Heather Detwiler studies abroad in Australia
Heather Detwiler, a B.S. Health Sciences major in the pre-accelerated nursing major, received a BU Professional Experience Grant to study abroad in Australia during the summer through at program at the University of Canberra. She conducted research on the prevalence of concussions in youth populations in conjunction with the Australia Institute of Sport. Her work focused on the treatment and prevention of concussions in youth soccer players, a field that has not received much attention. Concussions are associated with long-term neurocognitive impairment. Australia has a higher prevalence rate for concussions among
youth soccer players, perhaps since heading the ball during games and practices is allowed. Heather's study compared the differences between
youth soccer concussion treatment and prevention methods between Australia and the United States. During her stay in Australia, Heather had the opportunity to travel, visiting Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road, Canberra, Sydney, Cairns, Tjapukai National Park, Fitzroy Island, and the Great Barrier Reef. In addition to seeing kangaroos, wallabees, and koalas, Heather had the opportunity to scuba dive and snorkel, go white water rafting, and watch a cricket match.