As a student researcher, I have found deep meaning and purpose in the work I’ve been involved with throughout my undergraduate career. With women’s health research historically underrepresented compared to research on men, my passion for this field has only grown as I’ve come to better understand its direct impact on the lives of women. Exploring the physiological complexities of the female body, especially during pivotal transitions such as menopause, has given me a greater appreciation for how essential this research is in promoting the future of women’s healthcare.
While we have not yet completed data analysis or drawn conclusions from our current study, we hypothesize that our exercise intervention will improve postmenopausal symptoms related to sleep quality and stress levels. If supported, our findings may highlight the importance of physical activity as a non-pharmacological intervention to enhance quality of life in postmenopausal women. The hormonal and metabolic fluctuations that accompany perimenopause, menopause, and the postmenopausal phase can be overwhelming, and often leave women feeling frustrated or disconnected from their bodies. My hope is that research like ours will empower women with knowledge and tools that enhance their sense of control over their health and well-being during these transitions.
What excites me most is how something as seemingly simple as an exercise routine can have profound effects on the body. This intersection between exercise and metabolic health has become of great interest not only to my academic interests but also across the broader field of metabolic physiology. The work we are doing through the IDEA Grant has the potential to inform clinical practices and improve outcomes for women in the community.
As I enter my senior year at Florida State University, I reflect on the remarkable opportunities I’ve had as a researcher, leader, and aspiring healthcare professional. I am proud to be continuing my work in the Laboratory of Integrative Vascular and Metabolic Physiology, which I will have been a part of for three years by the end of my senior year. Here, I’ll continue to investigate how exercise interventions impact women’s health, particularly with regard to metabolism and cardiovascular outcomes. I plan to present findings from our IDEA Grant-funded project at conferences such as the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) and the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) in the coming year. I believe it is vital to communicate our research beyond the lab in order to increase its visibility, relevance, and potential to drive positive change.
The IDEA Grant has given me far more than the chance to conduct research. Through this program, I’ve gained insight into numerous resources that support students pursuing postgraduate education, both at FSU and internationally. From interview preparation workshops to funding advice, this experience has significantly boosted my confidence in planning for graduate school. Over the course of my senior year, I will begin preparing my medical school applications, making full use of FSU’s resources like the Career Center to guide me through the process.
As a pre-medical student, my research experience has provided invaluable clinical insight. Because the studies I work on in this lab involve human participants, I’ve gained firsthand exposure to the procedures and responsibilities involved in conducting clinical trials. From guiding participants through protocol to helping collect blood glucose samples, these experiences have strengthened my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. These moments have shaped my understanding of the intersection between research and patient care, and I am confident that this background will be of great benefit as I move forward in medicine. I fully intend to continue participating in research throughout medical school, and I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation I’ve built at FSU. It has not only shaped my academic path but also fueled my long-term commitment to advancing healthcare.
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