Jako Bekker
Academic Staff Member
Contact info
Phone
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About
Awards
Qualifications
What do you love about your job?
The thing I value most about my role at Wintec is the flexibility and variety that it offers me to gain valuable experiences that I can bring back to the classroom and share with learners. My role enables me to remain active in the industry outside of academics, as well as doing relevant research which directly benefit our partners and, of course, regular professional development to remain up to date with the forefront of sports science.
What do you enjoy most about being a tutor?
I enjoy learning with the students. We are lucky to have brilliant students who enjoy exploring various avenues within contexts relevant to them. That means that I get to explore and learn new things alongside the students with every new class. Lastly, I’m always encouraged by seeing students find something they love and the excitement that comes with them exploring that, regardless of whether it’s in my class or another.
What is your experience in the industry?
I have been lucky enough to be involved in a variety of opportunities since my time studying and now working at Wintec. Some of the key standouts are listed below.
- Approved Assistant Performance Physiologist Contractor (High Performance Sport NZ)
- Performance Analysis (WBOP Magic, WBOP Zone Beko team, Counties Manukau Rugby)
- Youth Athlete Strength and Conditioning
- Sport Science Laboratory Manager
What are your qualifications and educational background?
- Master of Science (Sport and Exercise Science) with Distinction
- Master of Science (Sport and Exercise Science) Top Masters Student
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (First Class Honours)
- Dean Harden Post-Graduate Research Award
- New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education
Areas of expertise
- Biomechanics
- Including research on sprint acceleration in rugby players and youth
- Performance analysis
- Netball and rugby
- Physiology
- Heat management strategies for Para cyclists
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Nothing beats sitting down with a good book, but I like to fill my spare time with getting outdoors. Anything and everything from getting out in the bush, being in or on the water, finding some snow to slide down, or just playing with tools in my shed.
