Have you met … Liane Jean?

Liane Jean

What is your current role in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation?

I’m an assistant lecturer and my role primarily consists of teaching.

What was the academic path that brought you to this role?

I completed my bachelor of physical education and recreation (BPE) at the University of Alberta in 2014. Then I moved on to my master of science with a specialization in biomechanics in 2016 at the U of A, where I also did one semester abroad in Norway at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. After I graduated I got offered a few teaching roles around Edmonton and Calgary, but at that point I wanted to step away from academia and work within the field. After a few years I realized I missed instructing and mentoring in a more formal role and I came back to teach at the U of A and Grant MacEwan University. 

What kind of work have you done outside of academia?

I’ve had several different roles in the field of kinesiology since graduating. I’ve worked as a strength and conditioning coach at post-secondary institutions and for club teams in a variety of sports from soccer to figure skating. At the same time, I worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. After working in several health- and performance-based roles I moved on to work as a research associate in both sports performance and clinical settings. I frequently received feedback in all of these roles that I was good at training and mentoring peers, so after a few years I decided to move back into academia and I’ve been here ever since. 

What’s your favourite memory from your time here as a student?

I’m not sure I can pinpoint one specific memory. What I treasure the most is the relationships I built with peers and mentors, most of whom I still talk to on a regular basis. These are some of my most meaningful relationships to this day. 

What do you love most about teaching?

There are two things I love. The first is the “ah-ha” moment. I love being part of that moment when a student who was struggling with a concept gets it. I also really like testing that moment and having them relay the information back to me in their own words. It sounds cheesy, but it always makes me proud! 

The second thing I love is putting theory into practice. This is a pretty easy task when you primarily teach anatomy. Together, as a class, we can literally move and palpate, and engage with the core concepts that will carry students throughout their academic and professional careers. I’m always in awe of the students, who are truly excited to see how this applies to their future professions as well as their personal lives. 

What’s something your KSR colleagues and students might be surprised to learn about you?

I have a controversial opinion on books and shows: You don’t have to finish it if you don’t like it. I have no qualms with stopping a show, book or series right in the middle of it. I can be 450 pages into a 500-page book and just stop reading! I never feel this need to see it to the end. In fact, I rarely finish a series of books or shows because I typically get bored with them. My friends and family consider this monstrous behaviour, but I’m perfectly content not knowing how things end. Life’s more fun with some unknowns, right?