Student's research recognized

Interdisciplinary business major Nicole Mitchell

Carbohydrates have propelled one Farmer School student’s research all the way to a prestigious professional conference this summer.

Nicole Mitchell, an interdisciplinary business major, was one of 100 Miami students awarded an Undergraduate Summer Scholar (USS) research grant in 2008. She examined the effects of carbohydrate ingestion during exercise, in women of varying body types.

Her work so impressed professionals in the field that she was invited to present her findings at the national conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in May.

Also presenting at the ACSM conference is Miami exercise science major Brittney Bernardoni, whose USS research studied the effects of meal composition ingestion following exercise, in women of varying body types. Both young women, who are members of Miami’s track and field team, hope that the findings of their research will help women design more healthful nutrition and exercise programs.

The students conducted their research under the supervision of Jeffrey Potteiger, professor of kinesiology and health, and director of Miami’s Center for Health Enhancement.

“It is highly unusual for undergraduate students to be asked to present oral papers at the national meeting of ACSM, which is the largest and most respected sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with over 20,000 members,” Potteiger said. “The invitation reflects the quality of their work.”

The results of both research projects will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Although Mitchell plans to attend medical school, she believes her chosen major will advance her long-term goals.

“I chose the interdisciplinary business management major with a focus in entrepreneurship because I would love to open my own medical practice someday,” she explained. “I believe the knowledge I am gaining and skills I am learning will help me run my own practice.”

Miami’s USS program provides accepted students with the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member on a research or creative project. Summer Scholars receive 12 credit hours and a stipend of $2,600, plus additional funding for expenses.

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