Student Research Spotlight - Regan Shaw
Regan Shaw won first place in the category, University-Wide Undergraduate Student Winners in Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Creative Arts and Humanities, during the 2020 Auburn Research: Virtual Student Symposium.
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Major and degree: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
College: Sciences and Mathematics
Department: Biological Sciences
Class year: 2020
Faculty mentor: Gretchen Oliver
Comparison of Knee Valgus During the Single Leg Squat and Softball Pitch
What are you researching?
My research in Dr. Gretchen Oliver’s Sports Medicine and Movement Lab focuses on injury prevention in softball athletes. My research thesis observed and analyzed various correlations in the single leg squat and softball pitch to predict and prevent injury.
How could the results benefit individuals, agencies or companies?
This research could benefit individuals by analyzing biomechanics to prevent injury in athletes. Decreasing injuries not only benefits the individual, but the athletic teams as well. All athletes could benefit from implementing injury prevention techniques for all team members.
Tell us why you enjoy research.
I enjoy research because I love discovering new ways to aid athletes and to further the field of sports medicine! I loved working in the Sports Medicine and Movement Lab because I was able to work with participants that returned to the lab on several occasions. It was rewarding to see people who had benefitted from research conducted in our lab. It was also fun to track their progression since we had seen them previously!
What advice would you give to other students considering doing a research project?
The Auburn University Student Research Symposium was the first research competition I had been a part of, and I am so grateful for the experience. My advice to other students is to get involved in a research lab early. I grew and learned so much throughout the process of completing my research project and working in the lab as a research assistant!
Tell us about any hobbies or activities you enjoy.
As my research topic suggests, I love sports! I never missed a home football game at Auburn University, and I attended numerous other athletic events with friends and family. I also enjoy traveling, snowboarding and playing the guitar.
Back to Research Spotlight homepage