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Human Performance and Sport Studies Research Day

 

The Idaho State University Human Performance and Sport Studies (HPSS) Department is proud to host an annual research day each spring semester. Undergraduate students from the sport and exercise science, sport management, physical education teaching, outdoor education, and coaching programs present their captivating research from a variety of topics.

Idaho State faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to learn more about HPSS students' academic work and research through in-person poster presentations hosted in Reed Gym. 

Save the Date!

The Human Performance and Sport Studies Research Day will be held on Friday, April 25th, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm in Reed Gym. 

Questions? Please contact Maren Hunter by emailing marenhunter@isu.edu. 

 

Invisible Leaders
By Matti MacAllister
Sport Management, Coaching                                                                                                                                           

Abstract. Women, especially those of color, are heavily underrepresented in the world of intercollegiate athletic administration. This podcast discusses the reason this phenomenon occurs, how the treatment of women affects the profession, and a proposed solution to help future female athletic administrators' breakthrough in their career.  

Pressure and Identity: Mental Health Within Sports
By Kasey Aguinaga
Sport Management, Coaching
Abstract. This podcast covers the rising topic of mental health within college sports. I cover two key points I truly believe are the heart of causing such an increase in mental health issues: pressure and identity. 
Mental Health in Sports
By Mason Young
Sport Management
Abstract. In this podcast coach King and I dive into the mental health of athletes. We discuss the pressures of being a student athlete along with ways to overcome mental health challenges. We talked about how social media plays a role in the mental health of a college athlete. Coach King and I discuss the need for the NCAA to keep improving its resources for mental health education among athletes and coaches.
Should College Athletes be Forced to Go to School?
By Teilor Tuioti
Sport Management
Abstract. This podcast is about whether or not college athletes should still be required to do school stuff now that we can make money off NIL (name, image, and likeness). I’m talking from the point of view of someone living this life. I go into how much time sports actually take, how school feels like a side thing sometimes, and how NIL is flipping the game.
JUCO to C1: Entering the Recruiting World
By Alejandro Ramirez
Sport Management
Abstract. Juco to D1:Entering the Recruiting World is a podcast to help and guide young athletes who are considering the Junior College route. This podcast matters because many JUCO athletes are going unnoticed in the recruiting world. JUCO to D1 is a mentorship tool that believes in the power of second chances. Whether you're an athlete who is trying to find a solution, parents supporting their kids, or a coach trying to find the best opportunity for their players, this podcast is your playbook for the future!
Athletes Not Objects
By Josiah Sagale
Abstract. In this podcast, Josiah shares about how athletes are often objectified, viewed more for their physical performance than as whole human beings. He highlights how media and societal expectations reduce athletes, especially in the NIL era to their bodies, looks, or marketability. Ignoring their voice. He emphasizes the toxic effects of this mindset, including mental health issues and identity loss. He calls for change through education, media responsibility, and support for athletes who speak out.
Tampering in the NIL
By Chase Love
Sport Management
Abstract. Contacting an athlete and offering an athlete NIL money when they are not in the transfer portal.
Racism Prevention in Soccer
By Alex Costa
Outdoor Education, Coaching Minor
Abstract. This podcast explores the ongoing issue of racism in soccer with a focus on proactive solutions. As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this episode examines why racism continues to surface in the sport, how players and organizations are responding, and what modern strategies can help prevent these incidents before they happen. Blending U.S.-centered insights with global examples and voices from athletes, this podcast aims to inspire thoughtful dialogue, promote inclusive practices, and highlight the steps necessary to make soccer a truly welcoming space for everyone. Because the world’s game should unite us—not divide us.
The Importance of Women Student-Athletes’ Mental Health
By Laura Magallon
Sport management- Coaching
My podcast focuses on ways to support and promote mental health services for college women who are playing sports. It highlights the story of Katie Myers, a Goalkeeper from Stanford who committed suicide. It also provides ideas on what coaches, teammates, and individuals can do to promote these services.
Flag on the Name
By Kaleb Pray
Communications, Sport Management Minor
Abstract. This podcast covers some of the debate over sports logos, team names, and cancel culture. From high school rebrands to NFL controversies, explore who decides what’s offensive, what traditions are worth keeping, and where we draw the line. With a mix of serious discussion and lighthearted takes.
The Grit and the Gram: Female Athletes Scoring Big on Social Media
By Zoie Armstrong
Psychology, Coaching Minor
The new side hustle for professional female athletes is here: social media influencing. In this podcast we dive into how women athletes are building their brands and making money off it. But is it worth the criticism that comes along with it?
Not Just Halftime: The Fight for Recognition in Collegiate Cheer and Dance
By Andie Dean Alsager
Sport Management
Abstract. While they are front and center at games, events, and national competitions, showing energy and pride, spirit programs often operate without the recognition, resources, or support given to other athletic programs. In this podcast, I explore the physical demands of their work, their dual identity as entertainers and athletes, and the powerful cultural impact they have on campus life. It’s a conversation about spirit, struggle, and the fight to be seen.

Current Presenters by Program

Outdoor Education

Bailey Hansen

Transcranial magnetic stimulation in individuals with OCD

Josephine Stoker

Nature and neurodivergence

Exercise Science

Alan Lizarraga

Burnout in athletes with early specialization in sports

Eli Blackwelder

Exploring preventative and alternative methods to reduce the prevalence of Tommy John Surgery in baseball pitchers

Ricky Ascencio

How do different coaching styles or approaches impact performance?

Emily House

Wilderness physical therapy efficacy

Bella Jones

Implementing virtual reality technologies in sport performance

Victor Sklenka

Rotator cuff tendinopathy in professional tennis players

Sport Management

Mike Zele

Effects of NIL on the transfer portal

Ivan Lora

Pros and cons within hosting major sports

Past Presenters by Program

Outdoor Education

Haven Conley

The Effect Nature Exposure and Outdoor Recreation has on Adult ADHD

Outdoor Education
• The Effect Nature Exposure and Outdoor Recreation has on Adult ADHD
• Yellowstone Wolves
• Climate Change
• Renewable Energy
• Water Conservation
• Beavers as a Keystone Species
• Environmentalism and Conservation
• Wildfires
• Mental Health and the Outdoors
• Public Land Legislature
• Native Land Holdings

 

Headshot of Alex Costa

Alex Costa

Topic: "Melting Point: The Impact of Declining Snowpack on the Outdoor Industry

Headshot of Alina Jablonski

Alina Jablonski

Topic: "Exploring the impacts of Outdoor Education curriculum on the behaviors of students in the classroom"

Exercise Science

Kaysen Isom

Physiological Mechanisms and Clinical Benefits of Blood Flow

Skyler Ovitt

Impact of Neuromuscular Coordination on Recovery from Surgery

Brandon Walker

The Role of Blood Flow Resistance Training in Postoperative ACL Repair Rehabilitation

Exercise Science

Kris Sanchez

Knee Injuries in American football on Grass vs.Turf Playing Surface

Beau Haugen

Techniques to Teaching/Coaching Adults and Children

Emrey Maxfield

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Athletic Performance

Exercise Science

Brayden Strouse

Dry Needling on Myofascial Pain

Nathan Robertson

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes Through Robotic Assisted Surgery

Briley Anderson

The Effectiveness of Guardian Caps on Reducing Head Impact

Exercise Science

Davis Dobson

Impact of Youth Sports on Life Skills

Ethan Bernard

Effectiveness of Corrective Exercise on Adults

Kade Burch

Fitness Trackers and VO2Max

Exercise Science

Shaelynn Anderson

Nutritional Education Among Youth

Exercise Science - General
• Fitness Trackers and VO2Max
• Youth Sports and Life Skills
• Corrective Exercise for Adults
• Nutritional Education for Youth
• Blood Flow Resistance Training in ACL Rehab
• Teaching Techniques for Adults and Children
• Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain
• Guardian Caps' Impact on Head Injuries
• Knee Injuries in Football: Grass vs. Turf
• Physiological Benefits of Blood Flow
• Neuromuscular Coordination in Surgery Recovery
• Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Enhanced Outcomes
• Menstrual Cycle Effects on Athletic Performance

