Human Movement Science PhD student Sesethu Ncanywa visits Hasselt University in Belgium.

Human Movement Science PhD student Sesethu Ncanywa recently visited Hasselt University in Belgium. Her trip aimed to align her research proposal with the institution's research focus and to acquire proficiency in a data collection platform, including hands-on training. The trip also aimed to form collaborative connections with the research team and her primary supervisor.

Sesethu Ncanywa, a friend of Human Movement Science, says her field delves into how the human body functions during physical activity and is the foundation for sports and exercise for health and well-being. She excitedly explains that her field covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sports management, motor learning, research methods, nutrition, injury prevention, clinical exercise physiology, sports psychology, and sports and exercise physiology. She is particularly interested in the impact of interrupting sedentary behavior on the health of office workers in academic settings. Even though there’s been a growing emphasis on physical activity, many office workers still spend substantial amounts of time sitting, which can have negative health consequences.

The trip was made possible through VLIR-UOS Mobility Scholarships under Hasselt University and the HMS Department in our institution. A collaboration is being formed, and an MoU is being signed between the two institutions. The trip also helped her engage with the research team to understand the institutional expectations of how the human body functions during physical activity.

Sesethu said her stay at Hasselt University lasted for two weeks, during which time she met her co-supervisor, the rest of the team, and other PhD students. She also assisted with data collection on current research projects, learned about new equipment, and participated in research group meetings.

She elaborated that one of the most stimulating discussions she had was about current research trends. Hearing the perspectives of individuals from different research backgrounds helped her rethink her own research.

Sesethu said the experience of traveling abroad was exciting, and the highlight was visiting the research facility, which had advanced equipment; she found that exposure particularly inspiring and valuable.

Sesethu explained that she learned a great deal from the research team, particularly her supervisor, who opened her eyes to new ways of conceptualizing research and approaching certain research challenges. She went on to say that the experience has also increased her confidence, expanded her professional network, and encouraged her to delve deeper into the research field.

Sesethu said she is very excited about the knowledge and experiences she gained from this trip and believes it will directly contribute to her doctoral research. She plans to incorporate the new perspectives gained, collaborate with researchers from Hasselt University, and further her involvement in improving the health of our communities at large.