April 8, 2019
Athletic training faculty, students recognized at regional conference
Submitted by College of Human Ecology
Jeffery Williams and Lauren Pacinelli, both graduate students in food, nutrition, dietetics and health, received Research and Education grants from the Mid America Athletic Trainers' Association, or MAATA, at the annual honors and awards banquet Friday, March 29, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Williams was awarded for his study "Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Peristaltic Pulse Compression on Neuro-muscular Performance Following Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage." Pacinelli's award was for her study "Effect of Low-Load, Low-Intensity Training with Blood Flow Restriction on the Triceps Surae and Achilles Tendon."
Phillip Vardiman, associate professor, was awarded the Athletic Training Educator of the Year. The award is presented to an athletic training educator who exemplifies excellence in the field of athletic training education. Vardiman was selected for showing excellence in promoting athletic training education by demonstrating significant contributions to the education of association members, students in the classroom, clinical education of students, development of an educational program, or through academic presentations and published work that will enhance the field of athletic training.
"We are so pleased to have Dr. Vardiman recognized for his excellence in the field of athletic training and sports medicine," said Mark Haub, department head for food, nutrition, dietetics and health. "These organizational awards demonstrate the excellence of our faculty. We know and appreciate their outstanding attributes, so this type of professional recognition helps confirm our understanding of the quality of work they conduct."
The Mid America Athletic Trainers' Association's mission is to enhance the professional and leadership abilities of the membership by providing encouragement, mentorship and improvement opportunities in the profession of athletic training. Their organization includes athletic training professionals from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.