Welcome to Episode 18 of the On The Move podcast with special guest Megan Leonard, Doctoral Candidate. Our host, Chelsea Reber talks with Megan about her research and pursuing her Ph.D as well as talking about Texas A&M and the Kinesiology Department. 

Megan starts off by breaking down some of her research from Nootropics to Ashwagandha in the field of Tactical Athletes, those who serve is roles that require athleticism like our military, fire departments, police academies, and EMTs. Megan also sheds some light on the collaborative and supportive culture at the Kinesiology as well as the broader Texas A&M graduate ecosystem. 

Check in to see how Megan has a personal story that embodies the supportive culture in the Kinesiology department as well as getting some advice if you are thinking or are in a graduate program / know someone who is. Don’t miss out!

To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at TAMU, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/ 

Host: Chelsea Reber

Guests: Megan Leonard, Doctoral Candidate

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:30) Introduction - Welcome Megan!

(00:31 - 01:45) Journey to Texas A&M

(01:46 - 02:56) Researching a Smart Drug: Nootropics

(02:57 - 06:01) Tactical Athletes and Nootropics

(06:02 - 07:58) Preliminary Results & Ashwagandha Over a Longer Period of Time

(07:59 - 10:35) Testing and Creating an Environment 

(10:36 - 12:40) Conducting Yearly Testings - ISSM & LCSM

(12:45 - 14:36) Supportive Culture at A&M 

(14:37 - 18:20) Support from PEAP During Difficult Times

(18:21 - 23:14) Receiving Mentorship and Guidance 

(23:15 - 25:14) Advice to Students: Know Your “Why?”  

(25:15 - 26:29) Goals for the Next Five Years

(26:30 - 27:07) Thank You, Megan!