The College of Health Sciences (CHS) congratulates Stacy Gnacinski, PhD student and Barbara Meyer, PhD, director of the Laboratory for Sport Psychology & Performance Excellence (LSPPE) and professor in the Integrative Health Care & Performance unit in the Department of Kinesiology, for being awarded funding from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP.)
Their research proposal, “Examining the Effect of a Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention on Symptoms of Stress, Depressions, and Burnout among Student-Athletes,” examines the use of a cost effective, campus-based, well-established psychological intervention for the improvement of student-athletes’ mental health. The research is being conducted at UWM, with the cooperation of the Athletics Department.
When asked about her collaboration with Meyer, Gnacinski said, “What excites me most about the project is that our research aims to provide athletes with psychological skills that are critical to the development of both personal and performance excellence. I believe that our research moves the field of applied sport psychology closer to identifying the best ways to help athletes remain healthy enough to achieve and maintain peak performance across their careers.”
Meyer spoke highly of Gnacinski’s growth as a student and a scholar, “Over the past three years I have had the privilege to work closely with Stacy as her advisor, supervisor in the LSPPE and collaborator on numerous publications, presentations and grants. As Stacy has taken more initiative and assumed a greater leadership role within the program, our relationship has morphed from a student-faculty mentorship to that of colleagues.”
Having completed her Master of Science degree at UWM, Gnacinski is now funded through the Advanced Opportunity Program Fellowship to continue her research as a doctoral student, under Meyer’s mentorship. Reflecting fondly on her time at UWM, Gnacinski expressed gratitude for the mentors, Dr. Meyer in particular, who have supported her along the way, “The College of Health Sciences Masters and doctoral programs have provided me with many opportunities and resources to develop skills and confidence both as a student and scholar.”
Upon completion of her doctorate, Gnacinski would like to move on to a post-doctoral fellowship or an applied internship. Eventually, Gnacinski hopes to serve as a faculty member at a research-oriented university, conduct laboratory research and maintain a small private sport psychology consulting practice. Gnacinski said of her future, “I know that I will be happy in any work that challenges me and allows me to be a creative and productive member of the institution or organization. Wherever I end up, I will strive to uphold the same athlete-centered work ethic and professional focus that I’ve developed through my education in the LSSPE and the Integrative Health Care & Performance unit here at UWM.”