Sonaal Verma
Name: Sonaal Verma
Program: Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Program, Movement Science
Level or Degree: Junior
What are you involved in on campus?
I’m part of the club tennis team at Michigan, Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-health fraternity), and a student ambassador.
Why did you want to become a Kinesiology student ambassador?
I was a cross-campus transfer and I didn’t know about Kinesiology until the summer between my first and second years. I wasn’t happy in my classes. So after hearing about the Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Program and transferring to Kinesiology, I regained my interest in learning. I want to help other students discover Kinesiology and what it has to offer, which could make a big difference in one’s college experience.
How has the School of Kinesiology prepared you for your post-graduation goals?
I plan on taking a gap year before going to medical school. The first year-and-a-half I was in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts learning a microscopic level of things I would be addressing. Kinesiology provides that macroscopic view. The coursework pertains to human anatomy and physiology and allows me to study what I’m interested in. In MOVESCI 361, we review similar medical case studies as medical school students and physicians.
What makes the School of Kinesiology unique?
Kinesiology takes a hands-on approach to learning. We studied motion and walking in MOVESCI 361 by doing similar lab experiments as people in labs. In MOVESCI 362, an IONM class, you work with actual tools, like EEGs (electroencephalograms).
MOVESCI 110 changed my perspective on the medical field. The class is divided into three different modules, neuroscience, motor control, and exercise physiology, and taught by different faculty members. They emphasized how interconnected the field of medicine and studying the human body are. The class taught me to look more holistically at problems because other aspects one isn’t considering may impact them.
What is your most memorable moment within the school?
Kinesiology had an IONM open house where I met and heard from alumni and current students. It was great hearing their experiences and it gave me a glimpse into my future.
Do you have an “a-ha” moment or a time when your perspective shifted?
MOVESCI 110 changed my perspective on the medical field. The class is divided into three different modules, neuroscience, motor control, and exercise physiology, and taught by different faculty members. They emphasized how interconnected the field of medicine and studying the human body are. The class taught me to look more holistically at problems because other aspects one isn’t considering may impact them.
How have you changed academically, socially, or professionally since your first year?
It was a big shift coming to U-M from a small high school. The School of Kinesiology taught me how to make a big place seem small by helping me establish communities and groups of friends. I learned to be more efficient and balance my schoolwork, extracurriculars, and work.
What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor?
I’m from Ann Arbor, so my favorite thing to do is going to football games and tailgating. It’s a lot of fun seeing that many students and people come together.