Syracuse Sun

The recent Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (MARC-ACSM) annual conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, highlighted significant achievements by students from Syracuse University's Department of Exercise Science. Four students were recognized for their research contributions.

Doctoral students Alaina Glasgow and Andrew Heckel, along with undergraduate student Tara Cuddihee, presented their research at the event. Doctoral student Wonhee Cho presented on behalf of undergraduate Eleanor Kwacz, who was unable to attend. Notably, Heckel's study was selected as a top five doctoral abstract and Kwacz’s work was chosen as a top five undergraduate abstract.

Exercise Science Assistant Professor Joon Young Kim supervises these students and commended them for their "impressive level of scientific understanding, critical thinking, hard work and dedication." He emphasized that they represent "the next generation of researchers, innovators and problem-solvers."

MARC-ACSM is a group dedicated to advancing sports medicine and exercise science across several states including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. The chapter aims to facilitate scientific communication and professional development.

Two faculty members from Falk College also contributed presentations at the conference: Associate Professor Tiago Barreira discussed measuring sleep with wearable devices while Assistant Professor Jessica Garay focused on relative energy deficiency in sport.

Kim remarked that this recognition enhances Syracuse University’s reputation by opening avenues for collaboration and funding opportunities. It underscores the quality mentorship provided by faculty members like Kim.

Wonhee Cho's impactful role in presenting for Kwacz was noted alongside his own research accomplishments. His recent work has been published in Science Direct and he presented an abstract at The Obesity Society annual meeting in San Antonio where he was a finalist for the 2024 Ethan Sims Young Investigator Award.

Heckel acknowledged the importance of teamwork with lab mates like Cho and Glasgow under Dr. Kim’s guidance. “Dr. Kim encourages us all to work together as a team," said Heckel.

For more information about the Department of Exercise Science's programs or to participate in ongoing research projects led by Dr. Kim's Clinical Research Laboratory, interested parties can contact him via email at jkim291@syr.edu.