Doctoral Students Receive NSCA Foundation Scholarships

Friday, August 11, 2017

Oklahoma State University students Carlos Estrada and Mike Luera were named recipients of the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Minority Scholarship for 2017. This $1,500 scholarship is designed to encourage minorities to enter the field of strength and conditioning. 

Estrada is a third-year doctoral student in health and human performance at OSU, studying under the mentorship of Dr. Bert Jacobson. He is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine. Estrada received a Master of Science in Wellness Management-Exercise Science from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. His current research interests include neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training and sports performance.

Luera is a second-year doctoral student, also studying health and human performance, under the mentorship of Dr. Jason DeFreitas. He currently teaches in the physical education and coaching programs at OSU and serves as a mentor for future educators and coaches. Luera received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Exercise and Sport Sciences at Texas Tech University. His primary research interests include neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training and the biomechanical analysis of sports performance.

“The scholarship applicant pool was strong this year, making the process very competitive. Mike and Carlos should be very proud of this accomplishment. I look forward to seeing them grow within the profession,” Carissa Gump, NSCA Foundation Director said.

Since its establishment, the NSCA Foundation has awarded 120 grants and 440 scholarships, totaling over $2 million to outstanding individuals within the strength and conditioning community.