Atlanta, GA

PROGRAM: Kinesiology and Applied Physiology 

Attending the National ACSM Conference was an incredibly rewarding experience that contributed both to my professional development and ongoing research. One of the highlights was the opportunity to present my poster, which focuses on cardiac autonomic function in kids. Sharing this work allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations with graduate students and researchers conducting similar studies. Their feedback provided valuable insight into how I can strengthen the manuscript I am currently preparing based on this project. In addition to presenting, I attended several high-quality sessions on vascular physiology and autonomic regulation, which helped deepen my understanding of current approaches and innovations in the field. These talks not only reinforced key concepts relevant to my dissertation work but also introduced me to emerging methods and areas of inquiry that I hope to explore in the future. The conference also offered a range of professional development courses, which were instrumental as I prepare to transition into a postdoctoral position. I had the chance to speak with principal investigators and members of various research labs across the country, gaining a better sense of different lab environments, mentorship styles, and opportunities aligned with my interests in cardiovascular physiology and translational science. Overall, the conference was an excellent platform to share research, build connections, and gather both scientific and career-related guidance. It reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing an academic research career while equipping me with new tools and ideas to carry forward.