What is your dissertation/thesis title?
Developing a familiarization protocol: Implementing the Repetitions in Reserve scale

Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?
I’ve been a personal trainer for six years; I completed my AA at Hawkeye College. Initially, I did not intend to continue to my undergrad; I planned to focus on growing my coaching (personal training) career. However, a close mentor urged me to consider furthering my education – in doing so, I looked into UNI – and decided to enroll in the kinesiology program for my undergrad.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
When researching Kinesiology programs, UNI seemed to have a good program… and I also attended the Upward Bound program, so I was already semi-familiar with the campus.

How did you choose your area of focus for your thesis or dissertation? Why was this important to you?
Beyond my interest in kinesiology and sport performance, I wanted my thesis and the research I conducted to make an impact in the sport performance field. In doing so, I considered the importance of proper programming and periodization required to maximize performance and minimize the risk of injuries for athletes in all sports when resistance training. With my particular interest in resistance training (strength & conditioning), I focused on methods used to manipulate resistance training variables. I found that a frequently used method, repetitions in reserve (RIR), had a gap in the research/literature – in that there was no protocol to educate someone to use the RIR scale. So, my goal was to develop a protocol that may be utilized to educate someone to implement the RIR scale into their resistance training program – whether recreational or collegiate/professional athletes – in individual or team sports/settings.

What’s been your favorite experience at UNI so far?
“One of” my favorite experiences at UNI has been the relationships I’ve developed with some of my professors. For instance, Dr. Jacob Reed gave me the opportunity of doing undergrad research, and he’s my chair for my thesis. Dr. Reed has not only been a great professor (teacher), he is always open to give advice, whether it is school-related, career-oriented, or just on life.

How has UNI helped you achieve your goals?
UNI has helped me achieve my goals by ensuring I have the necessary tools to be successful. UNI – particularly professors in my department – make a tremendous effort to ensure we (students) can apply the knowledge gained over the semester in real-life scenarios. My decision to return to college and pursue my degree at UNI has definitely helped me become a better fitness coach and further my career.

What challenges have you faced as you've worked toward this degree – and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is that my dad became very ill during my undergrad and actually passed last July. I knew that in order to be successful, I could not give up, regardless of the circumstance. Since my dad passed, something that has kept me motivated is knowing that I am making him proud by following my dreams. I found that focusing on school not only helped me be a better student – but I found that my passion for gaining new knowledge continued to grow.

We often say UNI is ... 1) student-focused; 2) a place where professors care – and teach; 3) a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom; and 4) is perfectly sized. Do you have an example or experience of how one or more of these statements rings true for you?
“Having professors that care and teach.” Dr. Fabio Fontana has always made sure I have what I need to be successful. Dr. Fabio Fontana also makes sure that I’m aware of every opportunity, and in doing so, he expresses his belief in my ability to succeed.

What advice would you give to students considering coming to UNI?
My advice for incoming students would be to visit the campus and experience the atmosphere; If the students are graduate students, my recommendation would be to “meet the faculty” with whom you’ll spend most of your time.

What three adjectives describe you?
Diligent, ambitious, and passionate

What do you plan to do with your degree?
Following graduate school, I’m going to pursue my PhD. Once I complete my PhD. I plan to teach at a university and continue to grow my fitness (coaching) career.