"As a graduate assistant I am responsible for assisting Dr. Pinkstaff with her research. I am responsible for working ten hours per week in which I input data, edit manuscripts,collect data, and carry out exercise testing. Dr. Pinkstaff's focus is on human physiology related to physical therapy. In the past I have worked with the Exercise Science and Nutrition departments on a study involving exercise capacity and metabolism. Most recently I have been involved with a study that Dr. Pinkstaff is collaborating on with Mayo Clinic regarding heart failure.
My favorite part about being a graduate assistant is being involved with research. This opportunity has allowed me to apply what I've learned in class to real life situations. Research makes you think in different ways and use reasoning skills to put pieces together and draw significant conclusions. It has also given me a great appreciation for the amount of work that goes into one research study.
I originally was interested in becoming a graduate assistant because I am an out of state student and was in need of the financial assistance that the job offers. Additionally, I wanted to be involved in research. My senior year of my undergraduate program I became involved in research regarding the effects of exercise on the quality of life of cancer survivors, which sparked my interest in research."
UNF prides itself with its faculty and research. Graduate Assistantships are a great way for those who are looking for a job on campus earn some money while working in the Brooks College of Health. Below is information from current Graduate Assistants and their responsibilities. If you have any questions on how to become a Graduate Assistant or want to know more about it feel free to visit the UNF Graduate Assistant website!
"As a GA, I helped DWR with a multitude of different things, from organizing papers and forms to cleaning, to creating events and volunteer opportunities. I was a key aspect of communication for some important class matters in regards to clinical placements and requirements.
Being a Graduate Assistant really helped me realize how much work and dedication goes into being a professor, as well as Director of Clinical Education for UNF. DWR wears many hats and is a wonderful faculty member to assist. It was very interesting seeing the other side of the DPT program from a faculty perspective. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that we as students don't see.
I applied to be a GA because I was moving from Maryland to Florida and needed financial assistance with school. Being a GA really helped with that and helped make school more affordable for me.
The best advice for any student seeing a GA position would be to make sure you can manage your time well. Being able to assist with things that needed to be completed ASAP was a key factor in being a GA and as others have said, make sure you take initiative and apply early because there are limited spaces available.
But most importantly, be a student first!"
Use the link below for more information!
Graduate Assistant Information
Contact:
Amanda Lovins
Jenna Danish
Dr. Pinkstaff Graduate Assistant
Class of 2017
"I haven’t been involved in research (that I can remember at least, haha). My favorite parts about being a GA are feeling like I’m helping our program and interacting with our wonderful faculty and staff as well as healthcare professionals in the community. I wanted to be a GA because I wanted to be involved in the “behind the scenes” work that helped make our program successful. The best advice I can provide is to become more efficient with your time. If you know you have a lot of exams and presentations coming up, work ahead on your GA work and/or schoolwork. Being a GA last year while I was the SPTA president forced me budget my time the most efficiently that I have so far in my three years!"
Brittany Decker
Dr. DWR Graduate Assistant
Class of 2021