For Alumni

Cassie is originally from Ohio and was recruited by the volleyball coach at Illinois State University. She came on a visit and met Dr. Dale Brown, who showed her around the campus and the Exercise Science program. Cassie ultimately decided Illinois State would be a great fit for volleyball as well as academics. 

When she started at ISU, she wanted to do physical therapy but changed her path to Exercise Physiology as she progressed through her undergraduate degree. Classes like KNR 280, Exercise Physiology, with Dr. Laurson and KNR 305, Biomechanics of Exercise and Physical Activity, with Dr. Torry, highlighted a passion towards Exercise Physiology. Applying these classroom principles in conjunction with her life in athletics highlighted a real emerging passion towards the field of Exercise Physiology.

During her final semester at ISU, she started to form deeper bonds with the ISU faculty and staff, leading her to stay and get her Master’s in Exercise Physiology. Additionally, being able to see what the life of a graduate assistant was like in her KNR 305 class helped prepare her for her current position as a graduate assistant in the program.

Cassie is a graduate teaching assistant, GTA, for Anatomy and Physiology Labs 1 and 2. Every week, Cassie prepares the materials needed for the labs, grades, takes attendance, answers emails, teaches lessons, and answers any questions the students have.

Some advice Cassie would give to students who want to follow her career path is to get comfortable with lab equipment, make connections, and volunteer for research. Getting comfortable with lab equipment is very important as you use it a lot and the more familiar you are with it, the easier it will be. Cassie says that she works very closely with faculty and staff so making connections with them early on is a good place to start. Lastly, Cassie recommends getting ahead of research and exploring everything you want to do or are interested in.

Cassie also believes by taking responsibility as an undergrad like showing up to class and showing professors you care is an important step. They will recognize you if you participate and make connections with them. She believes it is more than just good grades; it is the connections you make along the way and the outside experience you have. For the GA position, Cassie says they are very competitive so you must show you can be a leader. Showing you are confident in yourself to teach them and have competency of the topic with the ability to answer questions and elaborate will help you be a good candidate.

To be considered a full-time master’s student, Cassie said it is 9 credit hours with three, 3-hour classes each semester with one semester having a thesis which is 6 – 9 credit hours. During the three-hour classes, there will be professor-led, or group led discussions about research and the opportunity to work with the lab equipment. Cassie’s classes are small, with less than 15 students per class which gives them the opportunity to form closer connections with their classmates and professors.

Cassie’s favorite part of the exercise physiology program at Illinois State is the faculty, which is one of the main reasons she decided to stay at ISU. Cassie says, “I love the people, I love the place, the equipment we have is great, and all of the professors care and they want to see you succeed.”

Cassie says that the most rewarding experience in the program for her has been, “Knowing there are people here, on your side, to help you out and put in a good word for you.” Cassie has been able to make life-long connections at Illinois State which she is incredibly grateful for!

Cassie’s favorite part about being a GA is interacting with a lot of different students. Through making connections with them, being a resource, and helping them on their path to figuring out what they want to do, she is able to be a good influence for them. Cassie says that as a GA, you have been in their shoes recently and you can appeal to them. But this can also be a challenge, so holding up to the standards and setting boundaries with students is key.

On top of Cassie’s classes and GA classes, she teaches fitness classes at OrangeTheory. She has found that by utilizing her free time in a productive way keeps her ahead and helps balance work and life. For example, Cassie will meal prep on the days she is free, schedule things out, and keep herself accountable.

Cassie has a passion for community wellness, therefore after she graduates, she would like to continue working at OrangeTheory. She will be able to use her knowledge from ISU to help others understand exercise and the benefits of it.