Social media conversation leads to internship
What began as an online conversation turned into an internship in Australia for Colin Tomes ’17.
An athletic training major, Tomes began researching the field of biomechanics. His mentor Matt Lewis, an assistant professor of athletic training at Messiah, suggested contacting someone who already had conducted research in the field.
Tomes found ResearchGate, a social networking site connecting researchers and scientists worldwide. Through the site, he found Robin Orr, a professor at Bond University in Australia, whose research specializes in physical conditioning and injury prevention of military personnel.
“I reached out to him, and by the grace of God, it became an internship,” said Tomes.
When Tomes arrived in Australia in June 2016, Orr assigned him a master’s-level project: assisting the New South Wales Police Department.
Tomes identified and analyzed peer-reviewed research to lay the groundwork for an upcoming study based out of Orr’s tactical research unit. This research resulted in Tomes’ systematic review titled “The Impact of Body Armor and Physical Performance Measures in Tactical Populations.”
After graduation in May, Tomes plans to return to Bond to begin a two-year doctoral program in physiotherapy.
Joy Fea, Messiah’s career coach and internship coordinator, helped Tomes realize his goal. “What I am most proud of Colin for is that he took a risk, applied for an incredible opportunity and gained an amazing internship experience that not only was a great research project,” said Fea, “but has led to further career and networking opportunities.”
Lewis says Tomes analyzed the pursuit of graduate school much like a research project. “He is intrinsically motivated to prepare himself well for his next steps in his personal, academic and professional life,” said Lewis.
From Grantham to the Gold Coast, Tomes has made the most of a connection that changed the trajectory of his academic career.
— Gabrielle Kurtz ’18