Exercise Science Capstone Internship

Recalling my sophomore year, I was required to take a course "Careers in Exercise Science" to learn about careers within the field of Exercise Science. As a track and field and cross country athlete at the NCAA level, my primary interests were to understand the physical mechanisms underlying efficient running mechanics to reduce the risk of injury. Because of my interests in
running biomechanics, I was not interested in typically sought out careers like strength and conditioning, cardiac rehabilitation or physical therapy. Through the connections of my professors at Westfield State, I had the opportunity to observe UMass Amherst's Biomechanics laboratory under Professor Emeritus: Dr. Joseph Hamill, Associate Professor: Dr. Brian Umberger, and Masters Student: Russell Johnson. This observation at UMass Amherst opened my eyes to the wide array of careers in the field of Kinesiology based research.

Totman Building, UMass Amherst. Building for labs in the Department of Kinesiology.

Prior to my internship in the Muscle Biology Laboratory, I referred to several other facilities regarding my original interest in biomechanics. Originally, I used my connection with Dr. Hamill to hopefully attain an internship in the Biomechanics Laboratory. Dr. Hamill thought that I would be best suited for the Physical Activity and Health Lab after reviewing my cover letter and resume which highlighted my projects regarding improving physical activity levels among college students and faculty members. Unfortunately, the Physical Activity and Health Laboratory was unable to host my internship. I later managed to get in contact with Dr. Robert Gregory from the University of Southern Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory to find that he too was unable to host my internship experience. Luckily, Westfield State Associate Professor, Dr. Holly Noun was able to connect with a UMass Amherst Doctoral Student in the Muscle Biology Laboratory, Aurora Foster. Aurora was open to hosting me as an intern to provide a professional experience for me and to bridge the gap between Westfield State University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Although I preferred to intern in a Biomechanics laboratory, I was glad to receive an opportunity in one of the UMass Kinesiology labs to learn about career opportunities exclusive to students wtih research and laboratory experience. As an R3 university, Westfield State University has limited research opportunities that are exclusively offered to honors students. Research was not an option for me to pursue as an undergraduate student, similar for many undergraduate students in the Exercise Science concentration. I hope for this blog to shine light on research and alternative careers regarding laboratory experience for undergraduate students in the field of Exercise Science/ Kinesiology.