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The College of Physical Activities and Sport Sciences hosted 2016 Student Research Day in April at the Evansdale Library. This event allows students to present their research topics and receive direct feedback about their work.

“CPASS has developed a very strong research agenda among the students and faculty. Our students are learning not only how to conduct high quality research, but also how to use this research to develop better practice,” explained Jack Watson, professor and chair, Department of Sport Sciences.

A series of unexpected twists and turns have guided aCPASS student to an undergraduate major, and now, a decision about the right fit for a graduate program. Allison Fansler, WVU Honor’s College student, will graduate from  WVU on May 13 with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, and will begin the physician assistant master’s program at Alderson Broaddus University at the end of May.

Fansler’s road to her undergraduate degree was difficult at times. She suffered an ACL injury which involved a lengthy recovery. Fansler then sustained another knee injury, which required a cartilage implant and a more significant surgery.

Nicole Young, Sport and Exercise Psychology 2016 May graduate, was awarded a Fulbright grant to work as an English teaching assistant in Malaysia for 10 months, beginning next January. Young is from New Castle, Pa., about 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, with a population of 24,000.

“I know that living in Malaysia will be a completely different experience than what I am used to here. The areas that I may be teaching in are poorer, rural areas so it will be an adjustment. As far as teaching goes I think I think it will be fun to connect with secondary school aged students,” Young explained.

Ariel Buric credits her education and mentors at WVU for helping her follow her passion. She recently began working with reserves and active duty soldiers in the National Guard, focusing on health and wellness principles.

“I chose my education based on my interests and the minor for the same reason. I love how the body works as a machine and enjoy teaching people how to use it more efficiently,” Buric explained.

Carrie Rishell, 2014 WVU SEP graduate, is adding new skills to her resume through an internship with the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. 

“My main job at the President’s Council is to assist with whatever is necessary. Recently, that was planning the Eggtivity Zone which was one of the activities at the White House Easter Egg Roll this year. I help with logistical things like preparing documents and scheduling as well as planning some portions of events,” she explained. 

Ashley Cranney, Sport and Exercise Psychology graduate student and doctoral candidate,earned the People’s Choice award in the 3-Minute Thesis competition recently held on campus. Cranney presented her research, titled “How far is too far? Understanding identity and overconformity in collegiate wrestlers,” April 7 at the Mountainlair. 

Cranney was interested in the competition because the focus allowed students to hone their competences. “The competition was more about the student’s communication skills to effectively convey their research to a non-specified audience,” she explained. 

Brian Houk, CPASS Athletic Coaching Education graduate, credits connections made as a member of the WVU Men’s Lacrosse team, along with support from CPASS mentors, for helping him land the head coaching slot with the University High School boys’ Lacrosse team. 

“Connections and friendships are important because you never know when an opportunity will arise. I got this job because of connections I made in the UHS program through the WVU Men’s Lacrosse team. Make positive relationships and never burn any bridges,” Houk said. 

Faculty members and students in the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences were recently recognized for outstanding teaching, research and service for the 2015-16 academic year. The College announced the awards of 23 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students.

Brady Nolan received the SHAPE America Outstanding Major of the Year Award and was recognized as a WVU Foundation Outstanding Senior, along with Sarah Verdis. The following students received the Outstanding Student Award in their program: Brady Nolan, undergraduate Athletic Coaching Education and Andre Schneider, MS graduate, ACE; Sarah Verdis, undergraduate PETE and Ashley Dugas, MS graduate PETE; Jun-hyung Baek, Doctoral, Coaching and Teaching Studies; Allison Fansler, undergraduate Athletic Training and Kjersti Traaen, graduate Athletic Training; Anna Onderik, undergraduate SEP and Jay Stewart, graduate SEP; Nick Davidson, undergraduate Sport Management and Erin McClafferty, graduate Sport Management.

Andrew Biederman, who combined personal training, sports communication and entrepreneurship minors to launch his career, has helped develop a training program using aquatics to improve strength training results. 

Biederman, who is a certified personal trainer at Robert Wood Johnson Fitness and Wellness Center in Hamilton, NJ, has worked in the fitness industry for two years. 

Skateboarding has led Jeremy Rogers to connect with troubled children. Rogers, sport and exercise psychology graduate, created Colorado Motion to help adolescents overcome daily challenges and teach them life skills, resilience and perseverance. 

“Colorado Motion provides a fresh approach to improving the lives and mental well-being of children and adolescents in the Colorado area. Colorado Motion utilizes the benefits of physical activity and counseling to provide child and adolescent mental health services. While engaging in physical activities ranging from skateboarding to hiking to playing catch, we build a mentorship-based relationship,” Rogers explained.