UC Exercise Science Expo highlights community connections and industry expertise
The first-ever event provided students with learning and networking opportunities for career success
On March 28, 2024, the University of Cincinnati’s Exercise Science (EXSC) program, part of the School of Human Services, hosted the university’s inaugural Exercise Science Expo in the Tangeman University Center. The event brought together over 350 attendees, which included UC EXSC students, recent alumni, industry professionals and community partners for a full day of networking, special speakers, internship and job opportunities, and more.
Sarah Buckley, co-owner of Prevail Strength x Movement, presented on mobility training in one of the expo's breakout sessions. Photo/CECH Marketing
The expo was conceived of and executed by two EXSC professors, assistant professor Naomi Matley and program coordinator and associate professor Julia Buchanan, who envisioned it as a way to connect students with opportunities.
“We noticed there were so many students who wanted to complete internships, get involved, go to conferences,” says Matley. “We thought, how can we get everybody involved? And why don’t we just do it here?”
“We really wanted it to be an event where we could have everybody, as many of the people as we could, under one roof,” adds Buchanan, “We wanted to get students connected – for internships, shadowing, part-time jobs – and for our professionals to stay connected and continue learning as well and mentoring.”
“We have so many amazing, brilliant professionals nearby in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland,” says Matley. “So we reached out to them thinking we might get maybe eight, 10 presenters. And we got way, way more!”
Sarah Buckley, co-owner of Prevail Strength x Movement, a private training facility on Cincinnati’s east side, was one of the presenters who eagerly answered the call for event participants. “I really appreciated the idea of bringing some local expertise to the university,” says Buckley, who served as both a sponsor of and speaker at the expo. “Education, access and opportunity are very high values at our gym, so being here today is just a way for us to live through our values and step up when our community is interested in having us.”
While the Great Hall featured a wealth of local employers and industry representatives, the event was also jam-packed with workshops and demonstrations, including a talk on motivation in the face of adversity from para-triathlete David Whelan and presentations from industry professionals, faculty and even current EXSC students.
Student expo attendees practiced guided breath work in the Wim Hoff method workshop. Photo/CECH Marketing
"I did my presentation today on the Wim Hof Method," says Ty Bentley, one of the EXSC student presenters (Bentely presented the breathwork session along with another workshop on Olympic weightlifting). "It felt really good to share knowledge on things I'm passionate about with people in my major. It was a really cool experience."
“I presented on building confidence through exercise,” adds Emma Kalinowski, another student presenter. “I wanted to challenge myself and do something new and scary that I haven’t done before.”
Doing “new and scary” things was a main theme behind Whelan’s keynote presentation as well. After years of debilitating pain following a catastrophic injury, Whelan received a foot amputation and began his long road to recovery – and an eventual career as a professional para-triathlete. As a speaker, he brought a message of persistent resilience to attendees, with a special message for exercise science students seeking a career in human services.
“Meet your clients where they’re at. Listening and being empathetic is going to be incredibly helpful moving forward."
David Whelan
"You know, we’re all going through our own journey and have our own struggles," says Whelan. "If you can just approach that with gratitude and focus on moving that needle forward, that’s going to be incredibly powerful.”
The first-ever UC Exercise Science Expo was a clear and resounding success, and event organizers are already looking ahead for ways to improve next year’s event. “We have so many great partners here in Cincinnati,” says Buchanan. “Everything from sports performance to clinical exercise physiologists to fitness entrepreneurs and everything in between. We’re very excited.”
Featured image at top: Student attendees gathered in the Tangeman University Center Ballroom for UC's inaugural Exercise Expo. Photo/CECH Marketing.
Next Lives Here
The School of Human Services, located in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology, is a dynamic and innovative program committed to excellence in raising the next generation of industry professionals. The School of Human Services offers a range of certificates, undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs to prepare students for their futures in the field of health and wellness.
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