Dana Feyen

Responsibilities

As an intern in the ISU Exercise and Obesity Lab, I assisted with three research studies, including leading a project on the impact of a new therapy system on recovery from exercise. The BEMER and Recovery Study is investigating the impact of the BEMER therapy mat, which utilizes an electromagnetic field and is postulated to enhance recovery from exercise. As the principal investigator for this project, I submitted an IRB application to receive approval for the study, conducted data collections after the study was approved, and presented the research design at the undergraduate research symposium. The data collections included body composition, strength, and aerobic capacity assessments along with various other tests to indicate muscle function and athletic performance. Outside of the BEMER study, I also assisted with a study investigating the impact of alcohol consumption on recovery from exercise and a mdx mouse study.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during the internship was receiving IRB approval for the BEMER study and completing several data collections within a single semester.

Learning experience

Early on in the semester, I sustained a hand injury that resulted in surgery. This experience helped me become more adaptable in order to continue completing my internship responsibilities.

What advice would you give?

Get to know the faculty and staff within the department and communicate with them. In my experience, the faculty and staff are there for you and want to help you succeed.