Health and human performance graduate students earn NSCA scholarships
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Media Contact: Christy Lang | Director Marketing Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu
Out of 380 applicants, three students in the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation were awarded scholarships from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Foundation.
Lyric Richardson, a third-year Ph.D. student, received the NSCA Foundation’s Natasha Porter First Generation College Student Scholarship.
After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Tarleton State University, Richardson is working on her dissertation titled: “Influence of Exercise Induced Conditioned Pain Modulation on Neuromuscular Behavior” while working in the OSU Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Lab.
The scholarship honors former NSCA employee Natasha Porter, who passed away in October 2016 after losing her battle with breast cancer. Porter was the executive assistant to the executive director and served as an inspiration to those around her.
Her legacy continues through the scholarship, financially supporting first-generation college students attending their first National Conference. It provides students with a foot in the door and an opportunity to engage with other professionals in the industry.
Scott Caulfield, President of the NSCA Foundation Board, said Richardson is deserving of this award.
“Lyric is an outstanding student with a remarkably bright future,” Caulfield said. “We take pride in supporting her educational journey as she aspires to become a future leader in the strength and conditioning industry.”
Megan Thompson, another doctoral student, received the NSCA’s Legacy Scholarship.
Having completed her bachelor’s and master’s at California State University-Fullerton, Thompson is now pursuing her Ph.D. in health and human performance at OSU. The scholarship will help fund her research in tactical strength and conditioning.
Dr. Jay Dawes is co-director of the Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, where Thompson serves as a coordinator and conducts her research.
“Since joining us at Oklahoma State, Megan has been an instrumental member of the Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab,” Dawes said. “Her efforts have significantly advanced our ability to serve the first responder community across Oklahoma, and her continued research in tactical strength and conditioning will be invaluable in promoting healthier first responders and enhancing public safety and national security.”
The scholarship recognizes the lasting impact of NSCA members' devotion to teaching, researching and applying the science of strength and conditioning. This year's scholarship is given in honor of Dr. Joan Eckerson.
Annette Zapp was awarded the NSCA Foundation's Women's Professional Development Scholarship. Zapp is a first-year Ph.D. student in health and human performance at OSU. She recently retired following a 20-year fire service career, during which she held the rank of lieutenant.
A recognized leader in the firefighter health and wellness field, Zapp owns Fire Rescue Wellness, a coaching business dedicated to elevating the mental and physical wellness of firefighters worldwide. She earned a master's in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine.
Story By: Harli Gomes | hgomes@okstate.edu