongst the family at the time. Fortunately, attitudes have changed since then (my mom’s pretty hard not to like).

What is your educational background?

Like you, I did my undergrad in kinesiology. I then ventured into what I think are two complementary disciplines within kinesiology. I did my master’s in exercise physiology and switched gears to do my PhD in physical activity behavior change science and disability. 

What is your work experience?

I work as a post-doctoral fellow under the guidance of Dr. Linda Li in the Department of Physical Therapy/Arthritis Research Canada and a sessional instructor in Kinesiology. I’m a big advocate for blending theory and practice and have also worked as a kinesiologist, adapted personal trainer, and coordinator of a city-wide physical activity coalition. 

Why did you pursue kinesiology versus other health-related areas?

It was the best fit given my love for physical activity and broad scope of interests. I honestly couldn’t see myself having enjoyed another degree more! 

How have you navigated through the field? What challenges have you had to face? (given the intersectionality nature of your identity)

I’ll backtrack you a bit for some context:

Growing up in a small, rural town, we were one of, I think, four Asian families. We lived the stereotype where my family owned a convenience store; we lived above it and my brother and I worked there from a young age (I credit my love for small talk and meeting new people to this upbringing; my parents had a written policy to say hello to every person that entered the store). Being raised in a small town and even after moving away, there are stories that I reflect on and shape how I handle racial and other inequalities today. Sometimes it was a misunderstanding of our food, sometimes it was ‘jokes’ that were assumed to be acceptable because “it’s okay, you’re half white, so it only half applies”, once it was assault - stories for in-person interaction, feel free to ask when you get to know me! These and other stories of inequality related to gender and age are examples of challenges that I face, but I also acknowledge the privilege that I have (e.g., I am able-bodied, educated, part white).

For these reasons, I am a strong believer in using one’s position to lead by example in how we should treat and include others. It’s part of why I do research using an integrated knowledge translation approach (i.e., involving those who the research is intended for) and teach co-creation of physical activity strategies as a core concept in my courses.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The students and community. I’ve worked with people with disabilities for over 10 years now and I couldn’t ask for a better community. I’ve dedicated my career to helping people of all abilities to be physically active. It’s come of no surprise you can’t make big changes on your own. “It takes a village,” as they say. Getting to connect students to the community and vice versa to meet these needs I think has paid dividends reciprocally. It’s a really special feeling to be a small part of that. 

Do you have any advice for BIPOC students who are looking to enter the field?

Know who you are, know your worth, and lead by example. We’ve entered a pivotal time where marginalized voices are being given a spotlight (as the KUS BIPOC committee are doing in their work). Seek, create, or be open to these opportunities and use them to the best of your abilities. It will hit home for some, and it won’t for others. Either way, I remind myself that if at the end of the day I’ve shared my genuine best self, that’s all I can ask. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything that involves movement, so long as it doesn’t involve gliding skills… To this day, I still can’t skate! On most days, you can hedge your bets that I’ll be either playing beach volleyball, shooting hoops, cycle-touring, open-water swimming, or running through Pacific Spirit. That and of course I call my family every other day. Hi mom!