International Conference: Cape Town, South Africa

By: Steve Elmer

This past July, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa for the XXII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB). As the recipient of the 2008 ISB Student Dissertation Award, I was “required” to present my research at this meeting. My podium presentation (“Biomechanics of Eccentric Muscle Damage and Recovery”) went very well thanks to several “practice runs” in the weeks leading up to the conference. At the conference I was able to meet scientists from all over the world and I now have contacts in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Canada, and Brazil. After the conference, I had some time to get out and tour the city of Cape Town and enjoy some hiking in Table Mountain National Park. Cape Town is one the most beautiful cities in the world as it sits right on the ocean with Table Mountain (3,300 ft) forming a dramatic backdrop. Overall, the international conference was a great experience and I encourage all students to attend a regional and/or national meeting. Even the international flight from Salt Lake City to Cape Town was manageable as I only had one stop (Atlanta). I would like to sincerely thank my advisor Dr. Jim Martin and several students in the Neuromuscular Function Lab (Dean Tanner, Matt Madigan, Jeremy Bouwhuis, Nelson Diamond, Andrew Christensen, Ammon Hills, and Mike Snarr) for helping me with my presentation. Finally, I need to acknowledge the International Society of Biomechanics, Graduate School, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, and Associated Students of the University of Utah for providing funds to assist with my travel expenses.