| Student | Award | About |
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Department of Exercise Science Outstanding Student Achievement - Doctor of Physical Therapy: Kamryn Taylor | Kamryn Taylor is a Doctor of Physical Therapy candidate at the University of South Carolina (expected
August 2026) and recipient of the Exercise Science Department's Outstanding Student
Achievement Award in Doctor of Physical Therapy. A cum laude graduate of Appalachian
State University with a B.S. in Exercise Science, she has built a distinguished record
in neurologic rehabilitation, clinical excellence, and service to others. Kamryn has trained at nationally recognized facilities including Carolinas Rehabilitation and Atrium Health, gaining extensive experience with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and solid organ transplants in complex medical environments. She has contributed to interdisciplinary education through in-service presentations, mentored both DPT and pre-PT students, and conducted community-based research on experiential learning and Parkinson's Disease awareness in partnership with a local YMCA. Her dedication to compassionate care, mentorship, and advancing the profession exemplifies the spirit of this award. |
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Outstanding Student for the Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training: Victor Delgado |
Victor Delgado is a certified athletic trainer who earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently completing his Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training at the University of South Carolina. During his time at USC, Victor has served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer, providing care for USC Swim & Dive and Fairfield Central High School. He has also completed two NFL summer athletic training internships with the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons. Victor has been actively involved in mentoring athletic training students and contributing to their clinical education as a preceptor and teaching assistant. Victor's professional interests include injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization, which align with his master's research project on sleep quality in military cadets. |
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Outstanding Doctoral Student Award: Olivia Finnegan | Olivia Finnegan is an exceptional scholar whose work focuses on innovative approaches to measuring children's physical activity, sleep, and digital media use. As a Principal Investigator on an NIH F31 fellowship and author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, Olivia has established herself as a rising star in the field. She is not only highly productive but also a pleasure to work with, bringing professionalism, collaboration, and enthusiasm to every project. Within the Arnold Healthy Kids Initiative, Olivia has emerged as a true leader, contributing meaningfully to interdisciplinary research and mentorship. Olivia will graduate this summer and continue her training at Brown University as an NIH T32-funded postdoctoral fellow, where she is poised to expand her skillset and make continued impactful contributions to public health research. |
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Department of Exercise Science Outstanding Student: Beth Davis |
Beth Davis completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's in Exercise and Sport Science with minors in Sport Medicine and Food Studies. She began her Master of Science in Athletic Training at South Carolina in May 2024. During her time in Columbia, she completed clinical education experiences at local high schools, USC Campus Recreation, and USC Swimming & Diving. In addition, she presented research on adverse childhood experiences and their impact on athlete mental health at the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association and the South Carolina Athletic Trainers Association meetings in 2025. Beth supported Dr. Susan Yeargin as a research assistant over her two years at USC, completing data collection and analyzing how central nervous system dysfunction presents in exertional heat stroke patients. She also served as the athletic training liaison for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), is a member of the Iota Tau Alpha honor society, the South Carolina Athletic Trainers Student Association (SCATSA) organization, and the Athletic Trainers in Physician Practice Society (ATPPS). She recently concluded a 16-week clinical immersion with Wake Forest's men's soccer team. Following graduation, Beth is joining Architech Sports in Charlotte, NC as a certified athletic trainer. |
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Outstanding Master's Student in Exercise Science: Erika Hagen | During her undergraduate studies at Belmont University, where she earned her BS in engineering physics while also competing as a collegiate cheerleader, Erika Hagen developed a strong interest in the intersection of engineering and exercise science, sparked by questions surrounding human performance and biomechanics. She spent her undergraduate years exploring the way technical skills in physics and electrical engineering could provide a deeper understanding of physiology in sport. Now a master's student in Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina, Erika works as a graduate assistant with the Arnold Healthy Kids Initiative, working with Dr. Bridget Armstrong. Her work focuses on the PATCH device, where she applies her background in engineering to improve device performance, analyze physiological data, and better understand real-world movement and heart rate patterns. Erika's academic journey reflects her passion for bridging engineering and physiology, combining quantitative skills with a desire to better understand and optimize human performance. She hopes to continue working at this intersection in her future career, contributing to advancements in wearable technology and applied human health. |
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Outstanding Master's Student in Exercise Science: Alexander Artur Andersen | Having grown up as a “third culture kid” across New Zealand, Malaysia, and Thailand, Alexander Andersen developed an early appreciation for the role sport plays in connecting people and shaping identity. After graduating with a BS in Exercise Science from East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania, this interest led him to pursue his MS at the University of South Carolina, where he has worked under the guidance of Dr. Shawn Arent at the USC Sport Science Lab. Through his experiences as a sport science intern with USC Women’s Basketball and previously with Inter Miami CF, Alexander has supported athlete monitoring, performance testing, and strength and conditioning initiatives within multidisciplinary performance teams. He has also served as a Teaching Assistant for Anatomy and Physiology courses for four semesters, where he developed a strong interest in teaching and mentoring students through engaging and interactive learning environments. His academic interests extended into research under Dr. Sten Stray-Gundersen, where he led a study examining the effects of high- and low-load squat protocols, with and without blood flow restriction (BFR), on Post Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE). Motivated by his experiences as both an athlete and practitioner, Alexander is passionate about continuing to apply data-driven approaches to support athlete performance, health, and long-term development. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a fellowship in sport performance within an elite-level multidisciplinary team while continuing to contribute to evidence-based approaches in athlete performance. |
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Outstanding Exercise Science Student Award: Lauren Stauffer | After graduating with a BS in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Lauren Stauffer will begin her Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the Duke University School of Medicine in August. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in rehabilitation, neurological conditions, and patient-centered care. |