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���ӽ�’s Exercise Science program has had a standout 2025, marked by national research presentations, prestigious faculty honors, and exceptional student achievements. From faculty leading conversations on the national stage to students earning competitive research opportunities, the program continues to make its mark locally, regionally, and nationally.

Faculty Lead at National and Regional Conferences

This past May, Dr. Katherine DeVivo represented ���ӽ� at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia—one of the largest gatherings of exercise scientists, health professionals, and researchers in the world.

Dr. DeVivo delivered both a research talk and a poster presentation. Her talk, “Studying How Animals Move Us: Human-Animal Bond Research in Kinesiology – Exploring Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Understanding Common Barriers/Facilitators to Activity Among Dog Owners,” examined how dog ownership influences physical activity levels and identified key challenges and motivators for staying active. Her poster, “What Proportion of Dog Owners’ Daily Activity Comes from Walking Their Dog?”, offered data-driven insights into daily movement patterns connected to dog walking, highlighting the human-animal bond as a powerful pathway for promoting health.

Earlier in the year, on February 20, ���ӽ� faculty and students showcased their work at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) Annual Meeting, one of the region’s premier professional gatherings. Exercise Science majors Mina Shull and Kylie Steward presented their poster, “Mapping Health Inequities: Investigating Health Outcomes in the ���ӽ� Neighborhood,” which explored local health disparities and community wellness. For both students, it was their first major conference presentation.

Dr. DeVivo also presented at SEACSM, sharing her qualitative research, “Dog Owners Talk the Talk about Walking the Walk: A Qualitative Exploration of Activity Participation,” which further examined the relationship between dog ownership and physical activity.

Faculty Excellence Recognized at the State Level

The program’s leadership also received well-deserved recognition this spring. Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko, Program Chair of Exercise Science, was named a 2025 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. Honoring 21 outstanding faculty across the state, the award celebrates exceptional dedication to undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and student success.

Since joining ���ӽ� in 2022, Dr. Szarabajko has led the program through significant growth and innovation, including updated curriculum offerings, new minors in Exercise Science and Athletic Coaching, expanded faculty, and increased student enrollment. She is widely recognized for creating hands-on learning opportunities, fostering undergraduate research, and mentoring students toward advanced studies and health careers.

“Receiving this award is truly an honor,” said Dr. Szarabajko. “I am grateful to work alongside dedicated colleagues and inspiring students who make my role as an educator so rewarding.”

Students Earn Top Honors and Competitive Research Opportunities

On April 16, 2025, the College celebrated the achievements of its students at the annual Honors and Awards Ceremony. Two Exercise Science seniors, Nathan Rodaway and Mina Shull, received the Exercise Science Academic Excellence Award for their outstanding academic performance, leadership, and passion for health sciences.

Mina also received the 2025 Carolina Whitson “Leadership that Makes a Difference” Award, recognizing her impact as President of the Pre-Health Club, student-athlete on the Cross Country and Track Teams, and member of the Honors Program. Nathan serves as Vice President of the Pre-Health Club and has contributed meaningfully to campus life through his work on the Judicial Board.

Both students were selected for the competitive SCINBRE Biomedical Summer Research Program, where they conducted original research and presented their findings at regional conferences, including SEACSM and the Southern Regional Honors Conference. Looking ahead, Mina plans to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, while Nathan is preparing for a career in diagnostic medical sonography.