Student Profile: Maggie Mirembe
Maggie Mirembe is a sophomore in the kinesiology department. She studies trail runners in the HHMI internship program.
Q. Please explain what you are researching and your daily role in the study.
One of the things I am helping with is the Trail study. My daily roles vary each day but I get to do & learn so many different things. My group and I are researching the effects of light conditions (i.e., day vs. night), as well as light sources (i.e., head torch vs. waist torch) used at night on trail running biomechanics.
This summer, I have learned how to set up inertial measurement units (IMUs): the blue trident & opals; How to use loadsol insoles. These devices measure human movement out of the lab, and in the field. My daily role often includes me setting up the equipment that’s needed for the study and also assembling it onto the participant. I make sure all the IMUs are properly connected to the laptop/ ipad before a trial is run. I have seen and been a part of data collection in the research; As we acquired data, sometimes, I have run as a participant on the trail. The main goal of this research is to help single out potential injury risks for trail runners and help with injury prevention.
Q. What made you interested in this research?
As a former cross country runner, this research was something that felt familiar and exciting to do. As a runner, I can imagine that performance absolutely varies due to conditions like light. Additionally, this research has allowed me to have the opportunity to run as a participant when needed.
Q. How have your experiences at UMass prepared you for research?
Currently, I’ve completed my freshman year here at UMASS and through that experience, I’ve gained a lot more knowledge and background of things I hadn’t known before. Team work has been one of the things I’ve gained an experience on while spending my time at UMass and it has definitely prepared me for research when it comes to working with a team. I’ve also been equipped with a lot of knowledge and wisdom from so many highly educated researchers whether it's my REU program leaders or my lab mentors. I can absolutely now say that I have been prepared for research.
Q. What about this internship excites you the most?
This internship experience has provided a safe educational space that has made it possible for me to learn so much more and in fun ways. In the past, research was an area I never thought to explore but working on this internship, I’ve become more engaged and found a new love for research and working in a team.
