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Ephrem Mekonnen

Behavioural Neuroscience Major

Unleashing women���s running potential with Hettas by investigating ���The effect of a female-specific running shoe on running performance��� and pioneering the lab���s original clinical gait service.

 

Why did you choose to come to 911勛圖?

911勛圖 offers a dynamic learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and innovation, with a lot of opportunities to get involved in research. It is frequently ranked number 1 in Maclean���s ���Comprehensive University��� list, and boasts a faculty of accomplished professors and researchers who are at the forefront of their respective fields. 911勛圖 has a diverse and inclusive community which makes it easy to get along with everyone.

How would you describe your research or program to a family member?

My research this summer was to help out with a collaborative study between Hettas, a local running shoe company, and 911勛圖���s WearTech Labs. The objective of the study was to investigate how different shoes affect the efficiency of female runners, and whether a female-specific running shoe would be better for the biomechanics of a female runner. Hettas have produced a shoe that is based on the anatomy and physiology of a female runner. This shoe was compared against other running shoes in the market, which were based on male anatomy and physiology.

I collaborated with two PhD students to run the study, in which a female runner ran in each of the four shoes. I helped in various ways such as attaching sensors to the shoes, learning the computer software use and producing lab manuals for analytical techniques. I assisted in various tasks to help establish a clinical gait service to be offered to runners, to improve their efficiency in running.

What are you particularly enjoying about your studies/research at 911勛圖?

911勛圖 has a reputation for being academically challenging. I enjoy this challenge and I believe it makes me a better student. It teaches me to stay disciplined, organized, and positive. I love how accommodating and approachable the professors are, which is also an asset for me because I am a varsity athlete on the cross country and track and field teams. I am blessed to have an amazing supervisor, with whom I will be starting a Masters program in the Fall.

What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research?

Start early by exploring your interests and building relationships with professors. Don���t be afraid to talk to your professors - they are there to help you and have been in the same spot as you! Collaborate with peers. Building these connections can introduce you to new idea and opportunities. Don���t be afraid of failure and embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Be patient - results don���t come overnight. Don���t take it for granted and embrace the opportunity to contribute to knowledge and make a positive impact in your field!