Derek Zike, a 2025 PhD graduate of the Sport and Performance Psychology Laboratory (SPP), recently presented his doctoral dissertation research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) Partners for Health Research Symposium on Friday, May 9th, which took place at the UWM Union Ballroom. The UWM Partners for Health Research Symposium showcases graduate and undergraduate student work representing a range of programs across the College of Health Professions & Sciences and the Joseph J. Zilber College of Public Health. A total of 8 podium and 42 poster presentations were shared at the event, and the presentations were based on a wide range of student-led, UWM faculty-sponsored research projects.
Zike’s work explored experiences of psychosocial adaptation to acquired disability in women athletes after SCI by documenting the meaning of (a) having a disability, (b) being disabled, and (c) living with disability in an ableist world. Zike had the opportunity to share his work with a poster and a podium (oral) presentation, and was honored as 1st place winner of the podium presentations.
Derek Zike presents his work at the UWM PFH Research Symposium
Derek has since graduated from UWM with a PhD in Health Sciences and is exploring career opportunities. He is currently the Junior Managing Editor for the Journal for Advancing Sport Psychology in Research, and the Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
Read Derek’s podium presentation slides.