Meet Ciera

Hi! I’m Ciera and I am Canadian, originally from the Niagara region in Ontario, Canada. I am studying my MSc in Sport, Health, and Exercise Science. I found USW through my football coach in the U.S being an alumnus. I chose to study at USW based on my program offer and the innovative labs and technology available at the university. USW is also located in a great area close to city life and many beautiful nature spots with hiking and beaches close by. The football team and facilities also contributed to my decision to study here.

My course taught me about VO2max and what can influence it, how physical activity can help prevent many common diseases, how to write an effect strength and conditioning program, and how to assess and test different movement patterns. I am also undergoing my dissertation which has allowed me to research and conduct a study on a topic I am passionate about. My lectures throughout my courses were engaging and really expanded my knowledge base while challenging me to think critically. Studying at the University has been very flexible with time spent in lectures versus learning and studying at your own pace.

I attended International Welcome Week and would recommend it as I met one of my best friends through this program and it was a great way to engage in fun activities and explore the campus and surrounding area.

The facilities at the University are clean, new, and high tech. The environmental chamber is one of the coolest equipment bits I’ve used. It allows us to simulate very high temperatures or altitude as well as very low temperatures. The sport park also has two gyms, an indoor and outdoor 4G as well as various grass pitches for athletes to train.

I have enjoyed learning to use the sports technology available at USW such as the environmental chamber, force plates, GPS vests, and VO2max testing.