Exercise Science

My interest in exercise science emerged from my own training experience. I continually researched the complexities of how to improve my own physical performance and, in turn, became passionate about learning the science behind it all and experimenting by designing training and nutrition programs. 

Summer Programs

This summer I decided to further my studies in the sciences of health and human movement through curricular opportunities. I was selected to attend the Wake Forest Pre-College Summer Program in Sports Medicine.  In this 3 week course, I analyzed case studies of injured athletes, investigated three common injury areas (knee, shoulder, head) and attended several live opportunities including surgical performances and clinical evaluations.  My final project was a presentation of my research and analysis on the inaccurate diagnosis of Derrick Rose’s career ending injury. 

I was also selected to attend a 4 week  “Introduction to Human Movement and Science” course  at the University of Connecticut.  We used a biochemical lens to understand rudimentary human movement principles. I investigated the various roles within the exercise science field, gained exposure to the scope of practice within athletic training, exercise science and physical therapy.  My final presentation was an analysis of the body’s nutritional requirements to create an environment conducive for muscle building. 

Coursework

Currently I am enrolled in “Honors Advanced Biology and Genetics and Evolution” at my school. Through exploring the nuances of genetic expression principles, I have been offered a new perspective of health and human movement from an infinitesimally small level. This class has provided me with a working knowledge of why certain humans have specific traits on a biology level, but also developed understanding of how those traits are expressed based on their chemical structure. 

Additionally, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to conduct an Independent Study Project this semester which is focused on Nutrition Chemistry.  I am collaborating with the head of the Science department and the Head Nutritionist of my schools lunch service to produce informational videos for supplementary student education on the powerful impact of nutritional choices. This opportunity has offered insightful information surrounding organic chemistry and its impact on the human body. Although the coursework I’ve done is key to having a holistic vision of health and human movement, designing the curriculum of this independent study has allowed my inquiry-first mindset to flourish and turn me into a true scientist. 

Observation Opportunities

Not all learning comes from inside the classroom. I sincerely hold myself to this belief. I find that this principle of nuanced, hands-on learning is key to a diversified perspective of health and human movement. 

This fall I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Nikhil Verma, a nationally renowned orthopedic surgeon.  I observed several clinical evaluations and attended a dozen surgeries involving knee and shoulder reconstruction and restabilization. At large, I learned about specific techniques and tools of injury identification by using MRI and X-rays to supplement what he saw inside the patient. This observation opportunity also taught me about surgical approach and post-surgery rehabilitation. However, this experience granted me with knowledge and perspective that I could not have acquired any other way 

To gain experience in the pre and post-surgical rehabilitation realm, I have organized an ongoing internship opportunity with the Latin School of Chicago’s Athletic Trainer.  I follow along as she diagnoses athlete injuries and designs specific rehabilitation programs. Given the popularity of her office after school, it’s intriguing to see how promptly, yet diligently, she works with new athletes.  I have seen many student-athletes working with the athletic trainer for just one time when they sprain their finger and need ice, or scrape their knee and simply need a band-aid. And despite those being “easy fixes,” it’s rewarding to see when a student has been working the athletic trainer for months and is finally permitted to play in sports again. This experience has taught me what it means to be an athletic trainer and some practices often required, but also helped solidify my decision that I want to use my future career to help athletes.