Raquel Chavez
McNair Scholar 2023
- Major(s): Sports and Exercise Science
- Classification: Senior
- Anticipated Graduation Date: Fall 2023
- Career Aspirations: After attaining a bachelor’s degree, Raquel plans to attend Physical Therapy school for three years and work as a Physical Therapy Assistant during those years.
“My favorite experience in the McNair Scholars Program was meeting new people and working on published research. I got to bond with my advisors and directors and build a great network with Physical Therapy schools.”- Raquel Chavez
“Comparative Analysis of Muscle Characteristics among Long Jumpers, 100 Meter Sprinters, and 1500 Meter Distance Runners”
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lee Doernte
The study examines the muscle fiber composition and related characteristics among collegiate long jumpers, 1500-meter distance runners, and 100-meter sprinters. Given each event's distinctive energy demands and biomechanics, we hypothesized distinct muscle fiber profiles for each group.
Muscle fibers are integral in determining an athlete's performance, with each fiber type tailored to specific athletic demands. Given muscle fibers' distinct characteristics and functions, this research aims to delve into the fiber composition among athletes participating in various track and field events, seeking to elucidate potential correlations between fiber type and athletic specialization.