Mr. Bennett Stothers | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Medical Student at University of British Columbia, Canada

Mr. Bennett Stothers is a dedicated researcher and student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. He is currently pursuing his MD degree (2022-2026) and has completed a Master of Science in Kinesiology (2020-2022) under the supervision of Dr. Michael Koehle. His research focuses on the effects of environmental factors, particularly air pollution, on respiratory health. Beyond academics, Mr. Stothers is actively involved in UBC’s men’s rugby team, demonstrating his commitment to both scholarly and athletic pursuits.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education:

Mr. Stothers began his academic journey at UBC, earning a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Health Sciences (2015-2020). He then pursued a Master of Science in Kinesiology (2020-2022), focusing on the impact of salbutamol use in ozone air pollution among individuals with asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Currently, he is enrolled in the MD program at UBC, aiming to integrate his research background with clinical practice.

Professional Experience:

Mr. Stothers has gained practical experience through various roles at the UBC Aquatic Centre, including lifeguard, swim instructor, and shift supervisor. These positions have honed his leadership, emergency response, and instructional skills. Additionally, his involvement in the Athletics Student Trainer Program and as a varsity athlete for UBC’s men’s rugby team has provided him with valuable insights into sports science and team dynamics.

Research Interests:

His research interests lie at the intersection of kinesiology, respiratory health, and environmental science. Specifically, he investigates how air pollution, particularly ozone exposure, affects individuals with asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. His work aims to inform public health strategies and improve the well-being of those with respiratory conditions.

Research Skills:

Mr. Stothers possesses strong research skills, including study design, data collection, and statistical analysis. He has experience conducting double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover studies, as evidenced by his MSc thesis. His proficiency in spirometry and measurement of exhaled nitric oxide demonstrates his capability in assessing pulmonary function and inflammation.

Awards and Honors:

Throughout his academic career, Mr. Stothers has received several awards, such as the Graduate Student Research Grant (2021) and the Faculty of Education Graduate Award (2020). He has also been recognized with the Dr. Robert McCormack Thunderbird Student Trainer Award (2020) and the Bob Hindmarch Award (2018-2020), highlighting his dedication to both academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.

Conclusion:

Mr. Bennett Stothers exemplifies a well-rounded individual committed to advancing knowledge in kinesiology and respiratory health. His academic achievements, research contributions, and active participation in athletics underscore his dedication and potential as a future leader in the medical and scientific communities.

Publication Top Notes

1. Examining the effect of salbutamol use in ozone air pollution by people with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction”
   • Authors: Bennett T. Stothers, Andy Hung, Patric Emerson Oliveira Gonçalves, Andrew William Sheel, Michael Stephen Koehle
   • Year: 2024
   • Source: Physiological Reports
2. “Ozone exposure limits cardiorespiratory function during maximal cycling exercise in endurance athletes”
   • Authors: Owen D. Harris, Patric E.O. Gonçalves, Andy Hung, Bennett Stothers, Valerie Bougault, Andrew William Sheel, Michael Koehle
   • Year: 2024
   • Source: Journal of Applied Physiology
   • DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00085.2024
3. “Creation and Initial Validation of a Picture-Based Version of the Limitations of Activity Domain of the SF-36”
   • Authors: Bennett Stothers, Andrew John Macnab
   • Year: 2019
   • Source: American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
   • DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001256
4. “QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF YOUTUBE AS AN INFORMATION SOURCE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION RELATED TO NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CONCUSSION ASSESSMENT IN ATHLETIC YOUTHS”
   • Authors: Bennett Stothers, Andrew Macnab
   • Year: 2021
   • Source: Journal of Investigative Medicine
5. “3D IMAGE GENERATION FOR TRANSLATION OF TEXT-BASED MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRES”
   • Authors: Bennett Stothers, Andrew Macnab
   • Year: 2020
   • Source: Journal of Investigative Medicine

 

Mr. Hall Skaara | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Project Manager at PHA Europe, Norway

Hall Skaara, born on December 5, 1958, in Norway, is a distinguished figure in the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community. Diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2005, he transformed his personal health journey into a mission of advocacy and support for PH patients. Hall’s professional background in computer science, combined with his leadership roles in various PH organizations, has enabled him to make significant contributions to patient support, advocacy, and research in the field.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Hall pursued his higher education in computer science, earning a master’s degree from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, USA, between 1982 and 1985. Prior to this, he completed a Norwegian engineering degree in computer science at Bergen Ingeniørhøgskole in Bergen, Norway, from 1980 to 1982. His educational background provided a strong foundation for his subsequent roles in both the technology sector and patient advocacy.

Professional Experience

Hall’s professional journey began at IBM in Oslo, Norway, where he worked from December 1986 to June 2014. During his tenure, he held various roles, including programmer, capacity planner, project leader, and manager, leading numerous large-scale projects and engaging in management activities during his last decade with the company. In June 2007, he founded the Norwegian pulmonary hypertension patient association, serving as its president until September 2018, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and developing the organization. Since June 2013, Hall has been associated with PHA Europe, a European umbrella patient association based in Vienna, Austria. His roles have encompassed project management, advocacy, and presidency work, including assisting in the formation of new patient associations across Europe and managing advocacy initiatives.

Research Interests

Hall’s research interests are deeply rooted in understanding and improving the patient experience for those living with pulmonary hypertension. He has been involved in qualitative studies that explore patient perspectives, aiming to enhance care access and support mechanisms. His work emphasizes the importance of incorporating patient-reported outcomes into diagnosis and treatment plans, reflecting his commitment to patient-centered care.

Research Skills

Through his involvement in various research initiatives, Hall has developed skills in qualitative research methodologies, particularly in conducting and analyzing patient surveys. His ability to collaborate with healthcare professionals and researchers has facilitated studies that bridge the gap between patient experiences and clinical practices. Additionally, his background in project management has equipped him with the organizational skills necessary to oversee complex research projects effectively.

Awards and Honors

Hall’s dedication to the PH community has been recognized through various accolades. Notably, he was the winner of the Norwegian Backgammon Championship in 2013 and the London Open in 2014, achievements that highlight his strategic thinking and perseverance. While specific awards related to his advocacy work are not detailed in the available information, his leadership roles and contributions to patient support organizations underscore the respect and recognition he holds within the community.

Conclusion

Hall Skaara exemplifies how personal health challenges can be transformed into impactful advocacy and research endeavors. His journey from a computer science professional to a leading figure in the pulmonary hypertension community showcases his resilience, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of PH patients. Through his work, Hall continues to influence patient care and support, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

Publication Top Notes

1. Exploring the patient perspective in pulmonary hypertension” was published in the European Respiratory Journal in 2024. The authors of this publication are:

• Hubert James Ford
• Colleen Brunetti
• Pisana Ferrari
• Adam Torbicki
• John Simon Russell Gibbs