Convocation 2026: Thannael Roque

Thannael Roque

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Thannael Roque successfully merged his passions for athletic performance and scientific inquiry to study biomechanics and physiology. His undergraduate experience was defined by remarkable personal and professional growth, highlighted by a three-month Play Around the World international practicum facilitating recreation in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and two years of active dedication to the University of Alberta Powerlifting Club.

Thannael also deeply immersed himself in campus athletics and academics, serving as a student kinesiologist for the U of A Golden Bears basketball team—a program he has continued to elevate over the past year as their social media manager—and sharing his knowledge as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant for KIN 106 this past winter. Supported by multiple prestigious undergraduate leadership awards, Thannael leaves his degree deeply grateful for the community that helped turn his aspirational goals into reality as he prepares to take his next big step: pursuing his Master of Physical Therapy right here at the U of A.

Financial Support and Awards

Education Abroad Individual Award, E. Barry Mitchelson Leadership Scholarship, Right Honourable Don Mazankowski Undergraduate Leadership Scholarship and University of Alberta Staff Undergraduate Scholarship.

What drew you to your area of study?

I like sports and I like science. Kinesiology combined them. I've always been interested in optimizing performance and efficiency, especially in the context of athletics. Learning the anatomy, the physiology and biomechanics that surround a sport-specific skill has been so, so interesting.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

The most striking moment of my time in the program was during August of 2024. I was on the flight back from my three-month Play Around the World practicum in Chiang Mai, Thailand where I worked with eight different schools/organizations facilitating play for children. Waiting for me at home was a brief one-week breather followed by a 10-day cruise with friends to the Caribbean. Come September was a year-long volunteer position with the U of A Bears Basketball team as a student kinesiologist.

This moment is particularly memorable especially in comparison to the person I was during my first year. It encapsulated the internal growth I experienced and how it guided me into opportunities I once considered out of reach. I remember feeling so immensely grateful for the positions I was placed in and the community surrounding and supporting me along the way. It felt like the opportunities I once dreamed of were now only the start of something even better. And I'm glad to say that even two years later, I'm still looking forward to my future while still being grateful for the experiences that have built me up.

Do you have anyone in particular you'd like to thank for helping with your success?

Jesus. My mom. My family. And of course LeBron James.