Junior Year & My Research Mentor

October 1, 2024

Junior Year & My Research Mentor  

After a busy summer of work, research, friends and family, I have begun my Junior year at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire.

Fall Semester - Junior Year

The start of my fall semester has been busy but immensely rewarding as I began my first of three semesters in the Rehabilitation Science program. The Rehabilitation Science program is an opportunity to gain experience that will be beneficial for me as I continue onto graduate school and into my professional experience. In the short five weeks I have been in the program, I have gained an immense amount of knowledge that will help me to further my understanding of rehabilitation and lead me to being a successful physical therapist. The classes I am currently taking are Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription, Exercise Physiology Lab, and Adapted Physical Activity. Although I have enjoyed my classes thus far, the Exercise Physiology Lab is a hands-on, interactive class that is currently my favorite course this semester. I am also taking a course where I have been able to engage and spend time working with children with disabilities through the P.R.I.D.E. program run by Dr. Johnson. This opportunity has allowed me to reach outside of my comfort zone, and participate in a rewarding and unique experience that I wouldn’t otherwise have. The P.R.I.D.E. program stands for “Physical Activity and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in the Eau Claire Area” and has around 45 students that attend every Thursday night to engage in physical activity. This experience has allowed me to gain a better understanding of children with disabilities and the importance of inclusion through physical activity. Outside of the classroom, you can usually find me working out, watching a tv show, or spending time with my friends. 

Meet My Mentor

Now that you have had the opportunity to learn about the start of my semester, let me introduce you to my research mentor. My research mentor is Dr. Nicholas Beltz, who works in the Kinesiology department at the university. Dr. Beltz earned his B.S. in Kinesiology in 2010 from UWEC, his M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2012 from the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse and finally he earned his Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports & Exercise Science in 2017 from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Beltz shared a fun fact about him is that he is a UWEC Alum and he was on the football team at the university. When I asked him about his favorite part about working at the university he said, “collaborating with students and other faculty on campus”. When I asked one of my cohort members to describe Dr. Beltz in one word they said, “well-versed”. Having Dr. Beltz, as my mentor, has made the research process a fun and exciting process.