Seton Hall Students Gain Insight at Sports Medicine Conference

In November 2025, four students in Seton Hall’s B.S. in Interprofessional Health Sciences (IPHS) major attended the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (MARC–ACSM) Conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with Program Director Jerry-Thomas Monaco to explore career paths and see how research is applied in practice.

For many, it was their first time attending a large-scale professional conference in exercise science and sports medicine.

The conference brought together students, researchers, clinicians and professionals from across the country to explore current research, clinical applications and emerging career pathways in exercise science, sports medicine and rehabilitation. Sessions ranged from injury analysis and exercise prescription to professional development and certification pathways, allowing students to engage with both the scientific and practical sides of the field.

IPHS students emphasized the impact of sessions that clearly connected research to clinical application. “Presentations on exercise prescription, injury prevention and human performance were particularly engaging because they directly relate to my academic interests and potential career path,” said Gianna Marie Tavares, a sophomore who plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Students also noted the conference's warm, welcoming environment. Despite attending as undergraduates, they felt encouraged to engage in conversations with professionals and graduate students.

“Although we are undergraduate students, we were not treated differently from anyone else,” said senior Samantha Wong.

The conference also offered reassurance and clarity for students applying to graduate programs. University admissions counselors discussed their program expectations, application requirements and career pathways in physical therapy and related fields.

“Speaking with representatives from different universities was especially meaningful as I prepare to apply to physical therapy programs,” noted junior Caroline Rivers. “It helped me feel more confident and informed about the next steps.”

In addition to networking, students observed how effective presenters communicated scientific information using clear visuals and concise explanations — an important takeaway for their own academic and professional development.

“All the students who attended asked me how they can present on a topic associated with the MARC–ACSM Conference to further advance their careers,” said Monaco, who presented research on surf therapy for children with developmental delays at the event. “The IPHS faculty and I are developing a faculty-student research project with the goal of having Seton Hall students participate in the conference next year.”

Attending the event gave students insight into career opportunities within exercise science and sports medicine while strengthening their confidence as emerging professionals. The experience reinforced the value of stepping beyond the classroom to better understand the field.

“The IPHS students appreciated the opportunity to attend the 2025 MARC–ACSM Conference,” noted Monaco. “It has motivated them to pursue careers in the health sciences field.”

Categories: Health and Medicine