Major: Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology
Research Advisor: Dr. Laura Kabiri 

Eduardo Gonzalez Villarreal is Will Rice senior majoring in Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology. He came into Rice for Biochemistry, but switched to Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology after learning during O-week that it was offered as a major. Growing up with a strong passion for physical activity and exercise rehab, the sports medicine degree was a natural fit for him.

In May of 2019, Eduardo went on a two-week program to Australia to learn more about the medical field. In his time there, Eduardo talked to students in med school, visited hospitals, and learned about the Australian healthcare system. He undertook a two-week research project with a small team, focusing on the mental health crisis among college students.

For the past few months, Eduardo has been working on research with Dr. Laura Kabiri. His goal was to examine physical activity changes across living situations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project focuses on university students enrolled in private institutions of the greater Houston area. Over the summer, Eduardo participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), where he shared his work with Rice undergraduates pursuing research in different fields. In October, he presented a poster at the Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Fair.

For that same physical activity project, Eduardo is now in the process of writing a manuscript for publication. He’s also hoping to present his findings at the 2022 Texas Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting.

Beyond academics, Eduardo is very passionate about working out and traveling. He’s a former varsity cross-country and track runner, and has completed the Houston Aramco half-marathon a few times. Eduardo was born in Mexico, lived in the Philippines for four years, and then was raised in Houston.   

Eduardo intends to take a gap year after graduation to pursue more research and gain clinical experience. Afterward, he intends to pursue a DPT and focus on exercise rehabilitation. He’s extremely thankful for all the kinesiology department has offered in terms of curriculum, practical experience, and research opportunities. It’s been a great choice for him at Rice, allowing him to pursue both academic interests and personal passions.