Our Team
Kelly Mackenzie
Research Manager
Kelly is the research manager for the CEPL, overseeing many of our trials. Kelly has been with the team since 2020. She is a clinical exercise physiologist with a MSc from the University of Alberta (2000) and has taught many academic courses in exercise physiology, health and wellness, aging and exercise prescription. Kelly also has extensive experience working with clients through their cancer rehabilitation as well as those with complex medical considerations. She enjoys tapping into her creative side to find suitable movement options that work for the clients. When not working, you will most likely find Kelly cycling or hiking on her local trails or reading a good book!
Kelcey Bland
Postdoctoral Fellow
Kelcey is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab at UBC and the BC Cancer Research Institute under the supervision of Dr. Kristin Campbell and Helen McTaggart-Cowan. Kelcey completed her PhD at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, Australia. Kelcey’s research has focused on clinical exercise prescription for people living with cancer from diagnosis to survivorship and end-of-life. Her PhD specifically explored the role of exercise for the management of cachexia in people with advanced cancer. Currently, Kelcey is leading a project that is focused on the knowledge translation and mobilization of the recently published exercise guidelines for people living with bone metastases.
Ignacio Catala
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ignacio is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab at UBC. He holds a PhD in Physical Activity and Sports Science, a Masters in Physiology, and a Bachelors in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences from the University of Valencia. Currently, Ignacio is leading a project focused on the effect of physical activity on body composition for colon cancer patients. His passion is raising awareness on the importance of physical exercise and living an active lifestyle for patients living with and beyond cancer. In his free time, Ignacio can be found in the mountains, either snowboarding, hiking, or climbing.
Kendra Zadravec
PhD Candidate
Kendra is a PhD candidate and physiotherapist in the Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab. Kendra completed her Master of Science (Rehabilitation Sciences) in 2020 and Master of Physical Therapy in 2023, both at UBC. Kendra’s current research focuses on upper extremity impairments related to breast cancer treatment. In the future, Kendra looks forward to continuing to support people with and beyond cancer in their rehabilitation goals, both in a research and clinical setting. In her free time, Kendra enjoys trail/road running, crossword puzzles, and keeping up with her two border collies (one of which is pictured here)!
Lisa Harris
MSc Student
Lisa is an MSc student at the Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab. Lisa completed her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 2005 at UBC and practiced in public and private settings until her early retirement from clinical practice in 2021. Since then, Lisa shifted to being a Clinical Skills Instructor at the Fraser Valley campus of the UBC MPT program. This academic setting and having the influence of her own health challenges, Lisa was inspired to return to graduate school with her research aimed to focus on the use of exercise to prevent complications following ostomy surgery. In her free time, Lisa enjoys being with her husband, her 2 teenagers and their pets. She can often be found baking, reading, cross stitching or watching Formula 1.
Paul Nguyen
Research Assistant
Paul is a Research Assistant who brings years of clinical experience to the UBC Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab. He graduated through UBC with a degree in kinesiology and is a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, he has hands-on expertise in designing and supervising personalized exercise programs for individuals with a range of complex conditions. Paul is driven by a desire to empower others through movement and is focused on expanding his knowledge and skills in the field of kinesiology. When he’s out of the office, you can find him climbing at a gym, biking to a bakery, or bikepacking around BC.
Aleena Shaik
Research Assistant
Aleena is a Research Assistant at the Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab. She recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at UBC with a minor in Health & Society and is pursuing a future career in healthcare. She is passionate about community health and understanding how movement and lifestyle-based interventions can improve quality of life and long-term wellbeing. Outside of the lab, Aleena enjoys staying active through hiking, traveling, as well as trying new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with her cat.
