Second year master of athletic training (MSAT) student Amy Smith successfully defended her thesis today in from of faculty, peers, and her committee.
Amy’s thesis topic was titled ‘Knowledge and Attitudes of Certified Athletic Trainers towards Providing Care for Athletes with Cerebral Palsy’. To collect data for her study, she surveyed certified athletic trainers from all over the United States on both their experience with and attitudes towards working with athletes specifically with cerebral palsy disability. Amy’s thesis committee included Sports Medicine and Athletic Training (SMAT) department faculty Dr. Tona Hetzler (thesis chair), Dr. Allan Liggett, and psychology department faculty Dr. Erin Buchanan.
Amy Smith is in her last term of the MSAT program. During her time at Missouri State University, she has also held a graduate assistant positions at Mercy HealthTracks, Mercy Sports Medicine, and assists in teaching undergraduate athletic training courses in the department. In addition, Amy has led several undergraduate athletic training student groups in medical volunteer opportunities with the Special Olympics of Missouri. She is currently exploring job opportunities in athletic training post-graduation.
Please join the department in congratulating Amy for a job well done today!