COLUMBUS, OH— Braydon Lazzara ’24 made history as the first University of Mount Union student to attend and present at the Injury Biomechanics Symposium at The Ohio State University, held from May 22-24. Lazzara’s research studied the secondary effects of heading a soccer ball on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.

His research, “How does the Secondary Task of Heading a soccer ball Impact Jumping Kinematics and Kinetics?” was chosen to be presented at the Symposium, where he was the youngest presenter among a majority of Ph.D. candidates. He conducted his research for his independent study with Dr. Tomás Barrett, assistant professor of exercise science.

“A future goal of mine is to attend physical therapy school and obtain my Ph.D. in rehabilitation sciences,” Lazzara says. “In this experience, I am excited to see the future research studies I am a part of and see the impact I can have at Mount and on the community.”

He says the Symposium has impacted him to pursue research more in the future. Lazzara also speaks highly of his professor, saying, “Dr. Barrett goes above and beyond for his students. He wants to see them succeed…The exercise science department provides a hands-on learning experience that allows for students to explore their passions. I am thankful for Mount Union and for the opportunity to represent the college at the Symposium.”

For more information about Dr. Barrett and the exercise science program at Mount Union, click here.