Student & Alumni Spotlights
Mansi Nimbalkar, M.S.
Which program did you complete?
I have completed MS in Exercise Physiology.
What was your favorite thing about the program you completed?
My favorite aspects of pursuing my degree firstly are the extremely supportive professors with profound Expertise. The guidance and support I received from them is unmatched. Secondly, the program emphasizes developing strong research skills, and hands-on practical experiences. The depth of theoretical understanding provided along with opportunities for engaging research, and real-world applications, collectively creates a well-rounded experience.
What has been your most significant accomplishment since graduating?
With the research skills I possessed during my program, I was able to join the Cardiology research team at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
What do you do for fun?
Explore new areas around the city, hiking, visit museums, sleep.
Do you have any advice for students that may want to enroll in the program you completed?
Enrolling in this program would turn out to be the most important steppingstone of your life, as it did in mine. Believe me when I say this, the skills you'll acquire here will take you from being an "awkward, confused newcomer in their first master's class" to confidently climbing the ladder of success.
Alexander August, CSCS
Which program did you complete?
I received my Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science with a concentration as an Exercise Specialist.
What was your favorite thing about the program you completed?
My favorite thing about the exercise science program was being pushed and challenged by professors to submit a higher quality of work. Being pushed in that way not only made the information more exciting to learn but also made it easier to retain the information for longer.
What has been your most significant accomplishment since graduating?
My most significant accomplishment since graduating was being offered a graduate assistant strength coach position at Delta State University as the head strength coach for women’s basketball and cross country.
What do you do for fun?
For fun I enjoy cooking, hiking with my dog Aurora, nature photography, and weight training.
Do you have any advice for students that may want to enroll in the program you completed?
My advice for the students entering the exercise science program would be to visit office hours frequently and not be afraid to have conversations with their professors as well as their peers.
Sarah Kearney, Ph.D.
Which program did you complete?
Doctorate in Exercise Physiology.
What was your favorite thing about the program you completed?
The work culture that encouraged camaraderie amongst my cohort and faculty members. A Ph.D is incredibly rewarding but also quite challenging. But as a cohort, you’ll experience each phase of your Ph.D. and every growing pain together, with the faculty supporting you every step of the way. My cohort always looked forward to our weekly tradition of meeting at Ray’s Place where we would cheers to “ONE WEEK CLOSER!” We’ve all settled in different parts of the country now but maintain the tradition by monthly FaceTime/phone calls and talking through the newest adventure of our tenure-track faculty positions.
What has been your most significant accomplishment since graduating?
Returning home to Michigan and accepting a tenure-track position to teach and research at Grand Valley State University. I’m currently working on starting my own laboratory to research the cardiovascular system and how it responds to caffeine ingestion and resistance exercise, as well as collaborating on a study abroad program to Wales with a colleague from Bowling Green State University. Plus, the work-life balance of being close to family and friends is a major perk!
What do you do for fun?
As anticipated, I enjoy being active, primarily through resistance training. I’m also fond of any excuse to be outdoors, such as hiking through the forest or along Lake Michigan. And since moving to Grand Rapids, I enjoy taking advantage of what the city has to offer such as the endless coffee shops, comedy shows/concerts, and restaurants with creative menus and atmospheres.
Do you have any advice for students that may want to enroll in the program you completed?
Forgive yourself for the mistakes you will inevitably make - it’s part of the learning process. You’re not an imposter, you deserve to be here!