Meet Emma Herring. The West Palm Beach native fell in love with the idea of doing something with athletics as a career a long time ago. She discovered the potential to pursue exercise physiology as a career when she experienced her first in-person exercise physiology lab. After that, she chose to dive headfirst into the field, and will pursue a master’s in kinesiology on the clinical exercise physiology track as well as a certification in exercise physiology. These programs aid individuals in managing chronic conditions and diseases through specially designed exercise plans.
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
What will you be doing after graduation?
I will be attending the Kinesiology MS program on the Clinical Exercise Physiology track. I’ll sit for the ACSM-CEP exam and become a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist.
What are your long-term career plans?
After I pass the ASCM-CEP exam, I hope to work in a hospital for cardiac or cancer rehabilitation. I am also considering pursuing a doctorate (PhD), and at some point in the future I can teach at a university after I have some in-field experience.
What accomplishment from your time at UCF are you most proud of?
I am currently interning in the Kinesiology Teaching Lab (KTL) this semester. During my internship, I have been able to make manuals for the labs/equipment for both the KTL and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) laboratories. I am happy that by creating these materials, I can help other students or interns understand how to use the equipment for each lab or research study.
What did you love the most about your time at UCF?
My internship in the KTL has been extremely educational. I get to learn about what the comprehensive equipment is used for and how to use it. I also get to work with other masters and doctoral students who have been super inspiring. I admire how dedicated they are to kinesiology and exercise physiology research, and it solidified my decision to go to graduate school.
What was your favorite class, professor, or experience at CHPS, and why?
My favorite class was anatomy because it is material that I consistently refer back to. I use the information for almost every course I have taken since. My favorite professors have been Clinical Assistant Professor Sarah Fretti, whose class made me realize I wanted to work in the field of exercise physiology. She has also been a super great mentor throughout my time at UCF. Also, Lecturer Thomas Fisher is just the coolest guy ever. He has so many accomplishments and really inspired me to pursue further education post-grad.
