CHCS - Perspectives Winter/Spring 2016

22 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY W orking with Jose Antonio, Ph.D., FNSCA, FISSN, CSCS, assistant professor, in the Exercise and Sport Science Lab on several sports nutrition studies has been nothing less than a life-changing experience. I have had the privilege of presenting data from our studies at the 2014 and 2015 International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) conferences in Clearwater Beach, Florida, and Austin, Texas, respectively. This experience has inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in sports nutrition, and eventually, a Ph.D., and to continue to conduct studies in this field. Having the opportunity to conduct research projects at NSU, such as “The Effects of Consuming a High-Protein Diet (4.4g/kg/d) on Body Composition in Resistance-Trained Individuals,” is exciting, especially since it resulted in a published article. In addition, the soon-to-be-published follow-up study, “The Effects of Heavy Resistance Training and a High-Protein Diet on Body Composition and Perfor- mance in Resistance-Trained Individu- als,” has been discussed by researchers who are highly respected in the field of exercise and sports nutrition science, which is very rewarding. I have had the chance to listen to, as well as personally meet, many of the world’s leading sports nutrition scientists at the ISSN conferences. Notable experts, such as Brad Schoenfield, Alan Aragon, and many more, gave me the opportunity to discuss the studies and our findings. After my presentation at the 2015 conference, I was contacted by Aragon for an interview about our study, which was published in his monthly subscription blog. Presenting the studies at the ISSN conferences has helped connect me with many people in the field from around the world, which can lead to new opportunities in the future. The knowledge and experience I have gained have been invaluable. ■ Networking Offers Priceless Exposure Health and Human Performance FORT LAUDERDALE Tobin Silver, Ph.D., CSCS, right, practicum director, and Anya Ellerbroek in Austin, Texas, at the 12th Annual ISSN Conference and Expo BY ANYA ELLERBROEK, EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE EXERCISE STUDENT