Meet Nicole - the PhD Student - NEO Endurance Sports & Fitness

Hello again!

I’d like to reintroduce myself. This time not as “Coach Nicole” but PhD Student Nicole. I’ve probably mentioned over the last few years in some of my posts that I’ve been in school. In 2021 I graduated with a master’s degree in Health Promotion from UCCS. Now I’m about to start my second year as a PhD student in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Managment (aka PRTM) from North Carolina State University.

How I got to North Carolina

Here’s the quick version how I ended up in graduate school in North Carolina. My thesis project for my master’s degree compared physical activity behavior in adults before, during, and after COVID-19 restrictions (aka the “lockdowns”). I also analyzed count data from a permanent use counter on the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. This project was my first formal research project looking into physical activty and the built environment. I presented this work at a couple scientific conferences and wanted to keep the research work going. The goal of my work is to help us create a healtier world by improving access to physical activity opportunities.

The search for what’s next

Once I decided I wanted to continue on with the research path and pursue a PhD, I began to look for programs that might be a good fit. I started looking at website of faculty members who do physical activity research. I came across a project listed by Dr. Aaron Hipp at NC State. Ironically I was in North Carolina at the time visiting family. I reached out explaining my interests and that led to a conversations about possibilities of working together. I also met Dr. Kevin Lanza from UT Health School of Public Health at the 2021 American Public Health Association Annual Meeting which was taking place in Denver. After many conversations, getting through the application processes, and visiting each campus, I chose to attend NC State in Raleigh for a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

My journey

I hope to use this “Research” category on my website to document more of my graduate school journey. A lot happened in the first year, which I’ll get into going forward. Right now I’m looking forward to returning to Raleigh for the fall semester to begin my 2nd year as a PhD student. Here’s to an engaging journey!