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Student Profile
Eden Buell
Movement Science Senior
Name: Eden Buell
Program: Movement Science
Level or Degree: Senior
What are you involved in?
I am a Kinesiology student ambassador. Additionally, I am an elder caregiver and a commuter transfer student. I also took part in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Community College Summer Fellowship Program where I presented at the 2017 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students and won an award for my oral presentation.
What has being a Kinesiology student ambassador meant to you?
One thing I often talk about is trying to help transfer or commuter students who might take a different route during their time at Michigan and in Kinesiology. I love explaining to them why I chose Kinesiology and telling them the tips and tricks to get the most out of their U-M experience, including parking and the best places to eat.
Being an ambassador means a lot to me. Particularly for transfer students, this setting is a big difference from what we're used to. I come from a community college, and there are huge differences. I thought this was a good opportunity to reach out to other students in a similar situation, try to guide them through the process, and show them that they can make the pieces of this puzzle fit together.
My goal as a Kinesiology student ambassador is to ensure all new and prospective students feel welcome regardless of who they are or where they originated. I genuinely hope all current and incoming students know the School of Kinesiology supports their goals and ambitions, and does a fantastic job of providing inclusive opportunities to all their students without bias. I hope every student attending the School of Kinesiology feels that way.
How has the School of Kinesiology prepared you for your post-graduation goals?
Kinesiology has guided me step-by-step towards my post-graduate goals. From the moment I became a Kinesiology student, the advisors listened to my needs, wants, and concerns, and provided me the necessary tools, workshops, and course information to reach my goals. As a Kinesiology student, I also benefited from the small class sizes, which allowed individualized guidance to each student. The professors helped me explore various options available to Kinesiology graduates and also offered a how-to guide on getting to the next step. Finally, the curriculum design is structured so Kinesiology graduates can either enter into the workforce or continue to a wide variety of graduate programs, which is ultimately my goal.
My goal as a Kinesiology student ambassador is to ensure all new and prospective students feel welcome regardless of who they are or where they originated. I genuinely hope all current and incoming students know the School of Kinesiology supports their goals and ambitions, and does a fantastic job of providing inclusive opportunities to all their students without bias.
What makes the School of Kinesiology unique?
The class sizes and professors are one of the most unique aspects. I was in MOVESCI 110 for a week and was walking to class when I saw one of my professors on the street and he was like, “Hi Eden.” I’ve never had that much outside interaction before! MOVESCI 110 changes professors every six weeks, and within a week, my professor knew who I was and was able to identify me out in the street, and that makes all the difference.
If you’re passionate about Movement Science or Kinesiology, you’re learning from the experts. Take Dr. Deanna Gates (associate professor of Movement Science) for example. I’m in MOVESCI 219, and one of the coolest things I was thinking about was how to connect lower limb prosthetics to the brain. It turns out that Dr. Gates is doing that kind of research! That made me so excited because where else can you go and find these teachers that are hands-on and performing interesting research?
What is your most memorable moment within the school?
I took the Applied Exercise Science rescue course and became a certified medical responder. Kerry Winkelseth (clinical assistant professor of Applied Exercise Science) taught the course, and it was such an awesome class. She is an awesome teacher, and I loved that class. The relaxed environment made me never wanted to miss a class, and I had a great time working together with other students.
Do you have an “ah-ha” moment or a time when your perspective shifted?
It would be learning about biomechanics in my MOVESCI 110 course. I went into Movement Science because I wanted to go into medicine and had heard of biomechanics, but I didn't know much about it. So when that brief introduction happened, it was an eye-opening experience. I’m leaning towards the medical field, but I’m also looking into a prosthetic program for my master’s degree based solely on that one course and how much I love biomechanics.
Tell us about your favorite experience in your program.
Again, it would be MOVESCI 110. I’ve connected with so many students from that course. In other classes, even though we're interacting with students, it's not really as close to what we are doing in MOVESCI 110. For example, we're performing CPR on dolls right in front of each other and taking turns. This experience allows you to get to know your classmates pretty quickly.
How have you changed academically, socially, or professionally since your freshman year?
I’ve been trying to be more professional in order to be more competitive. I grew up in the Bronx, and it wasn’t a great area. It’s sometimes hard for me to switch into a different mindset, and I think U-M, Kinesiology, and the advisors are shaping me to be highly competitive and professional in this field.
What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor?
I love sitting in the Diag area eating my lunch, taking pictures, and people watching. I’ve even taken my nieces and nephews to the library on campus, and I also love the free museums you can visit.