Unsure of your passion? Undergraduate research is a great way to explore your field of study!
My name is Kristin Hebert. I am majoring in Exercise Science and am also the Cardinalette with Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s marching band, the Showcase of Southeast Texas. One of my more recent academic ventures I participated in was undergraduate research.
After being accepted as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow through the Office of Undergraduate Research at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, I researched "Landing Mechanics and Muscle Activation in Contemporary Dancers."
While guided by my mentor, Dr. Shannon Jordan, I conducted research to determine the best way to prevent injuries in the lower extremity among contemporary dancers. I used Delsys Wireless EMG Sensors to understand muscle activation during dance-related movements. My findings included discovering that one-legged landings require excellent postural stability, which is common in contemporary dance.
Even though my SURF research project is complete, I am continuing my research with further data collection and analysis. If conclusive results are found, this study could lead to a new way of training for contemporary dancers.
I highly encourage everyone to strongly consider participating in undergraduate research while attending Â鶹ÊÓƵ. This remarkable journey sparked a love for research that I would not have discovered without this wonderful opportunity.
Let's take the leap together!
Kristin Hebert