Sharing My Research

May 2, 2025

Presenting my research at the American College of Sports Medicine conference was an important step in my research journey as a McNair Scholar. Held in Mankato, MN, the conference brought together researchers, students, and professionals from the surrounding areas to share knowledge and research. This experience was one to remember. 

Preparing for the Presentation

In the time leading up to the conference, I spent time creating a poster with the background, procedures, and results of my study. My research, titled “Reliability of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis on Tracking Off-Season Body Composition Changes in Division III Football Athletes” focused on determining if a more affordable and rapid device used to track body composition changes was reliable when tracking body composition changes in active athletes. 

Background on the Research

BIA

To give you background on the specific research that was conducted. My research mentor and I, alongside one other student, spent January, May, and August performing two types of body composition assessments each time in order to track the changes. We used the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) in order to determine if the BIA was as reliable as the DEXA. The study included 32 division III football athletes from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. Our final results indicated that in the on-campus portion of the off-season the BIA showed reliability but during the off-campus portion it was not reliable as it overestimated changes in fat-free mass (muscle mass) and over estimated changes in fat mass. 

DEXA

The Day of the Presentation

When the day of the presentation arrived, I was excited to share my research but nervous to encounter many unfamiliar faces. Many students and professors attended the poster presentation session, each stopping to learn about my research and ask questions. As the presentation time went on, the anxiety I had been feeling went away and I was able to enjoy sharing my research. Many attendees asked questions that challenged me to think about my research from different angles and many gave insight about similar research they had performed. 

Final Thoughts

Presenting at the American College of Sports Medicine conference was more than just a poster presentation; it was a learning experience and an opportunity to gain professional development. Being surrounded by my classmates as well as those interested in similar research is a truly rewarding and exciting experience. This is a highlight in my undergraduate career that I will remember for years to come.