The first student speaker series of 2010/2011 was a rousing success! The room was full of grad students and faculty members and we weren’t disappointed! PhD physiology student Nick Jendzjowsky opened the event with aplomb and reported on ‘The effect of 4 weeks of mild-intensity exercise training on the skeletal muscle vascular response to sympathetic stimulation.’ Nick did such a stellar job on his presentation that even non-physiology types (such as yours truly) were able to keep up – and enjoy! – his presentation.
Next up was MA student Kelley Lefebvre from the socio-cultural area. Her provocative presentation entitled: Playing for rights: A critical investigation of right to play athlete interviews from the 2010 Olympic Games, prompted a fascinating, lively and important discussion among the audience about racism and colonialism in sport and development. Thanks to Kelley for making us reflect on such important issues and keeping things lively!
Finally, PhD student Mike Nelson (also from the physiology area) wrapped things up with his sophisticated study: Biventricular function during passive heat stress: Influence of aerobic fitness. The highlight of this presentation was the Q and A period where physiology bigwigs in the audience challenged Mike with some tough, but interesting questions that went beyond the scope of his study. Mike rocked his answers in true Nelson style. Again, for a non-physiologist I found myself very engaged.
Overall, the event was a fine display of intellectual engagement and debate. Gotta love the academy!
After the presentations the audience was invited to the Faculty Lounge for poster presentations and pizza. 7 students presented posters and continued the intellectual stimulation while the audience mingled, chatted and enjoyed free, delicious, pizza.
If you weren’t there, I have to admit, you missed out. But, there’s more speaker series to come – stay tuned!!!
Marianne
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