Elizabeth Bjornsen ’19

Exercise Science

Biography

Following graduation at Taylor, I desired to build upon the strong academic foundation I received and pursue higher education within the Exercise Science field. I worked as a departmental graduate assistant and earned a master’s degree in Exercise Science at the University of Arkansas in 2020. Afterward, I headed to the East Coast where I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Human Movement Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently, I study clinical outcomes following ACL reconstruction and early osteoarthritis development. My research primarily focuses on lower-extremity gait biomechanics, with a special interest in the pediatric ACL patient.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

As an Exercise Science major, I was surrounded by opportunities to take the knowledge I learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world settings. The summer prior to my senior year, I stayed in Upland to work Fit Into Health (a student-led personal training program) full time. I also volunteered to assist with Phase 4 cardiac rehab, a collaboration Taylor had with Blackford Hospital at the time. These opportunities allowed me to grow in my patient/client interaction skills, develop rapport with my clients and foster personal relationships with Taylor faculty/staff and surrounding community. Rarely in your undergraduate career do you get to participate in research; however, Taylor provided several opportunities to collect, analyze and present project findings. During my junior and senior year at Taylor, I took research independent study courses and under the guidance of my advisor, presented two posters at Scholarship Weekend. Perhaps the best experience, and most-challenging at the time, was preparing for and giving an oral presentation at a Regional ACSM conference. That process and event opened my eyes to future careers in research and changed my post-graduation career trajectory.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

I entered Taylor as a transfer student during the second half of my junior year. As challenging as that transition was at the time, I remember my Exercise Science professors specifically made a point to connect with me personally and prepare me for my graduate studies. One of the most valuable classes I took was Exercise Prescription, which was taught under the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines. Regardless of your future career under the Exercise Science umbrella, knowing the ACSM exercise prescription guidelines are a required knowledge base. I also took Foundations in Exercise Science as a junior, later than the typical student. Thinking critically about why I was pursuing a vocation in the field and developing a biblical philosophy of personal fitness were elements that have influenced my current career path and how I instruct individuals placed under my management.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

The number of Christian Liberal Arts universities in the US are decreasing and students should take full advantage of the core coursework at Taylor to appreciate other disciplines, gain unique skill sets and connect with students across campus. I remember during my senior year, I was not exactly thrilled that I was required to take an art course as part of the foundational core. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed my pottery course as it was a completely different experience from my Exercise Science coursework. I still have a few of the coffee mugs I made that term!

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Exercise Science is such a broad discipline, with various applications in clinical care and patient health. From my perception, many students do not realize the vast opportunities for future careers within the field. I would encourage current students to utilize resources available at Taylor, especially their professors, to explore the many career paths available post-graduation. Further, regardless of a student’s chosen path, most jobs require patient-interaction skills. Get involved in research and take advantage of programs like Fit Into Health or Invitation. These opportunities are unique to Taylor and will give students a leg-up entering the workforce or graduate school.