Meet Luk Devorski. His father was in the sports industry and his mother, healthcare. When he came to college, he knew he wanted to find a way to bridge the gap between these two industries and offer support to professionals in both lab and clinical settings. The Class of 2023 graduate relocated to UCF from the University of Toledo with his faculty mentor, Assistant Professor Colby Mangum, who served as committee member for his master’s thesis. During his time at UCF, he conducted research in the READY Laboratory studying muscle function and treatments for non-specific low back pain and was involved with the National Athletic Trainers Association, where he remains an active member. After graduation, he’ll return to his home state where he’ll follow in the footsteps of his mentor and begin his career as a university professor.
Luk Devorski
Hometown: Hershey, PA
Degree: Kinesiology Ph.D.
What will you be doing after graduation?
I have accepted a tenure track position as an assistant professor of exercise physiology in the Department of Health Sciences at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
What are your long-term career plans?
My long-term goals are to have national and international presence within the athletic training and exercise physiology research community and to foster undergraduate education to support future healthcare professionals in the exercise physiology, exercise science and kinesiology fields.
What accomplishment from your time at UCF are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my Order of Pegasus nomination. It is considered the most prestigious and significant award a student can attain at the University of Central Florida. My academic achievements, professional and community service, leadership, publications, and research experiences led me to be nominated for this prestigious award.
What did you love the most about your time at UCF?
I loved the collaboration and support within the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences (IEPRS). The institute is made up of seven laboratories. The fellow students and laboratory directors consistently showed me support and made me feel there always was an open line of communication. There were countless times students would take time out of their day to attend my research presentations and show support.
What was your favorite class, professor, or experience at CHPS, and why?
My favorite experience at CHPS was my time spent with my advisor, Dr. Colby Mangum. Dr. Mangum treats everyone with the utmost respect and is more than willing to do things to improve the university, student learning and the athletic training profession. I could not have asked for a better advisor and what I learned from her will be beneficial for my entire life.
