Priscilla M. Clarkson Graduate Scholarship in Kinesiology
Priscilla M. Clarkson Graduate Scholarship in Kinesiology
Shivangi Bajpai
Shivangi Bajpai is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Kinesiology within the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Under the mentorship of Dr. Amanda Paluch, her current research focuses on advancing the measurement of physical activity and examining its association with various health outcomes. Passionate about improving health outcomes among older adults and informal family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia (ADRD), Shivangi's dissertation work aims to explore the utility of wearable device metrics in monitoring the psychological and cardiovascular health of older women and ADRD caregivers. Shivangi’s dedication and hard work have been recognized through various accolades, including the prestigious American Association of University Women (AAUW) 2023-2024 Fellowship. This fellowship provides critical financial support, allowing her to focus entirely on her dissertation research. Shivangi aspires to continue her career in academia and research. She aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on physical activity and health, particularly in aging populations and caregivers.
I extend my heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support. This scholarship has not only provided me with the financial means to pursue my research but has also motivated me to strive for excellence in my academic and professional endeavors. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am committed to making a positive impact in the field of health and behavioral science.
Ross Brancati
Ross Brancati is a PhD candidate at UMass Amherst studying biomechanics. Originally from Tolland, Connecticut, Ross completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Connecticut in biomedical engineering. He became interested in biomechanics when he was working in a motion capture lab at UConn. Eventually, he relocated to Ann Arbor, MI where he worked as a research assistant in an orthopedic biomechanics lab at the University of Michigan. Following his time as a research assistant at the University of Michigan, Ross began his studies at UMass Amherst in the Kinesiology Department. His work and research on patellofemoral pain syndrome was recently published in the Journal of Sports Science. He is currently working on his dissertation project which aims to explore and identify subgroups within the general population of individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (also known as anterior knee pain). Additionally, he plans to develop a machine-learning model using wearable sensor data to classify such identified subgroups. Ross was a lifelong athlete, eventually playing ice hockey at the University of Connecticut for their club team. His interest in athletics and movement science sparked him to pursue a graduate degree in biomechanics. He also developed a keen interest in data science when he arrived at UMass amidst the pandemic, which initiated his studies in this field. He hopes that his dissertation project incorporating biomechanical analysis and data science approaches can improve clinical diagnosis and treatment of patellofemoral pain. In his free time, Ross likes to spend time outdoors with his yellow lab Bailey, golfing, snowboarding, and hanging out at the beach. After graduation, Ross plans to pursue a career in data science and wearable technology, specifically related to improving human performance.
This scholarship means so much to me as it will help me with costs related to my dissertation that are required to develop large datasets to make my goals possible. I thank you for your generous donation. Without this scholarship, it would be challenging to pursue this dissertation.
Ann-Marie Sylvia
Ann-Marie Sylvia is a first-generation doctoral candidate in the Kinesiology program. She holds a Master’s in Exercise Science from Bridgewater State University and an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her research focuses on the intersection of physical activity and neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and autism. She hopes her current and future work will help elevate physical activity as a support service to improve health outcomes and overall quality of life for neurodivergent populations. Ann-Marie is an avid runner, completing 64 half-marathons in 37 different states. Additionally, along with her husband, Robert Cordeiro, Ann-Marie is a current Guinness World Record Holder for completing 11 half-marathons, in 11 days, in 11 different states as a married couple. Upon graduation, Ann-Marie plans to seek a faculty position and continue her physical activity research for neurodivergent populations.
I was honored and thrilled to learn of this award, and I am deeply appreciative of your generous support. As a doctoral candidate, completing my dissertation, this scholarship will greatly impact my success by allowing me the financial support to purchase supplies for my final study this summer. Thank you once again for your incredible generosity. It has made a significant impact and contribution, not only to my studies but also to moving the field of physical activity for neurodivergent populations forward.