Exercise Science for Clinicians Graduate Certificate

“I was lucky enough to work under Dr. Dinesh John during my time at Northeastern, which offered me the opportunity to both learn and grow my research capabilities in ways I never could have imagined. Constantly in the lab, I surrounded myself with all that the program had to offer. Ideas were readily encouraged!

In my current role, I am responsible for coordinating multiple research studies from the ground up that involve looking at effective ways for people with type 2 diabetes to overcome barriers to exercise. Coordination includes recruitment, conducting research visits utilizing the metabolic cart and a number of other measurement tools, compiling and analyzing data collected, and regulatory compliance involving the Institutional Review Board.

I see myself focusing on behavioral health in the future, integrating exercise science as a way to implement behavior changes for the better. I aim to eventually become a tenured professor conducting research at the university level.”

– Ian M. Leavitt, class of 2014, Professional Research Assistant, University of Colorado Anschultz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO

“Northeastern is extensively networked, and the institution places high value on experiential learning. While Northeastern University provides the networks and resources of a large institution, the Exercise Science program is small and intimate.

Two experiences made my graduate school experience. I worked as a part of an interdisciplinary health informatics research team that partnered with a start-up tech company to study on-body physical activity sensors. I interned at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where the physiology I learned in the classroom took on another dimension through clinical significance and patient interaction.

Clinical Exercise Physiologists contribute to the next wave of professionals in the field by training undergraduate and graduate interns. The patient population is diverse in age, race, language, and culture. I enjoy exposure to and learning from these differences, and being part of patients’ lives during a critical time.”

– Tricia Povilonis, class of 2014, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA