This October, the annual ARCS field trip at the University of Oregon offered an engaging experience for all who attended. The day began with a self-guided tour of Hayward Hall, a 4,000-square-foot interactive museum located on the stadium’s east side, beneath the lower seating bowl. Inside Hayward Hall, visitors enjoyed views of the track through a wall of sliding doors, offering a unique look at the venue that hosted the 2024 Olympic Trials for Track and Field. 

The next stop was Dr. Mike Hahn’s Physiology Lab, housed within the Bowerman Sports Science Center in Hayward Hall. Dr. Hahn’s lab explores the biomechanics behind sports like competitive running and soccer, using advanced technology to develop wearable sensors that improve athlete performance and data collection. ARCS Scholar Alum Rachel Robinson is currently working in Dr. Hahn’s lab, focusing on identifying the mechanics of efficient uphill running and designing training to enhance performance. You can learn more about the lab’s work through Dr. Hahn’s recent public talks on YouTube and listen to a podcast on Spotify. 

After the visit to Hayward Hall, participants enjoyed lunch in Unthank Hall Cafeteria with current University of Oregon scholars. The day concluded with a trip to the UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History, which highlights Oregon’s rich heritage—from the archaeology of the First Americans to the vibrant cultures of present-day Tribes and the forces shaping Oregon’s landscapes, climate, and ecosystems. Exhibits feature fossil remains and life-sized replicas of ancient flora and fauna, including Columbian mammoths and Harlan’s ground sloth. 

Special thanks to Julie Branford for organizing this memorable and engaging event.