Anthony Diaz Ortega

Currently a Junior at the University of South Florida majoring in Exercise Science. Deeply passionate about healthcare and research. Through extensive research collaborations, I have honed my skills as a data-driven and well-organized individual with a strong aptitude for project and task management. As a current research lab assistant in the Exercise Science laboratory at the University of South Florida, I actively contribute to ongoing research projects, demonstrating my ability to handle the intricacies of research all while managing my academic pursuits. I am seeking the Diane Heighton Alsup Endowed Memorial Scholarship to continue pursuing my Bachelor of Exercise Science degree, and to research how exercise can be used as a treatment for underlying conditions. I am confident that my unique skill set, coupled with my passion for healthcare and research, makes me a suitable candidate for this scholarship.

• Licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)- 2021 (Recently renewed)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certified- 2021
• EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) certification- 2021
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification- 2020
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification in human research- 2023

• The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on the Functional Abilities of Sarcopenic Individuals, University of Maryland, 06/12/23-08/14/24, College Park, Maryland, Participated as a research team member in the University of Maryland's Kinesiology Department, and investigated the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise training program on the functional abilities of elderly, sarcopenic individuals., Conducting research in a laboratory at the University of Maryland's Department of Kinesiology for two consecutive summers.
• Conference Attendee, Community College Innovation Challenge, National Science Foundation, 03/07/22-06/12/22, Washington D.C., Conducted research on how to build a filter that could remove microplastics from drinking water., Developed a strategy to remove microplastics from drinking water in homes, businesses, healthcare facilities, and schools., Presented the concept to the National Science Foundation and varied members of the United States Congress, and legislators.
• Microplastic Pollution Research, Polk State College, 01/12/22-03/02/22, Winter Haven, FL, Conducted research on local microplastic pollution in the city of Winter Haven., Collected various samples of lake water throughout the city and researched the detriment microplastics caused to society and the welfare of mankind.
• Laboratory Intern, Polk State College, 01/12/22-03/02/22, Winter Haven, FL, Conducted examinations and experiments under the tutelage of qualified lab assistants., Acquired knowledge and techniques that can be utilized in future research projects., Prepared experiments for various science classes.

• Microplastic Pollution in the City of Winter Haven, Polk State College, 01/12/22-03/02/22, Winter Haven, FL. Observed microplastic pollution by using different water samples collected from the lakes of Winter Haven, Florida.
• Reverse Osmosis Filter to Remove Microplastics in Drinking Water, National Science Foundation, Polk State College, 03/07/22-06/12/22, Washington D.C. Used research about microplastics to create a filter design that can remove microplastics. Presented the design in Washington D.C. for the National Science Foundation, and various members of congress.
• The Effects of Strength/Aerobic Exercise Training on the Functional Abilities of Sarcopenic Individuals, University of Maryland, 06/12/23- 06/12/24, College Park, Maryland. Assisted in measuring the effects of a 12-week strength/aerobic exercise training program on the functional abilities of sarcopenic elderly individuals. Used different functional testing techniques, and testing such as VO2 max to measure progress in individuals.
• Menstrual Cycle Phase and Psychological Responses to Exercise, University of South Florida, 08/25/23-Current, Tampa, Florida. Currently assisting in measuring the impact of different menstrual cycle phases on affective and exertional responses to self-selected exercise. Use different measurement scales to measure psychological responses, such as the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale, Exercise Motivation Inventory Scale (EMI), and the Acute Psychological Responses to Exercise (APS) scale. Also use different functional testing techniques, and testing such as VO2 max and In-body tests to measure fitness levels in study participants.
• Motivational States During Aerobic Exercise Recovery, University of South Florida, 08/25/23-Current, Tampa, Florida. Currently assisting in measuring the impact of an aerobic exercise program on motivational states. Use different measurement scales to measure motivational states during exercise, such as the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, the Acute Psychological Responses to Exercise (APS) scale, and the Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI) scale. Also responsible for conducting VO2 max tests to measure the cardiovascular fitness levels of each participant.