Summer 2020 Virtual Internship Team
June 19, 2020
SIUE students in both the undergraduate exercise science program and the graduate exercise physiology program are required to complete a 200-hour internship as part of their requirements for graduation. The objectives of the internship are for students to apply academic coursework, theories, and principles in a hands-on setting, to gain knowledge and skills through observation and application in a “real-world” environment, to develop and enhance professional skills such as communication, motivation, organization, and self-discipline, and to gain a better understanding of facility management and business operations. Typically, students have the freedom to seek and select any exercise or wellness related facility to complete their internship based on their own professional goals. Most often, students complete these internships in settings such as Cardiac Rehabilitation, Athletic Performance, Fitness and Wellness Facilities, Corporate Wellness/Corporate Fitness, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training rooms, and Chiropractic offices.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, students were forced to either delay their internship or find sites that would allow for remote/virtual learning opportunities. Simultaneously, departments across campus had to reduce their staff due to the closures, including Campus Recreation. While both of these situations were disappointing, together they created an opportunity for exercise science and exercise physiology students to collaborate with Campus Rec to encourage physical activity and wellness throughout the summer months while the campus remained closed. The team of 17 students, under the direction of Erin Vanderbunt (Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology Internship Coordinator) and Natalie Hawkins (Assistant Director of Recreational Programs in the SIUE Department of Campus Recreation), have taken over the Campus Rec social media accounts to encourage and promote physical activity and exercise, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and overall wellness such as mindfulness, stress, sleep, nutrition, hydration, and even how to use physical activity to help facilitate learning. In addition to creating content for social media, they will also be writing periodic blog articles to be shared through this exercise science program site.
Meet the Team of Interns
Jessica Bentlage is finishing up her bachelor's degree in exercise science and plans on beginning a PTA program this fall.
Sabrina Burch is a senior in the exercise science undergraduate program and would like to pursue a career in corporate wellness after graduation. She would like to eventually become a Wellness Coordinator/Director.
Maggie Coreggia will be graduating from the undergraduate exercise science this summer and will begin the exercise physiology graduate program at SIUE this fall. She plans to pursue a career in corporate wellness to promote physical activity in the workplace.
Michael Dade is a graduating senior in the undergraduate exercise science program. Mike has an entrepreneur mindset and already has plans in place to start his own brand and clothing line when he finishes school!
Caittlynn Depew is a senior in the exercise science program and will be graduating this summer.
Marianne Durkin is wrapping up her master's degree in exercise physiology at SIUE. She plans to pursue a career as a Certified Exercise Physiologist where she can rehabilitate those with clinical diseases and health-related conditions.
Madelyn Geier will graduate from the exercise science program this summer and will begin the graduate exercise physiology program at SIUE this fall. After that, her goal is to pursue a career in cardiac rehabilitation.
Tyrone Johnson is a Senior about to graduate from the undergraduate exercise science program. He will be entering the exercise physiology master's degree program here at SIUE in the fall and plans to pursue his doctorate in Physical Therapy after that. Tyrone hopes to one day start his own physical therapy clinic.
Brantlea Jones will be graduating this summer from the exercise science program and will then pursue her master's degree at Lindenwood University in health sciences with a fitness and wellness specialization. Brantlea wants to one day be able to share her knowledge of fitness and wellness with others so everyone knows how to live a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Denea Kiser will be graduating this summer from the undergraduate exercise science program. After graduation, she plans to take a break to focus on her family and the new bundle of joy arriving in August 2020. She plans to complete an Accelerated Nursing Program when she returns to achieve her goal of becoming a nurse.
David Lianes is a graduate student nearing completion of the exercise physiology program. David plans on working with athletes in the future to help them reach their best potential.
Anashay Love is currently finishing her bachelor's degree in exercise science at SIUE and plans to start the graduate exercise physiology program at SIUE this fall. Anashay has a passion for helping people change their lives and also wants to work to encourage minorities to pursue this field of study.
Matthew McDonald is also graduating from the undergraduate exercise science program this summer and will begin working on his master's degree here at SIUE this fall. He intends to continue his education to pursue a PhD in Kinesiology in the hopes to someday contribute to exercise science/kinesiology knowledge through research and to share that knowledge with students.
Mary Ondrejka is a graduate student who will be completing her master's in exercise physiology this summer.
Kayla Robertson is another senior finishing up her bachelor's degree in exercise science and plans to further her education by pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Glenna Rosales is wrapping up her bachelor's degree in exercise science this summer and is pursuing a career in Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Moneque Young will be graduating this summer with her degree in exercise science and a minor in nutrition. Her plans include attending an Accelerated Nursing Program this fall and to eventually become a pediatric nurse.
Categories: All Categories, Internships, Intro, Ex Sci, Ex Phys
