This fall, we are celebrating some of our outstanding students who are graduating this semester. We wish all of our graduating students the best as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
Name: Kofi Yamoah Ponkor
Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana
Program: Exercise Physiology (M.S.)
Why did you choose your program?
I chose the Exercise Physiology program due to a combination of my deep interest in understanding the intricate physiological responses of the human body to exercise and my passion for promoting health and well-being. I was driven by a personal connection to the transformative power of exercise and a desire to contribute to advancements in the field of clinical exercise physiology. This program aligns with my enthusiasm for enhancing overall health and optimizing human performance.
What's your favorite part of your program?
For me, the most interesting part of the exercise physiology program is the practical experience that is gained hands-on. It is satisfying to put academic knowledge to use in practical situations through exercise testing, laboratory work, and internships. I enjoy that I can focus on things like clinical exercise physiology or sports performance. Also, the chance to network with experts, faculty, and other graduate students is vital to shaping my future career.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
With my background as a physician assistant, my goal is to become a clinical exercise physiologist and work in healthcare environments where I can create and provide specialized exercise regimens for patients with respiratory, cardiac, or chronic illnesses. Whether working in a private practice, hospital, or cardiac rehabilitation center, my goal is to significantly improve patients' cardiovascular and respiratory wellness. The idea of working on research projects to further our knowledge of beneficial exercise therapies for these populations also excites me. I want to improve people's lives and advance the area of clinical exercise physiology by working together and learning new things all the time.
