
PhD candidate at University of Waterloo
Kitchener, Canada Area

PhD candidate at University of Waterloo
Kitchener, Canada Area
I am in the process of writing my PhD dissertation in cardiovascular physiology at the University of Waterloo, examining exercise, shear stress, and flow-mediated dilation of human conduit arteries. I expect to have my doctoral degree by the autumn of 2009.
I am interested in continuing my work in science as either:
1. Post doctoral scientist in a field complementary to cardiovascular physiology. I would very much like to expand my scientific scope to include other disciplines, particularly neuroscience.
2. Policy analyst in government science agency. I am very interested in the direction of scientific advancement and would welcome an opportunity to apply my skills at forging a course of action that will promote scientific discovery for the betterment of human kind.
3. Scientist/advisor in private space flight company. I would be proud to lend my expertise to help the cause of safe private human spaceflight.
I have a range of experience as a scientist, organizer, liaison, athlete and musician. Besides research related to my thesis, I have been involved in CSA/ESA/NASA funded research examining simulated micro-gravity and its effect on orthostatic tolerance, blood pressure regulation, and cerebral blood flow. In 2005 I was part of a team of international researchers in the Women International Space Simulation for Exploration at l’Institut de Médecine et de Physiologie Spatiales in Toulouse, France examining the cardiovascular effects of long term simulated micro-gravity exposure . I am also involved in ongoing research in the area of human exploration of Mars, which led me to spend two weeks at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, USA as part of Mars Society Canada's Expedition Alpha. Inspired in my mid 20s by the visionary writings of Dr. Timothy Leary and Robert Anton Wilson, I set aside my youthful dream of becoming a rock star and went back to school to get a science degree (Exercise Science, Concordia University, Montreal).
Vascular ultrasound, Blood biochemistry, Experimental design, Fitness testing, Group moderating, Mars analogue, Manuscript writing
(Educational Institution; Health, Wellness and Fitness industry)
January 2003 — Present (6 years 11 months)
My responsibilities are to aid in conducting experiments and in data collection as well as to act as mentor for undergrad and master’s students.
Peer Reviewed Publications:
Kenneth S Dyson and Richard L Hughson. Preliminary study of the physiological demands of Mars analogue extravehicular activity. Mars Analogue Research. American Astronautical Society Science and Technology Series, Volume 111. (p. 227-234). Ed. Jonathan D.A. Clarke. Univelt Publishers, Springfield, VA.
Kenneth S. Dyson, J. Kevin Shoemaker, and Richard L. Hughson. Effect of Acute Sympathetic Nervous System Activation on Flow-Mediated Dilation of the Brachial Artery. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2005 Nov 11; [Epub ahead of print]
(Non-Profit; Aviation & Aerospace industry)
2004 — 2009 (5 years )
My duties are to facilitate communication between the SGAC and individuals and groups interested in space policy, science, and business. This work requires the ability to communucate effectively, primarily using internet communication media, with a wide variety of people on a truely international scale.
(Non-Profit; 1001-5000 employees; Aviation & Aerospace industry)
January 2007 — November 2007 (11 months)
I facilitated travel and provided orientation for the ~100 international delegates to attend the 2007 Space Generation Congress in Hyderabad, India. I created a delegate information package to prepare them for the congress and travel to India and was in contact with foreign embassies in order to insure that eligable delegates could obtain proper visa information. I was always available to give any information to the delegates via electronic communication.
(Non-Profit; Aviation & Aerospace industry)
2006 — 2006 (less than a year)
In the lead up to and during SGC 2006 I worked with a small team to develop, explain, and oversee the process of compiling input to the SGAC Youth Space Declaration and Strategic Plan. Following the Congress I have remained active in the fine tuning and promotion of these documents, an abstract was submitted for presentation at 2007 International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
(Non-Profit; Aviation & Aerospace industry)
November 2004 — 2005 (1 year )
I acted as the point of contact between the Space Generation Congress and the space agencies. This included coordinating the integration of SGC with the agency run student programs at the 56th IAC as well as coordinating the sharing of the International Student Zone exhibit at IAC 2005.
(Non-Profit; Hospital & Health Care industry)
November 2004 — December 2004 (2 months)
I was responsible for monitoring health and safety conditions for a 7 person crew performing a 2 week Mars simulation at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. I was in contact with the remote flight surgeon in the event of an emergency.
PhD , Kinesiology , 2002 — 2008
BSc. , Exercise Science , 1997 — 2001
SGAC, ISGP
PGS-D, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), 2005-2008
University of Waterloo President's Scholarship, 2005-2008
Space Awareness and Learning Grant, Canadian Space Agency, 2004-2006
University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship, 2002-2004
Academic All-Canadian, Canadian Inter-University Sport, 1997-1998
Concordia University In-Course bursary, 1997-2000