Megan Sapita aspires to attend physical therapy school after graduation and, eventually, work as a physical therapist. In her free time, Megan enjoys baking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.

Get to know Megan

  • Major: Kinesiology and health
  • Class: Junior
  • Hometown: Sycamore, Illinois
  • Career goal: Physical Therapist
  • Clubs/activities: Honor’s program, Kinesiology Freshman Learning Community peer mentor, CHS Ambassador, Kinesiology & Health Club, Neurophysiology Lab
  • Awards/honors: Dean’s list, Louise Moen Hamilton Fund
  • Favorite place on campus: Hammocking on central campus 
  • Most influential ISU mentor: Elizabeth Stegemöller
  • Favorite class: PSYCH 280, Social Psychology 
  • Why Iowa State: Opportunities, kinesiology program, and overall environment  

Megan Sapita gains insight into the world of research, newfound passion for working with the older adult population

Megan Sapita has a zeal for helping others. After a good experience with her physical therapist in high school, she decided she wanted to pursue a career allowing her to make the same type of impact.

“I wanted to do something that I knew I would get to make an impact on people’s lives,” Megan said. “I thought that kinesiology and physical therapy would be the perfect balance of getting a taste of the healthcare field while also getting to make connections with patients.”

Carrying out her passion for impact, Megan works as a peer mentor for the Kinesiology Freshman Learning Community. Her learning community was very helpful in getting her acclimated to college, so she desired to help other students in the same way.

“Getting to show freshmen the ins and outs of Iowa State and the [Department of Kinesiology] is so rewarding,” Megan said.

Perhaps the most transformational experience for Megan has been her experience as an undergraduate research assistant in the Neurophysiology Lab with, associate professor in kinesiology, Elizabeth Stegemöller. This Lab focuses on understanding the neurophysiology of behaviors among various populations.

“I didn’t know I was interested in research until having this experience,” Megan said. “Now, this is something I hope to be able to continue even in my own career.”

Megan has enjoyed working closely with the research study participants—many of whom have Parkinson’s disease. Her newfound love for the older adult population has sparked a desire in her to possibly specialize in geriatric physical therapy in the future.

“I’ve learned so much from [the participants] and their struggles and experiences in life outside of their disease,” Megan said. “They’ve gone through physical therapy themselves, and they have advice for me.” 

Megan has enjoyed learning from professor Stegemöller and appreciates the knowledge she imparts to all students involved in the Neurophysiology Lab.

“Dr. Stegemöller is like the smartest person I know,” Megan said. “She has so much wisdom to share with us.”

Megan is thankful for the opportunities Iowa State has allowed her and feels adequately prepared to pursue her career. 

“I feel really fortunate that I’m in a program that is going to help me succeed in the future,” Megan said.