2022 Student Awards

The Department of Exercise Science has selected six students from among those nominated by faculty members, to receive the 2022 Outstanding Exercise Science Student Awards. This year’s winners were chosen for their academic achievements, community service and leadership roles.

	Outstanding Exercise Science Student, B.S. in Exercise Science	An aspiring physician, Ana Jukic wanted a major that allowed her to learn about the human body, especially while engaged in physical activity. Exercise science best fit her career goals while offering classes she was excited to take. The Capstone Scholar and Academic Scholar – Superlative Award winner is planning a career in sports medicine.
	Outstanding Student Achievement, Master of Science in Exercise Science award	As reserve military, Seth Byland helped make a research project on the cardiovascular health of women veterans possible by working with the VA Hopsital and Columbia Veteran's Center. He successfully defended his master's thesis on this research while performing full-time training exercise for the U.S. Army Reserve.
	Outstanding Student Achievement, Master of Science in Athletic Training, Professional Athletic Training Program	Originally from North Carolina and with a background in exercise and sports science, Erin Watlington is wrapping up her final clinical rotation for her degree. After graduation, she will work as an athletic trainer at a local high school and physical therapy clinic with plans to transition into the military setting as an athletic trainer later in her career.
	Outstanding Student Achievement, Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training, Post-Professional Athletic Training Program	At USC, Connor Givens gained experience with the Football Team and Prisma Health – Orthopedics. He has a first-author publication in the Clinical Practice in Athletic Training Journal and is co-authoring a second paper.  After graduation, he will work at Orthopedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for Jesuit High School.
	Outstanding Student Achievement, Doctorate of Exercise Science in Applied Physiology	Harry Cintineo’s work in public health grew from his early interest in science and biology. This background, coupled with his personal passion for health and sports, led him to focus on human physiology, performance and nutrition. He plans to continue teaching and conducting research with a career in academia.
	Outstanding Student Achievement, Doctor of Physical Therapy	Madeline East participated in research to increase access to exercise for individuals with Parkinson's disease and cancer, and she committed much of her time to mentoring undergraduate students. Following graduation, she will start her career with Physical Therapy Solutions in Greenville, SC, and plans to become an orthopedic clinical specialist.