Being a full-time student pursuing a career in exercise and sport science research, education, and coaching, Mike Kantor, MS, is excited about the opportunities to continue his passion for health and fitness, and apply his knowledge to help others become better versions of themselves. But as a first-generation college student, he finds success comes from a unique perspective of his personal goals and how far he has come.
“The best way I view success in my personal life is being able to look forward to each day and be happy and content with not only where I am at in my life currently, but where I am headed,” said Kantor.
In 2016 he received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Augsburg University. He then went on to acquire his Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University.
Then, In 2019, Kantor started the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences program, with a concentration in Human & Sport Performance, at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP). While the PhD program is mostly online, Kantor wanted a chance to be involved in more campus research. That led him to working as a Research Assistant in the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects.
“The primary reason that brought me to RMU is the opportunity to work in a research lab to gain laboratory experience and research experience while also earning a PhD. A PhD was always something I considered as a milestone to achieve to enhance my confidence as a researcher,” said Kantor.
Despite being a first generation college student, Kantor does not let that slow him down in the academic and research settings, supported by his parents and their memory.
“The hardest challenge I have faced during my time pursuing an education is losing both of my parents during this process. My mother we lost in 2015, and my father in 2020. These events have shaped my character and approach to life tremendously. Both my parents wanted me to go as far as I could with my education, since neither of them received a high school diploma. To this day, I use them as part of my motivation each day to complete my education journey here at RMUoHP.”
And while his educational journey isn’t over just yet, Kantor has already seen his efforts, education, and research produce impactful results.
“My studies have allowed me to see many of the aspects in my life through my educational and research background,” said Kantor. “Looking forward, I am hopeful that my future goals will be more attainable because of my education.”
The type of research that Kantor has most recently been interested in relates to the study of tactical training and education, exercise as medicine, and how environmental and physiological stressors influence motor response.
“The importance of this research is to hopefully improve the law enforcement training in use of force situations, which is multifaceted, and my research can help address some of the human performance factors,” explained Kantor
“Decreasing the assault and death rates among law enforcement officers and civilian interactions is a realistic outcome with the application of the research I have been able to complete while here at RMUoHP–which is priority number one,” said Kantor.
Kantor admits that sometimes research can be daunting, especially for students, so he says, “Focus on getting involved with research you are interested in and where you feel you can bring something to the study, such as experiences, educational knowledge, open-mindedness, or just hardwork. And most importantly, go and find a potential mentor to help in research to develop research skills.”
For Kantor, the research he has been conducting has worked alongside his education to allow him to successfully learn and share his experience and knowledge.
“In school, success is being able to see my knowledge and skills within my area of study as a researcher and critical thinker improve year in and year out. Also, graduating with my PhD is a milestone of success that I am looking forward to.”
