Driven by purpose, guided by mentorship, a UNF grad student’s path to research excellence

Growing up in Northern India, Swarnima "Tina" Naithani watched as her mother lived with epilepsy.

"I saw the care that was given to my mother who has epilepsy, and it inspired me to help others in the same situation," explained Naithani.

She knew from an early age that she wanted to major in physical therapy. She earned her undergraduate degree in India and completed her internship at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, after which she worked for two and a half years in a clinical setting.

She recognized that the need for quality physical therapy was great in her home country.

"There is a shortage of physical therapists in India," Naithani said. "So, it's a demanding job in which I cared for patients with musculoskeletal injuries, postsurgical cases, pediatric conditions in both inpatient and outpatient environments, and took on private clients as well."

When she decided to continue her education, she heard about the University of North Florida. She knew it was a perfect fit for her when she read about research from one of the professors.

Now 28, Naithani is earning her Master of Health Science in Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine this May.

"I loved the nature-friendly campus, the peaceful environment, and the smaller, more attentive classes," said Naithani. "UNF has given me a strong sense of confidence in myself and in my academics."

Choosing UNF and mentorship

After gaining extensive hands-on experience in India, Naithani began to think about what might come next.

"I always knew I wanted to further my education," she said, "but I didn't know where that path would lead."

As the first in her family to attend college, and the first to study abroad, the decision was monumental.

A turning point came when she was caring for an elderly family friend in India whose son lived in Jacksonville. Impressed by the improvements in his father's condition, the son encouraged Naithani to pursue graduate studies at UNF and even offered her a place to live with him and his wife if she chose to come.

Around the same time, Naithani received a scholarship from the National Federation of Indian American Associations, and began researching UNF's kinesiology program, and came across the work of Dr. James Churilla, professor of Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine and Graduate Program Director at the Brooks College of Health.

"I read several of Dr. Churilla's published manuscripts and was very impressed with his work," Naithani said. "That's when I decided to apply."

During her interview, Churilla asked about her background, her goals and her vision for her future. By the end of the conversation, he offered her a graduate research assistantship.

"It was a big step for my family to let me go away to college, especially as a woman studying so far from home. But they supported me wholeheartedly," said Naithani.

That foundation of encouragement made it easier for her to embrace the next step.

"Dr. Churilla has guided and supported me since day one," said Naithani. "The assistantship helped me financially, but it also helped me academically and gave me the confidence I needed."

Churilla has been impressed by Naithani.

"Tina has been a very good graduate research assistant," said Churilla. "She's punctual, hardworking and dependable."

He noted that her clinical background enriched classroom discussions and student assessments and that she brought "real world experience into the lab and the classroom."

While at UNF, Naithani worked on two major research projects, both connected to her clinical experience in India, including her work with stroke patients. Dr. Churilla provided her with support.

"Research is second nature to me," she said. "But I was unfamiliar with working with large data sets and using SAS software. Dr. Churilla helped me through it all, recommending manuscripts and tutorials so that I could learn how to interpret the data."

Her first project examined the association between Lifestyle Medicine Scores (LMS) and stroke risk among U.S. adults with hyperglycemia. She developed the score based on six lifestyle medicine pillars and found that individuals who adhered to two or more lifestyle pillars had lower odds of stroke.

Her second research project examined the association between a Lifestyle Medicine Score and physical function in U.S. adults. The findings showed that greater adherence to lifestyle medicine pillars was associated with lower odds of difficulty performing daily activities such as standing from a chair, lifting or carrying objects and performing household chores.

Last year, she presented her first poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed a manuscript that has been submitted for publication this spring. In February, she presented her second poster at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) conference in South Carolina.

As she looks ahead to doctoral programs, the hands-on work she's done has become even more meaningful.

"Presenting at these conferences, creating posters and learning to interpret large data sets have been truly rewarding, helping me with critical learning skill and giving me real-world experiences that will carry me forward as I continue my education," said Naithani.

In addition to her graduate research assistant position in Churilla's lab, Naithani balances a demanding academic schedule by working as an event services assistant in the Student Union.

Also, she earned a scholarship from the Student Government and is a member of the Exercise Medicine Club.

Naithani's journey to UNF is a story of resilience. She arrived unsure of what awaited her, but found a community that embraced her, mentors who believed in her and opportunities that allowed her to grow as both a clinician and a scholar.

Her research contributions and academic excellence have prepared her for the next chapter of her educational journey.