STUDENTS PRESENT GAIT RESEARCH AT BIOMECHANICS CONFERENCE IN AUSTRIA As a recent NSU graduate, I can happily say my experience in the Exercise and Sport Science major was unlike anything I could have ever imagined. One of the most memorable opportunities that concluded my undergraduate career was going to the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports conference in Salzburg, Austria. I delivered a poster presentation from my independent research study titled “Changes in Total and Percent Distribution of Joint Power in Distance Runners Over a Competitive Season.” During the conference, I met students and faculty members from around the world and engaged in activities that had us exploring the city of Salzburg and overlooking Austria from the mountaintops. The scenery and historical buildings were breathtaking, and the culture was present everywhere. I’m beyond thankful that I was able to represent NSU with my classmate Bella Vargas-Blanchard and professor G. Monique Mokha, Ph.D. Both made the biggest impacts in my academic journey. —Alexis (Lexi) Arena, B.S. Reflecting on my final year at NSU, I am grateful for the research opportunities I had in the Exercise and Sport Science major. Thanks to professors fostering curiosity, I asked Dr. Mokha to supervise my independent study. During the fall semester, Riley Schemel, Lexi Arena, and I collected data on NSU’s cross-country team’s gait biomechanics and training protocol, enabling their staff and athletes to gain valuable insights. We spoke with Coach Jonathan Carter, who shared his observations that, combined with our data and Dr. Mokha’s guidance, helped refine our research topics. I focused on the spring-mass model’s application to distance runners. With the encouragement of professors, I presented my findings in a poster titled “Spring-Mass Model Symmetry Characteristics in Distance Runners Across a Competitive Season” at the conference. This experience was invaluable, deepening my understanding of exercise science and research while surrounded by some of the most brilliant minds in biomechanics. —Isabella (Bella) Vargas-Blanchard, B.S. Department of Health and Human Performance— Fort Lauderdale Pictured from left outside the conference hall at the University of Salzburg are Bella Vargas-Blanchard, Lexi Arena, and Monique Mokha. 3
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