Erica Schafer
M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science program alumni works at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
In 2023, Erica Schafer proudly graduated with a Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science. However, her journey at Merrimack College began earlier, when she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2022. She recalls, “I went to undergrad at Merrimack and loved it. I made a lot of connections there that I wasn’t ready to give up yet.” Erica developed a solid professional background as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), which fueled her passion for healthcare.
Reflecting on her journey, Erica emphasizes the value of her master’s degree and that it opened up exciting opportunities for her career. She thanks Merrimack for a remarkable journey during her fellowship with the esteemed U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). USARIEM is an internationally recognized military laboratory with the overarching research goal of maximizing and optimizing Warfighter health and performance. During her fellowship, she gained knowledge, skills and abilities related to exercise laboratory procedures as well as data collection, entry, organization and analysis.
She emphasizes how her master’s degree and fellowship helped raise her game in research, mastery of equipment and technical skills and even writing – enabling her to land a full-time contract with USARIEM and become a highly competitive applicant for Ph.D. programs.
“My fellowship experience at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine was amazing in helping me prepare for the next step in my career and my future Ph.D. program. The fellowship helped me gain critical research experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’m so thankful for that experience.”
Fueled by her passion for the subject, Erica has set her sights on obtaining a doctorate in either Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology. Her ultimate goal is to become a full-time professor, ideally returning to Merrimack. Erica envisions a future where she can dedicate her time to teaching and conducting research in the fields she is most passionate about.
For prospective students considering the Exercise and Sport Science graduate program, Erica has some advice: “It’s definitely worth your time, you’ll have a great experience.”
To learn more about Erica’s experience in the program and fellowship, listen to her Grad Chat podcast episode!