Mechanical Analysis of Human Movement
• Guitar Use for Carpal Tunnel Pain Management
• Achilles Tendon Rupture Risk in Men's Collegiate Basketball
• Corrective Exercise for Knee Instability in College Football
• Home Corrective Exercises for Spastic Cerebral Palsy
• Preventing Wrist Tendinopathy in Amateur Golfers
• Rotator Cuff Injury Prevention in Tennis Athletes
• Suprascapular Neuropathy in Volleyball: Injury and Corrective Strategies
• Shoulder Injury Prevention for Disc Golfers
• Lumbar Spine Pain Prevention in Wrestlers

Biomechanics
• Slope-Dependent Lower Limb Kinematics Using IMUs
• Ground Reaction Forces in Knee with Varied Foot Strikes in Running
• Bench Press Form and Muscle Activation
• EMG Analysis of ACL Reconstruction vs. Non-Injured Knee

Sport and Exercise Science

Headshot of Aisley Allen

Aisley Allen

Topic: "Factors that Contribute to Poor Healthcare Efficacy in Rural Populations"

Headshot of Aspyn Lacey

Aspyn Lacey

Topic: "Comparative Analysis of Physiological and Biomechanical Benefits: Treadmill vs. Overground Running and Their Applicability in Training"

Headshot of Brenna Johnson

Brenna Johnson

Topic: "How Overuse Injuries Vary by Sport and Sex"

Bryndel Young

Bryndel Young

Topic: "Effects of Supplements on Exercise Performance"

Headshot of Jessica Corder

Jessica Corder

Topic: "Partial Range v. Full Range of Motion Training: Impact on Muscle Development and Strength Gains"

Headshot of Madison Helmboldt

Madison Helmboldt

Topic: "A Comparative Analysis of Neurofeedback, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Traditional Pharmaceutical Treatments in Supporting Rehabilitation and Preventing Relapse"

Headshot of Matt Mansfield

Matt Mansfield

Topic: "Effectiveness of various pain reduction methods in individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain"

Headshot of Nicole Binggeli

Nicole Binggeli

Topic: "Muscle Hypertrophy and Neuromuscular Recruitment: Exploring the Impact of Different Muscle Contractures"

Sport Management

Josiah Sagale

Influence of Sports Fans on Team Performance

Cade Smith

How Collegiate Athletes Experience Burnout and Ways to Improve Mental Health

Axel Tirado-Sanchez

Optimizing Peak Performance in Track and Field Throwing Athletes: The Role of Weight Training Periodization

Sport Management

Teilor Tuioti

The Physical, Psychological, and Performance-Related Impacts of Sports Injuries on Athletes

Lucy Garcia

The Impacts of Social Media in Sport Event Branding

Zoe Dejardin

Necessity for Nutrition Education in D1 Athletes

Sport Management

Kali Williams

How Hawkeye Can Benefit Professional Rugby

Laney Forsmann

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and PTSD in Athletes

Sport Management
• Impact of Sports Injuries on Athletes
• Weight Training and Peak Performance in Throwing
• Collegiate Athlete Burnout and Mental Health
• Social Media's Role in Sport Branding
• Hawkeye Technology in Professional Rugby
• Nutrition Education for D1 Athletes

Headshot of Baylee Biorn

Baylee Biorn

Topic: "Exploring Mental Health Challenges Among Female Division 1 Collegiate Athletes: A Research Study"

Headshot of Kaitlyn Rizo

Kaitlyn Rizo

Topic: "Coaching Leadership Skills and The Effect They Have on Athletes Mental Health"

Headshot of Sabrina Northrup

Sabrina Northrup

Topic: "How physical activity as a treatment for women with obesity improves mental health"

Activity Performance Techniques
• Progressive Skill Development in Physical Education
• Improving Teamwork Through Skill Development in Basketball
• Cornhole: A Gentleman’s Game
• Sportsmanship Strategies for Teammates and Opponents
• Effective Coaching and Role Models
• Communication's Role in Volleyball Success
• Pickleball for Recreation

Anatomical Foundations
• Psychomotor Skills and Performance in Elite Track Athletes
• Hypertrophy in Recreational Weightlifters
• Sleep and Athletic Performance
• Activity Modifications for Students with Hypermobility Disorders
• Shoulder Injury Prevention for Collegiate Throwers

Contact Us

hpss@isu.edu

(208) 282-4852

 
Human Performance and Sport Studies Department
Reed Gym
921 S. 8th Ave., Stop 8105 Pocatello, Idaho 83209

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