Rylie DiMaio

I had the privilege of attending the Mid Atlantic Regional Conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in Harrisburg, PA as a student poster presenter. The highlights of my experience include exchanging knowledge with fellow students, competing in the College Bowl, attending several informative talks, making new professional connections, and strengthening existing ones. I presented a poster on research that we had conducted in the semesters prior which described creatine supplementation and muscle quality. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in academic conversation with students and professionals alike.

I was surprised by the amount of interaction I had while presenting my poster. I’ve never had so many individuals come up and ask such meaningful questions before.

This experience allowed me to practice my ability to engage in scientific discussion. It challenged my own understanding of research as some people asked me specific methodological questions that challenged my knowledge. Additionally, I was able to reconnect with a professor from freshman year who transferred universities and discuss my options for physical therapy school.

I’m continuing my work in the Neuromuscular Physiology Lab for my senior year. Through to this experience, I was able to strengthen my relationships with Falk College of Sport faculty and students.

With this award, I was able to fully immerse myself in the experience without worrying about how I was going to cover registration fees, travel, accommodation and food.