Allison Buckert

“Everyone seemed so happy and honored to be at Iowa State. I have never seen a more passionate student base on campus."

-Allison Buckert

Allison Buckert plans on attending physician assistant (PA) school after graduating from Iowa State. Allison would like to become a PA in family medicine or dermatology. When she isn’t studying, Allison enjoys exercising, hanging out with her friends, and getting coffee. 

Allison Buckert gets involved on and off campus, prepares for future as physician assistant

Allison Buckert had known for quite some time that Iowa State University was the perfect fit for her. Having an older sister that also attended Iowa State, Allison would come visit her and explore the campus. Her decision was solidified when she officially toured during high school. 

“Everyone seemed so happy and honored to be at Iowa State. I have never seen a more passionate student base on campus,” she said.

Coming to Iowa State, Allison decided that she wanted to explore her options, and she did just that. At the beginning of her sophomore year, she decided to declare kinesiology and health with a pre-health option as her major. Being particularly interested in the human body and how it works, Allison knew that she was on the right path. 

“When the kinesiology advisers came and spoke, I knew that was an area I would be interested in. I loved science and health in high school and I always thought about the possibility of going to graduate school,” Allison said.

Since declaring her major, she has become involved in a wide range of clubs, research opportunities, and programs. She currently works as an undergraduate research assistant in the Wellbeing and Exercise Laboratory. In her role, Allison works with patients with depressive disorders, and looks at the outcome of incorporating exercise into their daily lives. She also helps with the lab’s social media. 

Outside of her research efforts, Allison has worked as a certified nursing assistant at Green Hills Retirement Community for nearly two years. She enjoys her job immensely because she helps take care of the community’s residents, while gaining contact hours necessary for applying to physician assistant school.

“I love the residents; they’re so appreciative of all of the work we do. I have also gained lots of hands-on experience in a medical setting through my job,” she said. 

Allison participates in the College of Human Sciences Honors program, and a handful of clubs, including the Pre-PA Club and Kinesiology and Health Club. She can’t stress enough how important it is to get involved on campus.

“Get involved early and get involved often. There are so many opportunities to get involved with the Department of Kinesiology,” Allison said.