This summer, more than 80 students and faculty kept campus abuzz with the hum of hands-on field and lab research. The Seaver Summer Research Community’s work covered topics in biology, health and human sciences, mechanical engineering, computer science and more disciplines across the college. With such a diversity of research projects to choose from, we spoke to some of the students about their unique summer experience. Today, we spotlight Valentina Juarez Huerdo ’26, a health and human sciences major studying the effects of concussions on balance in ice hockey athletes under the mentorship of professor Sarah Strand.
Describe your research in a way that a high school student would understand it.
My research looks at whether past injuries, including concussions, affect ice hockey players’ balance and eye movements. Ice hockey players often get head injuries, so it’s important to know how these injuries might impact their ability to stay balanced and move their eyes properly. We studied players from a university’s club ice hockey team over the past eight years. Sixty-seven players joined our study. They did various tests using a machine called the Neurocom® Balance Manager. This machine helps us see how stable they are in different positions and which leg they use more when squatting. In addition, we used an eye tracker called EyeLink Duo to track their eye movements, blinking, and fixations.
Why would someone outside your field be interested in your project?
People outside my field should be interested in this project for a couple of reasons. First, concussions are very common, with around 3.8 million sports-related concussions occurring annually in the U.S. alone. Understanding their long-term effects is relevant to many people.
Additionally, ice hockey and sports fans should care because concussions can significantly impact player performance. Our research shows how these injuries affect balance and eye tracking, which are crucial for executing complex maneuvers on the ice. By improving safety and performance through better understanding, we enhance the game for both players and fans.
What are some of the lessons students learn while working on research?
Working on research teaches students several important lessons. First, it has taught me to focus on the details. Every step in the process matters, and paying attention to these details ensures accuracy in my results. Second, research has shown me the importance of being flexible and not being afraid to start over if something doesn’t work out. Sometimes experiments fail, or data isn’t what you expected, and starting from scratch can lead to better results. Finally, research helps me get creative. Finding new ways to approach problems and thinking outside the box always leads to better solutions.
How does doing research complement coursework?
Doing research has taught me how to interact with patients effectively. This hands-on experience has helped me build on knowledge from my classes and given me practical skills in patient care and communication. Additionally, working on this project has allowed me to bond with faculty in my major. Collaborating with professors and mentors has enriched my learning experience, providing me with guidance, support, and other opportunities.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
My advice would be to start by exploring the research projects happening on campus and reach out to professors to learn more about them. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express your interest. Also, keep an open mind about the types of projects you would consider joining. I initially thought research in ice hockey wouldn’t be a great fit for me since I wasn’t interested in the sport aspect. However, I’ve grown to love it through my research experience. Being flexible about the subject matter can lead to unexpected interests and valuable learning experiences.
Will your work this summer lead to any foreseeable outcomes (i.e. publications, presentations, poster sessions, patent applications, etc.)?
Yes, my work this summer is leading to some exciting outcomes. We’re currently working on a publication to share our findings. Additionally, we want to present at a poster session in January.
Do you plan to continue your project in the future? If so, when?
We’ll be continuing our research throughout the rest of the summer and will start preseason testing in August.
