Sheldon Fetter is a two-time UWindsor alumna and is currently pursuing her PhD in Kinesiology. (Courtesy of Sheldon Fetter/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
Kinesiology PhD candidate Sheldon Fetter describes her graduate degree student experience at the University of Windsor a “most fulfilling adventure.”
Her advice to students considering graduate school is simple: get involved.
“Introduce yourself to your professors, meet as many people as you can, say yes to new opportunities – you never know where they may lead you,” says Fetter.
After completing her honours degree in human kinetics in 2019, Fetter, a two-time alumna, earned a Master of Human Kinetics degree with a specialization in sport management and leadership in 2022.
As an undergraduate, she built relationships with her professors and worked as a research assistant for Dr. Jess Dixon during her third and fourth years. These experiences sparked her interest in graduate studies.
“In addition to the incredible professors in the department, the Master of Sport Management and Leadership program has consistently ranked among the top in the country for several years, which made it a very easy decision when it came to where I wanted to pursue a master’s degree,” says Fetter.
She credits Dixon’s mentorship with helping her succeed in the master’s program, setting her up to apply to the doctorate program. Fetter is now pursuing her PhD under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Woodruff.
As an undergraduate, she volunteered in Woodruff’s Community Health, Environment, and Wellness lab, an experience that ignited interest in further academic research.
“When I spoke with Dr. Woodruff about my goals for my doctoral research, she was very supportive, and it was then I knew I was meant to stay at UWindsor,” she says.
Fetter says the support she received from her mentors is central to her graduate student experience.
“As a graduate student, I am so grateful to have the most supportive advisors, mentors, committee members, that are not only invested in my growth as a student but also as a person,” says Fetter.
Beyond her research, Fetter took on a number of roles across campus, including graduate teaching assistant, research assistant, Ignite student, president of the Kinesiology Graduate Student Association, Graduate Teaching and Learning Fellow in the Department of Kinesiology, sessional instructor, and GATA Network coordinator.
As GATA Network coordinator, she designed, developed, and coordinated professional development events for graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants on campus.
Fetter’s experience offers one example of the opportunities available to students who pursue graduate studies at UWindsor.
Undergraduate students and community members considering professional master’s programs, research-based master’s and doctoral degrees and other graduate pathways can learn more at the University’s Graduate Showcase on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Presented by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the event will highlight graduate programs from departments across the University and give attendees an opportunity to connect with representatives to explore admissions, funding opportunities, and program requirements.
The Graduate Showcase runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the CAW Student Centre lobby.