Students and Alumni

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of Sports Science.
My interest in the field of sports science began during undergraduate coursework. In this time, I was an exercise science major who also started to compete in the sport of powerlifting. I began to be intrigued by the field of sports science early on during my undergraduate career because of many of the things I learned about in the classroom that I could use to enhance my own training in the gym. It was not until later in my junior and senior years that I realized how vast the field of sports science really was.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s MS in Sports Science program?
The main aspect which really stood out was that nearly all of the faculty are practitioners outside of the classroom. To be specific, many of the courses in the program are taught by professors who are either former or current prolific researchers in their respective field, clinicians, or strength and conditioning coaches.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the department.
I overall had a great experience working with everyone in the department. I truly feel like I learned so much about different facets of the field (biomechanics, nutrition, strength & conditioning research, skeletal muscle physiology). Outside of the classroom, I was granted the opportunity to co-author a study with Dr. Ghigiarelli (program director), and assist another faculty member in running an annual injury screen for all Hofstra sports teams. Faculty always welcomed students into their free office hours.

How did the program prepare you for employment?
This program has prepared me for employment to be a strength and conditioning coach, or an instructor who lectures on topics related to sports science/exercise science/ kinesiology.

What are your long-term professional goals and how will the program help you reach them?
My long-term professional goal is to become a professor at a university where I can also perform research. Due to the dedicated mentorship of the faculty, I have already begun to take the first steps toward my long-term goal by being accepted into a Kinesiology PhD program.

What is your advice for prospective students looking for a degree in health?
My advice for prospective students looking for a degree in sports science is to strive to be successful both inside and outside the classroom. Students should attend as many professional conferences as possible, try to volunteer time/assist professors with their own personal research, and grow their knowledge by keeping up to date with latest literature in the field.

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of Sports Science.
I began my career at Hofstra University as a freshman in 2010 as, surprisingly, a music major. It took a fair amount of soul-searching before I found the Exercise Science undergraduate program, and it began a journey during which I never once have looked back. I received my BS in Exercise Science from Hofstra University in 2014 and then pursued the MS in Sports Science.

What attracted you to Hofstra University's MS in Sports Science program?
Knowing that I wanted to continue my academic studies, I looked into master's programs in sports/exercise science and physiology. I had a great respect for Dr. Jamie Ghigiarelli, having had him as an undergraduate professor, and learned he was the program director for the MS in Sports Science program at Hofstra. I was attracted to the dual research/applied nature of this program and chose it for that reason.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the department.
My experience with the faculty has been nothing short of wonderful. I have had the great privilege of studying under Dr. Katie Sell since my undergraduate days; she instilled in me my appreciation and love of scientific literature and physiology. Dr. Jamie Ghigiarelli is himself someone I consider to be one of my greatest mentors throughout my time at Hofstra. He is truly invested in his students, whether it be in regard to their successes in the classroom or outside of it.

How did the program prepare you for employment?
I could not have been more prepared for employment. I was hired as an adjunct instructor during my graduate studies, which I believe is a testament to the quality of the education I received. It has given me an edge in other opportunities as well; a master's degree is becoming something of a necessity in the very competitive professional strength and conditioning field.

What are your long term professional goals and how will the program help you reach them?
My ultimate goal was to continue my studies at the doctoral level; having a research-based master's degree was a necessity. I would say that it paid off, as I will be starting my PhD in Exercise Physiology at Springfield College starting in this coming fall of 2019!

What is your advice for prospective students looking for a degree in health?
The field of health science is fighting a constant battle with preconceived notions, misinformation, and money-making fads. Well-informed professionals who are able to sift through the mire and educate people on the means and methods to live a healthier life are always needed. This is a field with numerous specialties and niche interests, so there truly is something for everyone!

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of Sports Science.
I got my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science due to my interest in and love for sports. My goals have changed over time, but my overall passion is to work with college athletes. I wanted to help develop athletes physically, academically, and professionally, so I believed a graduate degree in Sports Science was the best option.

What attracted you to Hofstra University's MS in Sports Science program?
I loved that there is a strength and conditioning concentration, considering that collegiate strength and conditioning was what I wanted to get into. The classes also helped immensely with preparing for needed certifications.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the department.
There were a few things that I did not learn in undergraduate that I needed to have had learned for graduate school at Hofstra. It was a challenging start, but I had professors that took their time and explained things to me. I learned a great deal of things I never knew, and I definitely grew professionally because of them.

How did the program prepare you for employment?
The program provided me with and prepared me for the coaching skills and certifications needed to become a strength and conditioning coach. I was also able to intern at two colleges, which is extremely important for strength and conditioning. So, I would say that the program prepares students well for any type of sport performance profession.

What are your long term professional goals and how will the program help you reach them?
My long-term goals have changed since I graduated, but my degree has provided relevance to the position that I want. My first goal is to become an Athletic-Academic Advisor that provides students with academic and professional support while also serving as a mentor. That position will lead me to become a Director of Student-Athlete Support Services in the future.

What is your advice for prospective students looking for a degree in health?
The first thing any prospective student should think about is what his/her passion is. The passion will help the student to decide what health program to pursue. Afterwards and during, get involved and volunteer for added experience!

