Undergraduate Exercise Science students Emily Mowbray and Lauren Sanders traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas to participate in the 2025 American College of Sports Medicine Central States Meeting. Sanders and Mowbray were accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Kyle Sunderland and Assistant Professor Dr. Harry Cintineo. Each of the four gave individual presentations to the 300 students, faculty, researchers, and professionals in attendance.

Mowbray and Sanders studied the physical demands of women student athletes. Sanders said, “being a soccer athlete myself, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to contribute to the pool of research being done within women's sports.” Being able to conduct original research on a topic with such personal significance was a source of pride for Sanders. “In a world catered to male athletes and their performance, it's incredible the advances that Lindenwood has made to improve the performance and well-being of our female athletes. Presenting at ACSM Central States was an incredible learning experience for me, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity,” Sanders said.

Mowbray also described the experience as impactful. “Collaborating with my professors to create my presentation deepened my understanding of the research process, which is knowledge I will carry forward into my career,” Mowbray said.

Sunderland and Cintineo also gave presentations at the meeting. Each professor presented original research also focused on women’s athletics. To Sanders, this attention to women’s sports did not go unnoticed. She said, “it is people like them that advance our field and give women's sports an opportunity to shine.”

Alongside their research and poster presentations, Mowbray and Sanders took time to view other students and professionals’ work. This opportunity allowed the pair to connect with and learn from others. “I especially enjoyed attending others' insightful presentations which enhanced my understanding of key topics in physiology and nutrition and reinforced the importance of research in optimizing athletic performance,” Mowbray said.

ACSM designs their annual meetings with a student-centered approach. Fitting with Lindenwood’s value of putting students first, the 2025 conference packet says, “we have worked diligently to create an environment where students take center stage—not only as attendees but as active contributors and future leaders in the field.” For Sanders and Mowbray, this meant an environment in which the two were able to conduct their own research, present to a likeminded audience, and make industry connections—a lasting experience that will help further their careers.