Kelvin Jones, PhD

Area of Study / Keywords

Neurophysiology Computational Neuroscience Diagnostic/Prognostic Testing

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About

Degrees

PhD (Neuroscience), Simon Fraser University, 1996

BSc (Kinesiology), Simon Fraser University, 1991

Background

• Associate Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering
• Senior Research Fellow with Professor Daniel Wolpert at the Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London prior to joining the University of Alberta in 2002.
• Clinical Neurophysiologist for Alberta Health Services, Department of Intraoperative Monitoring (University of Alberta Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital).
• Postdoctoral work at the University of Manitoba (Spinal Cord Research Centre) and in Sweden at Göteborg University (Department of Physiology).

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Research

Dr. Jones’ research program is focused on neurophysiology of the motor and sensory systems using both experimental electrophysiological methods and computer simulations. Projects are focused on topics relevant to people with neurologic or neuromuscular impairments in addition to basic science questions.

Electrodiagnostic Neuroscience and Intraoperative Clinical Neurophysiology

Nerve tissue function depends on the integrity of a number of membrane proteins (ion channels and pumps) as well as cells responsible for myelination. We use non-invasive tools to measure the electrical health of neural tissue that are sensitive to these cellular properties. These methods are used to evaluate the change in nerve health of people living with neurological conditions or use during neurosurgical procedures where neural tissue is at risk of injury. These methods are the focus of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology: Special Interest Group on Nerve & Muscle Excitability (NME SIG | IFCN).

Computational Neuroscience

Computer simulations built on mathematical models of neural tissue and connections are an adjunct tool to understand the function of the nervous system. Dr. Jones, together with colleagues, have built an online tool for using this approach in teaching basic neuroscience concepts to students. These methods are also used to guide interpretation of electrodiagnostic measures. An outcome of this work was the development of a free pedagogical simulation tool for teaching undergraduate neurophysiology, NeuroMembrane Simulator.

Indigenous Knowledge Collaboration

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action challenge traditional Western science to find areas of overlap with Indigenous ontologies and epistemologies. Dr. Jones, together with a circle of colleagues lead by Professor Fay Fletcher, have been purposefully exploring and documenting an experiential approach to learning that explores ways of knowing that can coexist equally with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Western epistemologies. This lead to a project with Dr. Darlene Auger measuring physiological variables (EEG, heart rate variability, breathing) during Wîwîp'son Indigenous Therapeutic Swing.

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Teaching

Current

• KIN 101 Introduction to Human Physiology
• KIN 103 Integrative to Human Physiology
• KIN 207 Physical Growth and Psychomotor Development
• KIN 372 Neuroscience Consideration for Adapted Physical Activity
• KIN 434 Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Management
• KIN 497 (nee NEURO 496) Computational Neuroscience
• KSR 580 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Research Methodology
• NEURO 498/499 Honors Research Project in Neuroscience
• PHYSL 468/469 - Undergraduate Research Thesis

Past

• BME 310 Biological Systems Modeling and Analysis
• BME 530 Topics in Biomedical Engineering
• BME 553 Rehabilitation Engineering: Assisted Movement after Injury
• CMPUT 616 The Brain: Architecture, Computation, Visualization
• EE BE 512 Biophysical Measurement and Instrumentation
• KIN 302 Human Motor Control
• PMCOL 512 Pharmacology of the Synapse

KIN 103 - Integrative Human Physiology

Introduction to integrative human physiology. Focuses on the regulation, control, and integration of cellular functions in the human body with special emphasis on systems that respond to exercise stress. Prerequisite: KIN 101. Note: Credit will be granted for only one of KIN 101 or PEDS 101.

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KIN 372 - Neuroscience Considerations for Adapted Physical Activity

This course uses a physiological approach to examine how neuromuscular impairments present barriers to participation in physical activity for people experiencing disability. Examples covered in class may include involuntary muscle contraction, fatigue and pain that arise due to a number of different physiological mechanisms. Prerequisites: KRLS 207 and KIN 200. Note: Credit will be granted for only one of KIN 372 or PEDS 372.

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KIN 398 - Research Project

Directed research done under the supervision of an academic member in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation or approved research affiliate. Normally for students in their third year of study. Prerequisite: KIN 209 or 409 and consent of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs). Students must arrange a project with an academic staff member or approved research affiliate. Enrolment is limited and preference will be given to students with GPA of 3.0 and above on their most recent 30 units.

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KIN 434 - Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Management

The role of physical activity in the management of chronic diseases will be discussed. Chronic diseases will include: metabolic, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, as well as cancer. The implications of pathophysiology in performing safe/effective exercise prescription and evaluation will be considered. Physical activity guidelines will be examined within the context of other clinical practice guidelines (e.g., pharmacology). Prerequisite or corequisite: KIN 334. Note: Credit will be granted for only one of KIN 434 or PEDS 434.

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Browse more courses taught by Kelvin Jones

Anna Lugg, Mason Schindle, Allison Sivak, Hatice Tankisi, Kelvin E. Jones

Journal of Neurophysiology. 2023 December; 10.1152/jn.00174.2023

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Vincent Picher-Martel, Claire Magnussen, Mathieu Blais, Tania Bubela, Samir Das, Annie Dionne, Alan C Evans, Angela Genge, Russell Greiner, Yasser Iturria-Medina, Wendy Johnston, Kelvin Jones, Hannah Kaneb, Jason Karamchandani, Sara Moradipoor, Janice Robertson, Ekaterina Rogaeva, David M Taylor, Christine Vande Velde, Yana Yunusova, Lorne Zinman, Sanjay Kalra, Nicolas Dupré

2022 February; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration 10.1080/21678421.2022.2041668

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Regan D Wright, Allison Sivak, Agessandro Abrahão, Kelvin E Jones

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. 2021 December; 10.1017/cjn.2021.500

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Richard B Stein, E Roderich Gossen, Kelvin E Jones

Nature reviews. Neuroscience. 6 (5):389

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