November 13, 2013

On May 28, students in Drexel’s Masters in Human Nutrition Program attended a conference on sports medicine and exercise science in Indianapolis, Indiana. Professionals from around the globe came to share new clinical techniques, scientific advancements and cutting-edge research in sports medicine, exercise science, physical activity and public health at the conference, which was sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Among the attendees were several College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) students, including Rachel Kelley, Jacqui Van Grouw, Sarah Wyosacki, Dorothy Hanrahan, and Kristen Kochenour, along with Stella Volpe, PhD, Chair of the Nutrition Sciences Department.

Key presentation topics included the effects of diet and exercise on glycemic response, the importance of exercise for cancer patients, and brown adipose tissue in adults and its effects on disease prevention. “It was really exciting to see that there are still so many areas that need further research, and as a future dietitian, I have an opportunity to contribute to this research,” said Kochenour, one of the student attendees at the conference. For students like her, this convention can serve as a supplement to classroom learning. Conference attendance can enhance the student experience, as Rebecca Walker explained last month.

Student Sarah Wysocki acknowledges the help that Volpe provided in creating networking opportunities at the conference. “Because Volpe is so well known in the field,” started Wysocki, “My classmates and I got to meet countless numbers of her colleagues, friends, and fellow researchers that have made huge contributions to the field of nutrition and exercise. I also had lunch with Nancy Clark, a well-known sports dietician who got me more involved in the field.”

The College of Nursing and Health Professions will host its own sports nutrition conference in May 2014.