Multiple Sport and Exercise Psychology current and former graduate students have recently received academic-based recognition, career offers and interviews for competitive positions.
“These SEP graduate students have done a fantastic job and worked very hard for all these opportunities. I’m impressed with their amazing accomplishments,” said Sam Zizzi, professor, SEP.
Shuang Li has had her first on campus interview for a faculty position, while Megan Byrd has received a job offer from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, Ca. Chelsea Butters has received a job offer at National University in San Diego and Janaina Fogaca has received a fellowship from the WVU Office of Graduate Education. This competitive fellowship will allow Fogaca to spend her last year focusing on pursuing her research without the burden of teaching or service obligations
Byrd and Fogaca spoke about their time at WVU. “The WVU alumni network is outstanding. Our alumni do great work that represents WVU and our program so well that having WVU on my degree opens possibilities,” said Byrd.
“The most helpful resource I found at WVU was mentorship. Dr. Zizzi, my advisor, is very good at adjusting to my pace and teaching and giving me the tools that I need to succeed. I have learned a lot about all aspects of research and sport psychology in general,” said Fogaca.
“I have learned a lot about life as well, which helps me be a better professional in the end of the day. Another important factor is that all SEP faculty are always available to help us out, even when we are not their advisees,” Fogaca explained
Fogaca plans to use her extra time with the fellowship to work on her dissertation and also work on a research project on the side. “I do intend to keep my line of research (supervision in sport psychology) in the future and I believe that being a good researcher also improves my teaching.”
Meanwhile, Byrd wants to continue her studies and research regarding concussions. “My career goal is to find a University position where I can balance teaching, consulting and research,” Byrd concluded.