Florida State University Visit

I got a few days off here so I decided to check out FSU, one of the schools I am applying to for my MS in Sports Nutrition. ALthough I am in Florida right now, the 4+ hour drive was a bit long. Regardless, I set up the visit in advance and I was able to meet a few professors, students, and other administrators in the Nutrition and Food Science Department.



Professor #1:
Dr. Jeong-Su Kim


Research: Atrophy of skeletal muscle in mice with varied diet/exercise regimins
- Dr. Kim is integrated MRI machinery to measure skeletal muscle changes in these mice, which is supposedly a very unique technique. Although it is somewhat related to my research interests, I am not sure if I'd have the passion for this type of research... Moving on.

Professor #2:
Dr. Michael Ormsbee

Research: Nutrition supplements, ergogenic aids, protein timing for effective weight loss, optimal human performance
- I really got a good vibe when meeting with Dr. Ormsbee. He clearly had a passion for what he was researching and teaching. It also showed that he practices what he preaches (not all that common in a Nutrition professor). He gave me a lot of insight into the specifics of the program and what I could expect if I were to enroll there. He has quite a few graduate students working with him, although I may not be able to join him right away if I go to FSU. The current students have the funds and there won't be much opportunity for funding until they graduate.

After I met the professors, I got the chance to grab lunch with two of Dr. Ormsbee's graduate research assistants. They told me that he was great to work for. He does ask for a lot and is rather particular in some of his job assignments, but it pays off come thesis defense time. One of the students was researching protein timing in relation to weight loss. Interesting idea since many people know they should consume protein, but how much and when is best when trying to lose adipose tissue?

The other student is currently involved in a protocol where the participants consume Nutrisystem products and undergo resistance training as well. You may already know it, but the main source of funding for this research is Nutrisystem. Possible confounding interest? Yes. Regardless, it is a way to do some quality research.

The lab facilities at FSU are alright, not great. The lab I saw at Marywood U was far and above FSU's current lab. There is good news in that regard, though. Construction is currently underway to build a state of the art Human Performance Lab sponsored by Nike (yes, that Nike), which should be completed come this fall.

Overall: Good program with opportunity to do really interesting research that fits well within my research interests. The possible lack of funding may be a dealbreaker. If I can find a professor who has the funds available, I would be very confident that FSU would give me a great academic experience.

Great day for a long drive (forgive the odd screen glitch).