Alumni Spotlight – Rebecca Neimark, BS in Kinesiology

Rebecca Neimark

What are you currently doing?

I am a master’s student at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Currently I am in the midst of obtaining a Master’s of Science in Global Health. This particular program focuses on the social side of health around the world. My specific focus is understanding how PPE can help or hinder the healthcare professionals ability to care for patients with infectious diseases.

How do you use what you learned in the UWM Kinesiology program in your current position?

While in the UWM Kinesiology program I took a course called Sociological Aspects of Health and Human Movement. This course covers social health inequities and it is what made me interested in pursuing a masters degree that focuses on health inequities. I use what I learned in that course to help me formulate ideas and background knowledge on the more in-depth material I now research.

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

So far just getting to learn about the ideas and topics I am really passionate about. It is also a very different way of schooling here in Scotland. Learning how to apply what I learned at UWM here in Glasgow has been very rewarding. I am learning new things each day and learning even more about becoming a professional in the health care sector.

Tell us about your recent accomplishments.

Moving across the world on my own is a pretty big one. I am loving every second of it and wouldn’t change it. Another accomplishment is that I just submitted my dissertation idea proposal and received the green light to go ahead to the next steps.

Why did you choose to study Kinesiology at UW-Milwaukee?

I originally chose to study Kinesiology in the hopes of becoming a physical therapist. However, because the courses at UWM are so diverse I was able to explore different areas of health care under the Kinesiology umbrella and found my true passion. I chose UWM specifically because campus and the city of Milwaukee felt like home and the support from staff and students made it very welcoming.

What are some of your favorite UWM Kinesiology program memories?

I made some of my very best friends in the program. We were all in classes together and were able to study and help each other out when classes got hard or confusing. I also loved working in the labs, specifically exercise physiology. I love running and getting to take a VO2 Max test in lab was a major highlight of my time at UWM.

What advice or tips to you have for current UWM Kinesiology students? 

Don’t think too hard about the future. Take the classes that interest you and learn as much as you can. It’s okay to change your mind and do not be afraid to ask for help. Truly, the professors are there for you.