1. The Graduate College Travel Summary Presentation
Presented by Katy Hayes

2. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference
Minneapolis, Minnesota: May 29th to June 2nd
The American College of Sports Medicine is the main organization in the field of exercise physiology and the annual conference is well attended by professionals and students.
The ACSM Conferences allow the opportunity to increase our program and university profile within the organization, to network with other students and professionals, and to disseminate the research coming out of the many different areas of exercise science.
As a student, presenting at conferences gives me the opportunity to showcase our capabilities as a university as well as advance my public speaking abilities.

3. Effect of B-hydoxy B-methylbutyrate ((HMB) supplementation on sprint kinetics across a collegiate rugby season
The purpose of the study I presented the abstract on was to determine the effect of 5 grams of HMB + 5 grams of Creatine supplementation on sprinting kinetics over the course of a collegiate rugby season using a randomized cross over design.
Rugby consists of 5 months of full contact games and practices which can diminish sprinting performance over the course of the season.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to improve performance and most of the athletes were already using this supplement.
HMB is speculated to decrease the muscle damage that full contact sports may cause during a season.

4. Effect of B-hydoxy B-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on sprint kinetics across a collegiate rugby season
Previous studies used 3 grams of HMB + 3 grams of Creatine, which is on the lower end of the supplementation recommendations. The participants in previous studies were also not blinded to their supplementation regimen.
Although our study did not have show a significant difference in supplementation groups, the statistics did show a trend that favored the HMB groups.
Jennifer Julian and Dr. Mangine form the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management also assisted in this research and presentation.

5. Benefits of Travel
The ACSM Annual Meeting allowed me to network with people not only from the US, but also from all over the world, including the U.K., Germany, and Austria.
I was able to sit in on talks about cancer rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation programs from different universities and countries who provided different perspectives and techniques that can be applicable to the populations I would like to work with.
The ACSM Annual Meeting allowed me to present research to many individuals in our field and reach students who are interested in conducting research or continuing their education in the future.
The ACSM Annual Meeting also offered an exhibitors hall where I had the chance to talk with some of the makers of the equipment we have in our lab at KSU
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Exercise Physiology Lab, the annual meeting gave me the opportunity to become more comfortable presenting scientific research in front of large groups of people.

6. Publication(s)
The presentation from the annual conference will result in a published abstract in the journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
Other potential journals who could also publish this article include: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
KSU Social at the Annual Conference