Mason Cloud
Degree
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours), Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Career Update
Looking back...
As someone who has always valued and enjoyed exercise, I have always sought out independent sources to learn about how to increase the effects seen from resistance training. This led me to pursue the fields of health and fitness promotion and kinesiology. During my time in my undergraduate degree, my grandmother experienced three osteoporotic fractures. This led me to focus many of my assignments and coursework around bone health in the hope of eventually making a large contribution to the field. I sought out researchers that are interested in bone and was directed to Dr. Tina Ziabert, who agreed to accept me as one of her master’s students after meeting with her on Zoom. My independent research led me to the CMHR program, which piqued my interest due to its emphasis on collaboration, a value I hold dear, and the prospect of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. Dr. Ziabert emailed me without prompting, encouraging me to apply to join CMHR. I took this as a sign that this program was right for me and started my application as soon as I finished reading Dr. Ziabert's email about the program.
Value of the BJI & CMHR research environment and support...
It is still early to determine how CMHR will benefit my career development. However, I have made outstanding connections with students who are in fields that will for sure hold value later. I am also grateful for specific assignments required during the MSK9000 course, such as the debate assignment. The requirement of reading an unfamiliar study and collaborating with students with varying knowledge levels provided great experience in knowledge translation, teamwork, and leadership. Initially, I felt extremely uncomfortable discussing these topics in front of other students who possess a high degree of relevant knowledge. However, after completing the assignment, I am confident that I can handle challenging situations that require collaboration to achieve a goal for which I may feel unprepared.
I am still in the infancy stage of my research project. However, I have already had my knowledge base expanded by an incredible amount through conversations and teachings within MSK9000 lectures. I hope to build more relationships within CMHR and the BJI to develop a network that I can lean on to help me during challenging times.
Advice for current and future trainees...
My advice would be to get involved in all the events as much as you can without overwhelming yourself. Try to go out and talk to people that you admire or respect, you never know how they will receive you or what they will be willing to do to help you out on your journey in academia and your career!
