Student Spotlight: Benjamin Lee

This month’s member spotlight is focused on Benjamin Lee of the Missouri Baptist University. Ben has a major in Exercise Science and anticipates graduating in the Spring of 2022. At the 2021 Kappa Omicron Nu Conclave Ben presented his research entitled “The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Versus Continuous Aerobic Training on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in College-Aged Adults,” and his research focused on just that.

Ben’s goal with this research was to compare the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous aerobic on cardiorespiratory endurance via differing six-week training programs. The research was inconclusive with the expected results being that HIIT would yield an overall higher level of endurance compared to continuous aerobic training, however this allowed for Ben to experiment and gain experience. This topic of research was enticed via Ben’s previous involvement with cross country and basketball in high school, in which the two sports differed in the types of training that occurred. This sparked interest in Ben and thus came his research topic to determine which type of training would produce better results. We at Kappa Omicron Nu (KON) followed up with Ben after his presentation of his research at the 2021 Kappa Omicron Nu Conclave and Ben expressed his high level of gratitude for the experience. The opportunity was one that allowed him to share the work he had dedicated throughout the past semester as well as learn about other research conducted by members of KON. According to Ben, the questions and interactions from the audience both encouraged and allowed Ben to expand on his topic at a deeper level and in a more specific way. Regarding future research Ben’s goal is to publish research in a peer reviewed research journal, as well as extend his research to different cardio training in relation to mental health. These goals are something that we envision Ben having all skills and assets to achieve in his future and throughout his professional and academic career. Ben hopes to become a physical therapist and was recently accepted to one of his top picks for his physical therapy schooling. At that institution, he hopes to work on research as a graduate assistant and continue the research he has practiced throughout his undergraduate education. Our members continue to work towards their own personal goals as well as their academic goals. Congratulations to Ben on both your presentation and research and all future endeavors you set for yourself.

Benjamin’s Presentation (start at 11:40): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDFoCtXNcIE