Earlier this month, BYU–Hawaii students traveled to Korea to present their original research on an international stage during the 2025 World Congress on Kinesiology & Sport Science conference focused on healthy living. Accompanied and mentored by professors Joel Reece and Ben Chase, the students gave it their all in sharing their findings and competing to win alongside representatives from various other universities.
Beyond Assignments and Classrooms
Similar to previous years, participating in these international conferences is part of a recurring effort within the Health and Human Science Program. Program leads encourage students to share their research beyond assignments and classrooms.
“As we go through these research projects, if students want to take their work beyond class, I tell them, ‘Hey, I can help you do that,’” said Professor Reece, program lead of the Health and Human Science Program. “The school offers a student development grant that can fund travel for data collection or presentations, so it’s a great way for students to refine their research and share it beyond BYU–Hawaii.”
Not only does this refine students’ skills, but it also helps provide them with valuable networking opportunities. Daryl Snelson, a senior from Malaysia majoring in health and human science, said that he was approached by many attendees interested in connecting with him. “One of the attendees, a recruiter for a master’s program in strength and conditioning, gave me her card and told me to reach out when I return to Malaysia so we can discuss opportunities,” Snelson shared.
The Real Victory
Building on two consecutive first-place wins in previous years, BYU–Hawaii students once again represented the university on the international stage, sharing their research and continuing the department’s strong tradition of excellence. “Regardless of whether or not you win the competition, everyone’s a winner just by going,” Reece said. “Students get to network, share their work, and see what others around the world are studying. It’s a powerful experience.”
That perspective was echoed by the students themselves. When asked to describe his time at the conference, Snelson said, “I would say humbling. Being able to travel somewhere I’ve never been and present my own original research at a conference full of experts was incredible. Looking back, the fact that I could do this as an undergraduate made it even more humbling.”
Adding on to that sentiment, Anson Tamilarason, a student from Malaysia also majoring in health and human science, said that the trip’s impact on him goes beyond academics. “The trip had a deep personal impact on me,” he shared. “Going out there to represent our school and faith made the experience even more meaningful. It reminded me of my covenants and how much I’ve grown through the influence of our school.”
Gratitude and Support
Reflecting on how BYU–Hawaii nurtures its students and the support system that sustains, develops, and refines their skills, talents, and abilities, Professor Reece shared these words in wonder and gratitude— “I’m just so grateful for all of the support that we’ve received,” he said, “It’s rare for undergraduates to receive this kind of travel support to present research.”
“My biggest takeaway from this trip was the opportunity to communicate and build connections with people from around the world,” said Tamilarason. “I’m grateful for the diverse perspectives that expanded my understanding of science and even more grateful for the friendships formed through those connections.”
And so the tradition continues, “Every year we try to take students somewhere new,” said Reece. “We’ve been to Malaysia, Japan, London, New Zealand, and now Korea. It’s part of giving them that real-world experience — connecting what they’ve learned here to the global academic community.”
In the end, the research may conclude, but the lessons endure—reminding each student that education at BYU–Hawaii reaches far beyond papers and presentations. It prepares hearts and minds to make a difference wherever they go.