Student Researcher Q&A: Samantha Dreissig

Samantha Dreissig is a student in Kean’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program in the College of Health Professions and Human Services. She conducted research on transient paralysis in football players, focusing on the importance of diagnosing spinal shock and differentiating it from more severe spinal cord injuries to ensure timely and appropriate treatment. Dreissig also worked with the National Football League’s (NFL) New York Giants as a student athletic trainer in the Fall of 2025.

How did you decide on this research topic and why did you choose to pursue it? 

I chose this research topic through my involvement in an athletic training clinical at Kean, where I was exposed to real-time scenarios involving student-athletes. This particular case stood out because the athlete’s initial presentation strongly mimicked exertional heat illness, yet his symptoms evolved in a way that suggested a more complex underlying condition. The moment when the clinical picture shifted from a common diagnosis to a potentially serious neurological issue sparked my interest.

I pursued this topic because spinal shock, particularly cases involving transient paralysis, is both clinically significant and often misunderstood. The overlap in symptoms between spinal shock and other conditions like heat illness or concussion makes it challenging to diagnose. I wanted to contribute to a better understanding of how these conditions can present in athletic settings and emphasize the importance of maintaining a broad range of possible diagnoses.

What is innovative about your research? 

This research documents an unusually rapid recovery from spinal shock, within approximately 90 minutes, compared to the typical recovery window of up to 72 hours reported in the literature. This finding challenges existing expectations about the timeline of neurological recovery following spinal cord trauma.

It also highlights a diagnostic overlap between exertional heat illness and spinal shock, which is not widely emphasized in current research. The study reinforces the importance of reassessing initial diagnoses when clinical signs evolve and demonstrates how subtle mechanisms of injury, like cervical hyperextension, can be overlooked in fast-paced athletic environments.

By combining clinical observation, video analysis and outcome comparison, this research contributes to improved diagnostic accuracy and encourages clinicians to remain adaptable in their evaluation process.

How were you able to collaborate with a Kean professor/supervisor on this research?

I collaborated closely with faculty in the athletic training program at Kean, including my professors and clinical supervisors, who provided mentorship throughout the research process. A key figure in this collaboration was Denise Wujciak, director of sports medicine at the University, who was present when this case occurred. Her firsthand clinical insight was invaluable in accurately interpreting the sequence of events and guiding the development of the case study.

This collaboration was made possible through my active participation in the program, where students are encouraged to engage in research and clinical inquiry. My supervisors, including Assistant Professor James Stavitz Ph.D., helped refine the case details, ensure clinical accuracy and support the integration of evidence-based literature into the study. This experience highlighted the value of mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration in producing meaningful research.

What has been your role in developing research ideas and carrying them forward?

I helped identify the significance of the case, particularly its atypical presentation and rapid recovery timeline, and assisted in gathering and organizing clinical data, reviewing practice footage to confirm the mechanism of injury and synthesizing relevant literature to contextualize the findings.

I was also involved in drafting and refining sections of the case study to clearly communicate the clinical progression and key takeaways. Additionally, I participated in discussions with Denise Wujciak to help shape the research direction and identify its broader implications. This experience allowed me to take ownership of the research while also learning how to collaborate effectively within a team.

What has been the impact of your research?

It lies primarily in its clinical implications. My research emphasizes the importance of maintaining a flexible differential diagnosis when evaluating athletes with acute neurological symptoms. By documenting how spinal shock can initially resemble exertional heat illness, this case provides a practical example that may help avoid misdiagnosis.

The unusually rapid recovery observed also contributes to existing literature by suggesting that recovery timelines may vary more than previously thought, particularly in young, healthy populations. This opens the door for future research into predictors of rapid neurological recovery and improved sideline assessment protocols.

Overall, the study supports better clinical awareness and decision-making in high-pressure athletic environments.

How will this opportunity help you achieve your long-term career plans?

It has strengthened my clinical reasoning skills, particularly in high-stakes situations that require rapid and accurate decision-making. 

This research has also deepened my appreciation for evidence-based practice and reinforced the importance of contributing to the field through scholarly work. Moving forward, I plan to continue integrating research into my career through clinical practice, further education and future research collaborations.

Ultimately, this opportunity has prepared me to be a more thoughtful, knowledgeable and adaptable clinician.

How do you balance your time handling research and class work?

Balancing research and coursework requires strong time management and organization. I prioritize tasks by setting clear deadlines and breaking larger projects into manageable steps. During busy periods, I dedicate specific blocks of time to research to ensure consistent progress while keeping up with academic responsibilities.

Communication has also been key. Regular check-ins with my supervisors help keep me on track, and because my research aligns closely with my field of study, there is a natural overlap that reinforces what I learn in the classroom through practical application.

Describe a research problem you have faced. What did you learn?

One major challenge was interpreting a case where the initial presentation pointed strongly toward one diagnosis but later evolved into something entirely different. This created uncertainty in how to frame the case and required careful analysis to accurately represent the clinical progression.

There was also limited documentation on similar cases, which made comparisons to existing literature more difficult. I had to critically evaluate available studies and clearly articulate how this case differed.

This experience taught me the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in both clinical and research settings. It reinforced that not all cases will follow textbook patterns, and that thorough observation, critical thinking and collaboration are essential in producing accurate and meaningful research.

In addition to your research, you served as student athletic trainer with the New York Giants during the 2025 season. What did that involve and how did your experience at Kean help prepare you?

My role involved supporting the medical and performance staff in the daily care of professional athletes. This included assisting with injury evaluation, implementing rehabilitation protocols, monitoring athletes during practices and games and assisting to on-field emergencies. I also helped prepare treatment areas, maintain medical equipment and observed how clinicians make rapid, high-stakes decisions in real time. 

Kean’s athletic training program emphasized both strong clinical foundations and hands-on experience, which translated directly to my work in the NFL through their clinical affiliations with the team. Kean trained me to think critically under pressure, perform thorough injury assessments and apply evidence-based practice in real time.