Kinesiology students shine at seventh annual research day 

Graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Kinesiology program at Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development had the opportunity to showcase their latest research at the seventh annual Kinesiology Research Day. 

The event, established as a platform to highlight student and faculty research, aims to bring greater visibility to the field of kinesiology — an area often underrepresented in research. 

“We wanted to showcase what our students and faculty are doing in the field and highlight our department’s contributions to the college, university and the discipline of kinesiology and sports management,” said Hannah Bennett, PhD, associate professor in the Kinesiology Department. “Many people don’t even know what kinesiology is. This event helps connect the dots for those outside of our department.” 

Judi Wilson, EdD, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, praised the event’s impact. 

“Kinesiology Research Day continues to be an outstanding showcase of our students’ dedication, curiosity and passion for advancing the field,” Wilson said. “The level of research presented this year demonstrates the commitment of both our students and faculty to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in kinesiology.” 

This year’s event saw its highest attendance to date, with 421 participants. 

“Each year, Kinesiology Research Day continues to grow,” said Steven Page, EdD, professor and department chair of kinesiology. “It’s exciting to see more students and faculty engaging in research and contributing to important discussions in the field.” 

Since its inception, Kinesiology Research Day has undergone significant evolution. 

“The event started as a half-day conference with a single 32-inch TV in the mezzanine of Christenberry Fieldhouse,” said Bennett, who has helped organize the event since its beginning. “We had three graduate student presentations, one faculty presentation and one keynote speaker.” 

Now, the event has expanded into a full-day conference held in the Jaguar Student Activities Center‘s Roscoe Williams Ballroom, featuring two keynote speakers, poster presentations and participation from outside institutions.

Among this year’s presenters was Tim Hang, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. His research, Examination of Virtual Reality Boxing Exercise and Its Effect on State Anxiety, stemmed from his own personal experience. 

“I deal with a lot of anxiety, especially with public speaking,” Hang said. “There are many ways to reduce anxiety that don’t require expensive treatments like medication or therapy. I hope my research helps others explore alternative methods.” 

Bennett emphasized the department’s commitment to mentoring students through the research process. 

“Our faculty is incredibly supportive of undergraduate research,” she said. “We work with both honors and non-honors students, guiding them from background reviews to data analysis and manuscript writing. The ‘aha’ moments, when students truly grasp what they’re doing, are the most rewarding part of mentorship.” 

Tiffany Oberther, a graduate assistant in the department, also presented her master’s thesis, The Relationship Between Diabetic and Inflammatory Markers in Firefighters. Oberther began her research as an undergraduate under the mentorship of Angelia ‘Maleah’ Winkler, PhD, an associate professor of kinesiology. 

“Dr. Winkler was already conducting a large study on cardiovascular disease in firefighters, and we wanted to validate a device called the Vicorder, which assesses arterial stiffness and blood pressure,” Oberther explained. “Our goal is to determine whether this device’s measurements correlate with the annual bloodwork firefighters receive.” 

Winkler emphasized the importance of research opportunities for students. 

“We work closely with students, allowing them to present their findings and gain valuable experience,” Winkler said. “We also host poster sessions where students can showcase their work, even if it’s still in progress.”

Dae Hee Kwak, PhD, associate professor of sport management and director of the Center for Sport Marketing Research, and Khalil Lee, PhD, former associate principal scientist specializing in athletic performance and recovery, served as keynote speakers for the conference. Both shared their insights into the latest trends in sport management and sports science, helping students understand how research translates into real-world applications. 

Additionally, a student panel featuring graduates currently enrolled in AU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program provided valuable guidance for those considering graduate school. 

“The feedback from this year’s panel was fantastic,” Bennett said. “Many students commented that they are now considering graduate programs because of the insights they gained. The panel helped ease their concerns about the application process and what to expect.” 

For students thinking about participating in next year’s Kinesiology Research Day, Oberther encouraged them to take the leap. 

“Step out of your comfort zone. You get to connect with students who may not even know about your research,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity, and I’ve had the privilege of presenting two years in a row.”