Morgan Brinning

“I discovered my love for the healthcare industry and decided to go on a tour of the Kinesiology Department at Iowa State. I knew when I walked in Forker that it was going to be my home for the next four years."

-Morgan Brinning

Morgan Brinning aspires to become a physical therapist. When she isn’t studying, Morgan enjoys spending time with her friends or with her family on their farm, and traveling.

Get to know Morgan

• Major/minor: Kinesiology and health, pre-health option
• Class: Junior
• Hometown: Washington, Iowa (Washington County)
• Career goal: Physical therapist
• Clubs/activities: College of Human Sciences Student Ambassador, peer mentor for Kinesiology and Health Learning Community, undergraduate research assistant for the Biomechanics Lab, Pre-Physical Therapy Club vice president
• Awards/honors/scholarships: Dean’s list, Winifred Tilden High Scholar Award (4.0 GPA), Richard O. Jacobson Legacy Scholarship recipient, President’s Award for Competitive Excellence, Cardinal Leadership Scholarship Award
• Favorite place on campus: Forker Hall or Agronomy Hall
• Favorite class: KIN 366, Exercise Psychology
• Why Iowa State: Felt like home, the curriculum, and family connections

Morgan Brinning follows passion for healthcare industry, pursues physical therapy

Morgan Brinning often found herself going to physical therapy for sports injuries in middle and high school. Through numerous physical therapy sessions, she began to develop an interest in the field, and saw it as a potential career path for herself.

To explore her interest in physical therapy further, Morgan applied for a part-time job at a local clinic in her hometown. She was quickly brought on and worked at the clinic throughout her high school career.

“I loved seeing the smile of an athlete being able to walk again or an elderly client increasing their range of motion. It confirmed my interest in pursuing a degree in this field,” Morgan said.

Coming into college with her mind set on pursuing kinesiology with a pre-health option, she knew that Iowa State University was the school for her. Aside from her family’s connection to the school, Morgan had developed her own personal connection to Iowa State from her countless visits to campus.

“I discovered my love for the healthcare industry and decided to go on a tour of the Kinesiology Department at Iowa State,” Morgan said.“I knew when I walked in Forker that it was going to be my home for the next four years. Glancing over the curriculum I would take if I became a student here excited me even more – that is when I knew that I would be a Cyclone.”

Here on campus, Morgan serves as the Pre-Physical Therapy Club’s vice president, a College of Human Sciences Student Ambassador, a peer mentor for the Kinesiology and Health Learning Community, and an undergraduate research assistant for the Biomechanics Research Lab.

Although she has a busy schedule, Morgan has learned how to balance her academic, general involvement, and social life, all while acquiring professional experience both on and off campus.

“Figuring out how to manage my stress was key in this, whether it was going on a walk or run, or talking it out with friends and family,” Morgan said. “Through this experience, I have learned many well-being skills that will help me in the future.”