Simon Schaerz, PhD

Faculty
Academic Centre
Summary
I am an Instructor in the Centre for Business, Arts and Science at Lethbridge College. I am also the Head Coach of the Lethbridge College Kodiaks Cross-Country Running and Indoor Track Team.
Expertise
Exercise Science
Biology

Professional Experience

Teaching Experience

BIO-1169: Structural Human Anatomy
BIO-1180: Human Physiology
BIO-1160: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO-1161: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO-1152: Physiology of Aging
EXS-2252: Research Methods in Kinesiology
EXS-2262: Exercise Physiology
EXS-2271: Advanced Conditioning

Industry Work

2012-2014: Triathlon Coach, MNP Community & Sport Centre

2014-present: Head Coach, Kodiaks Cross-Country Running and Indoor Track

Research

I currently research the effects of exercise on brain health and function as well as the application of extended reality platforms in physical education and sport settings.

Education

Academic Credentials

PhD Bioecological Perspectives on Childhood Physical Activity, University of Lethbridge (2021)
BEd Secondary Sciences, University of Calgary, (2014)
MSc Cerebral Hemodynamics and Exhaustive Exercise, University of Regina (2013)
BSc Kinesiology, University of Lethbridge (2010)

Publications

Schaerz, S. (2024). My doctoral journey: The places, bang-ups, and hang-ups. In S. Berg (Ed.), The doctoral journey: Perspectives in physical and health education. Brill.

Schaerz, S., Boyes, M., & Mohamed, A. (2023). The effect of extended reality exercise on physical activity and physical performance in children and youth: A scoping review. Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports, 1(1), Article 2023-0016. https://doi.org/10.1123/jege.2023-0016

Schaerz, S., & Balderson, D. (2022). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood physical activity: Insight into Canadian children’s experiences. PHEnex Journal, 12(3), 1–25. https://ojs.acadiau.ca/index.php/phenex/article/view/4245

Schaerz, S., & Balderson, D. (2020). Understanding the physical literacy journey: A qualitative bioecological investigation of three physically active boys’ perceptions and experiences. PHEnex Journal, 11(1), 1–19. https://ojs.acadiau.ca/index.php/phenex/article/view/4111

Billaut, F., Bishop, D. J., Schaerz, S., & Noakes, T. D. (2011). Influence of knowledge of sprint number on pacing during repeated-sprint exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(4), 665–672. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181f6ee3b

Conference Presentations

Schaerz, S., Ontkean, N., Purkis, N., Robdrup, D., Aguilar Ramirez, D., Quesada, R., Gallagher, D., & Vogel, C. (2023, July 4-7). The effect of a 9-week exercise program on executive functions in college students [Poster presentation]. European College of Sport Science Annual Congress, Paris, IdF, France.

Schaerz, S., Ontkean, N., Purkis, N., Robdrup, D., Aguilar Ramirez, D., Quesada, R., Gallagher, D., & Vogel, C. (2023, July 4-7). The effect of a 9-week exercise program on self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress in college students [Poster presentation]. European College of Sport Science Annual Congress, Paris, IdF, France.

Schaerz, S. (2023, May 4-6). The brain on exercise [Conference session]. Alberta Health & Physical Education Council Annual Conference, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.

Schaerz, S., Mohamed, A., & Boyes, M. (2022, June 31- June 4). Employing immersive technologies to develop fitness-related outcomes in children and youth: A scoping review [Poster presentation]. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting & World Congress, San Diego, CA, United States.

Schaerz, S. (2020, October 21-23). Covid-19 and childhood physical activity engagement [Conference session]. Alberta Recreation and Parks Conference and Energize Workshop, Jasper, AB, Canada.

Schaerz, S. (2019, May 13). Experiences of physically literate children: A qualitative bio-ecological analysis [Conference session]. Lethbridge College Applied Research Conference, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.

Schaerz, S., & Balderson, D. (2019, May 2). Childhood physical activity engagement: A proposed bio-ecological framework [Poster presentation]. Physical and Health Education - Research Council Forum, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Schaerz, S., Dahlstrom, B., Butz, M., & Neary, P. (2012, August 6). Middle cerebral artery velocity and integrated electromyography during 40 kilometer time-trial cycling in hyperthermia [Conference session]. Annual Exercise Physiologists of Western Canada Conference, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.

Schaerz, S., Len, T., & Neary, P. (2011, March 17). Cerebral hemodynamics during time-to-exhaustion cycling in hyperthermia [Poster presentation]. Annual University of Regina Graduate Students’ Association Conference, Regina, SK, Canada.

Schaerz, S., Bishop, D., Billaut, F., & Noakes, T. (2010, August 5). Influence of knowledge of sprint number on pacing during repeated-sprint exercise [Conference session]. Annual Exercise Physiologists of Western Canada Conference, Regina, SK, Canada