Student Profile: Kaitlyn Kleeman
Kaitlyn "Katie" Kleeman is an undergraduate Kinesiology major
Q: Tell us about yourself and your time here at UMass.
I am a senior Kinesiology major and I work in the Neuromuscular Biomechanics Research Lab. I came to UMass knowing I wanted to major in Kinesiology, but I really had no idea what aspect of it I wanted to get into. After exploring different courses in my sophomore year, I reached out to Dr. Sarah Roelker who runs the Neuromuscular Biomechanics Research Lab and I have been working in that lab since. I graduate in May, but I am staying for another two years. I am getting my masters within the lab.
I'm still not sure what I want to do career wise. I would say my overall description of my research interests are the effects of the balance on joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle function in the lower body. Two areas of interest for me are sports biomechanics, which means working on enhancing performance for sports teams, and forensic biomechanics. That area looks at plausibility of injury based on the physics of the accident. I'm planning to use the masters program to continue exploring biomechanics and what I want to do for work after. My time at UMass has allowed me to learn and explore what I find interesting. I’m going to continue doing involve myself in various aspects of biomechanics and I know the career aspect will come from that.
Q: For people who may not know, can you explain more about the Neuromuscular Biomechanics Research Lab?
The lab combines biomechanics and motor control. We study different aspects of biomechanics and apply them to walking and other everyday activities. Right now, I'm looking at data throughout pregnancy and seeing how changes in weight distribution during pregnancy can affect walking.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Kinesiology Department?
My favorite part is what we study and learn about. It impacts us and our body's ability to move. Learning about something that applies so directly, even in my own life, makes such a big difference in my interest in pursuing biomechanics and kinesiology further.
Also, the department is so special. It is so collaborative, and especially at a big school like this, having this sense of community is so important. I've really liked that it’s never a competition between other students. The people next to you want to help you and you want to help them.
Lastly, it’s so clear that all our professors are passionate about both their courses and research, it makes us want to learn more. This has made it so much easier to succeed here.
Q: Throughout your time here at UMass, you have been recognized several times for your work. Can you explain what those awards are?
In the fall of 2023, I presented at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ASCM) fall conference. I gave a podium presentation on how late pregnancy and early postpartum can impact the modular control of walking. At the conference, I received the student investigators award. The ACSM has a national conference this spring which I will be presenting as well.
Recently, I was named as the UMass Amherst nominee for the American Kinesiology Association’s (AKA) National Student Scholar Award. I was recommended for the award by the faculty. The award recognizes both academic success, leadership, and advancement of Kinesiology. It aims to promote more undergraduates to get involved and help contribute to Kinesiology.
Q: How has UMass Amherst helped you succeed like you have?
There are many options and a variety of courses that we can take as kinesiology majors. I came into UMass with an open mind and took as many courses as I could. That allowed me to study what I found the most interesting.
I've also been supported by so many faculty members. In my case, Dr. Roelker sat down with me and helped me find my research interests and gave me an opportunity to pursue them further. The faculty at UMass want you to succeed. They all do an amazing job of making all their students feel seen and heard.