Trainee Q&A: Ty Sideroff

Ty Sideroff
Supervisor: Dr. Christine Voss
Program of study: Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences, MSc

What’s your research focus?
My work up to this point has focused on physical activity behaviours in children with diabetes. The effect of physical activity on health outcomes, specifically quality of life, in children is what I’m most interested in. Starting my MSc this spring, I’m looking to continue studying physical activity and quality of life in children and plan to expand my research to children with congenital heart disease.

Why did you come to UBC Okanagan to pursue your studies?
When I transferred to UBCO in 2021 to finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Kinetics, I was attracted to the idea of staying in the Okanagan, where I grew up. As an undergraduate student, I was fortunate to find a home as a research assistant in Dr. Voss’ Lab of the CCDPM. Beyond gaining research experience, I formed relationships with professors and trainees who have supported and continue to push me to reach my goals. This year it was an easy decision to stick around when the opportunity came to do an MSc with Dr. Voss at the CCDPM.

What do you love about living in the Okanagan?
I have loved growing up in the Okanagan because it provides endless opportunities to explore the outdoors. I ride my motorcycle every summer and snowboard every winter, but I still have so many trails left to find. I also appreciate the amazing people who live here and the opportunities they provide to get involved with the community, such as the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes that is happening on June 23, 2024!

Where’s your favourite place in the world to visit? And why?
My favourite place in the world to visit is my parents’ house in Summerland. Especially in the summer when my two older brothers are in town, it’s the best place to sit in the sun and enjoy mom’s home-cooked dinner with a bottle of Okanagan wine. I owe a lot to my family and it’s never a dull moment when we all get together.

What’s your most frequently used emoji?
The thumbs-up emoji is always my go-to