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of Sports Science.
Prior to the pandemic, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in music from Ithaca College in 2017 and served as an Executive Assistant to Stephanie Klemons (Associate Choreographer and Global Dance Supervisor of Hamilton: An American Musical). During my time working with Stephanie, I developed a passion for health, fitness, and more specifically running as it transformed my life. From 2018-2020, I ran 4 marathons and 4 half marathons and saw consistent improvement and success as I started to field constant questions from family and friends on how I could help them. As Broadway shutdown at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and health and fitness became a staple in homes around the world, I started to develop a curiosity of what adaptations were taking place inside my body and how I could use the science to help others lead more healthful lives.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s Sports Science program?
Attending Hofstra was a no-brainer for me. My mom is an alum and I live nearby. Growing up, I always thought I might attend Hofstra; it was just a matter of figuring out when and for what degree. Prior to the pandemic, I avoided investigating Hofstra’s Sport Science program because “I don’t do sports.” I was always a theater/music kid and did not identify myself as an athlete, but as someone who runs for exercise. In the spring of 2020, I decided to reach out to Dr. Ghigiarelli just to touch base and learn more about the program. I was immediately drawn to the program after our conversation. Dr. Ghigiarelli’s quick replies to all my questions and willingness to connect made it apparent that I would have the support I needed throughout my journey, obtaining a master’s degree in a field that was like learning a foreign language to me. I also appreciated the opportunity to select from different concentrations and electives to tailor the degree toward my interests and career goals, because coming into the program I did not know exactly what my goals were other than learning more, as well as finding a way to help others and pursuing a career that might survive a pandemic.

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.
During my time in the Sport Science program, I had the opportunity to volunteer at St. Francis’ Outpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation which provided me with a strong learning experience. Throughout the semester I learned important clinical skills, which I quickly added to my resume, positioning me well for a successful career as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the Sports Science program.
Starting and finishing graduate school in a field which I previously had little knowledge during a global pandemic was extremely challenging, yet insanely rewarding. From the moment I was introduced to each faculty member (especially Dr. Ghigiarelli, Dr. Sell, and Dr. Gonzalez who teach a large portion of the curriculum) it was extremely clear that they were passionate about what they are teaching and extremely well-read. Although the faculty share interests in the subject matter presented across all courses, it was clear that the faculty member whose primary area of research and practice aligned with the course material was selected to teach. The lectures and labs used evidence-based practice supported by research to help us be better critical thinkers and practitioners in the field. I also appreciated the opportunity in nearly every class to complete research projects that allowed me to find answers to questions I had. Halfway through my time in the program, I suffered a severe traumatic brain injury which posed several challenges, but I always felt supported and could not have completed my degree without the compassion and support of the faculty.

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?
During my last six weeks of the program, I accepted a job as a Mobility Specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery’s new experience called the “How You Move Lab” in Stamford, CT. I very quickly counted myself out before I applied, but after talking it over with Dr. Sell, I gained the confidence to apply and was hired on the spot during my interview because I was so highly qualified. Dr. Sell and Dr. Ghigiarelli also served as references to support my application. My hope is that this opportunity will lead to work as a full career as Clinical Exercise Physiologist at HSS and beyond working with a variety of populations.

Why would you recommend this program to others?
This is a great program if you want to use evidence-based practice to provide solutions for healthy/unhealthy and athletic/nonathletic populations to improve their fitness. There are so many avenues to explore within the program and opportunities following graduation in clinical and non-clinical settings.

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of Sports Science.
I was a former student athlete at Hofstra and played lacrosse between the years 2018-2019.  My desire to perform well on the field and improve led me to exercise science, which in turn led me to the MS in Sports Science.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s MS in Sports Science program?
I was welcomed by professors and graduate students that made my experience that much better.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the department.
The faculty is extremely helpful, understanding, and patient.

How did the program prepare you for employment?
The program provided me with the educational and coaching foundation that led me to a strength and conditioning position at Princeton University.  I have used the skills I learned in the sports science program to perform my job at a high level.

What are your long term professional goals and how will the program help you reach them?
My long-term goal is to become a Director of Performance for a high level D1 school. The program has taught me how to connect with current directors and build my resume.

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of Sports Science.
I am a Corrective Exercise Specialist since 2015 and a Certified Personal Trainer since 2013, with more than ten years of experience in Physical Therapy. I have centered my career on not only sports but to helping those seeking health related needs.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s Sports Science program?
Hofstra University’s master’s program recognition by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) immediately drew my attention during my pursuit of challenging opportunities to enhance my professional career experience and knowledge in the field of health.

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.
I was fortunate to have been offered an opportunity to work alongside Dr. Jamie Ghigiarelli, associate professor of Allied Health and Kinesiology at Hofstra University, on a Controlled Performance Study conducted on collegiate athletes for the length of a summer. The experience provided me a further understanding of the instructor’s knowledge outside of the classroom.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the Sports Science program.
The faculty of the sports science program work in unison to provide the students various points-of-view to present a clearer overall understanding. Each faculty member possesses abilities and knowledge that complement the other faculty. Their method teaching the students allows for complete comprehension of all subject matter.

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?
The experiences I have gained through Hofstra University’s sports science program has expanded my ongoing knowledge in the field of health. With the assistance of the faculty, I immediately found a position at NYU Langone Mineola as an Exercise Physiologist in Pediatric Care. I look to continue broadening my horizon in every direction possible.

Why would you recommend this program to others?
Returning to higher education and choosing Hofstra University’s sports science program as a steppingstone for my professional career is one of the most rewarding decisions I have made to date. I encourage others to take the opportunity to look into this program and it’s offering.