York's Rosselyn Charris Wins Top Honor at GNYRC-ACSM Conference

Congratulations to Exercise Science major Rosselyn Charris, whose success in winning first prize at the Fall 2025 GNYRC-ACSM conference exemplifies how dedication can lead to national recognition, inspiring other students to pursue their goals within our college community.

Ms. Charris, an upper senior here at York College, presented an abstract titled "Differential Associations Between Physical Activity Subtypes and Psychological Health in Sedentary Urban College Students," and according to one of her mentors, Dr. Galila Werber-Zion, Ms. Charris "did a phenomenal job presenting its content to the judges."

In addition to her impressive win, Charris's ambition to enroll at the Northeast College of Health Sciences and pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) reflects how York College's strong partnerships and programs actively support students' diverse career aspirations, including her goal of becoming a chiropractor.

"I came in wanting to be a chiropractor [as my ultimate goal]," Charris said. "They (the department) had never had anyone with that goal before, and you know what the professors did? They did their own research to figure out how to help me get there, and they held my hand throughout, and I will be applying for the fall 2026 semester."

Charris, the youngest of four children, appreciates her mother's sacrifices and the college's supportive environment that nurtures her educational goals.

"My mom is a single parent, but she's made sure I haven't had to work," Charris revealed. "She's allowed me to focus on school. And when I am stressed, she puts me in the car and takes me for a ride to calm me. She works hard as a taxi driver so that I can focus on my education."

Charris, who was born and still lives in Brooklyn, New York, said she got interested in physical activity when, as a high school student, a friend invited her to the gym. She felt a positive impact on her physical and psychological well-being and developed a love of the science. She is grateful to York for the physical, intellectual, and mental benefits she has received in her major and has high praise for York College and the School of Health and Professional Programs, which houses the Exercise Science major's

"Professor Werber stays up until 3:00 am to make notes on each student's labs. Professor [Reinold] McNichol is also dedicated. He encourages us to strive for more in our future and continually pushes us to be better, always preparing us for our end goals and for life beyond York College. All the professors in the department are amazing."

As for her first-place prize, Charris received a glass plaque recognizing "First Place Undergraduate Original Research at the 2025 GNYACSM Annual Meeting." She is grateful for the mentorship that led to this outstanding outcome in her undergraduate journey.

"I love the program here so much, she enthused, "It's a small program, so it allows the professors to give individualized attention. They inspire me."

It is clearly a case of the department living up to its own mission statement:"The Exercise Science Major in the Department of Health and Human Performance at York College is committed to providing a rigorous and informative environment that promotes education and practical applications of exercise science, thereby enhancing physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life."