Turning Passion into Action: Becca’s BodPod Research Helps First Responders Improve Their Health – and Their Lives
By SU Enrollment Marketing
SALISBURY, MD---It’s not every day you meet a college student who spends their summers in a lab, volunteering their time to help others. But Rebecca Orr, an exercise science major at Salisbury University, is not your average student.
Becca has taken her passion for fitness and wellness to a whole new level by spending her free time conducting research with the University’s BodPod, a high-tech machine that measures body composition. And the best part? She’s not doing it for credit or research grants. She’s doing it all on her own, driven by one simple desire: to help others feel better and live happier lives.
“I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, but the BodPod gave me a chance to make a real impact,” Rebecca says. “Seeing people’s progress, watching their confidence grow—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Becca’s journey began the moment she stepped into her freshman year at SU. A class on the BodPod opened her eyes to the powerful role exercise science could play in improving health. That got her thinking about how she could use the device, something most people don’t have access to, in order to help others in the community.
“I love helping people see how they can make healthier lifestyle changes,” says Rebecca. “It’s not just about numbers on a chart—it’s about how people feel, how much more energy they have to spend with their families, and how they begin to have passion for their lives again.”
Becca’s passion for helping others didn’t start in a lab, though. In high school, she found herself drawn to emergency medicine, and as a sophomore at SU, she began volunteering at the Salisbury Fire Department.
Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and she was selected by Chris Truitt, SU alumnus and fire department leader, to join a cancer reduction committee. Firefighters are often exposed to dangerous carcinogens, face higher risks of heart disease and high blood pressure, and suffer injuries that can sideline their careers.
That’s where Becca’s unique combination of exercise science and firefighting experience comes into play.
“You can’t respond if you’re the one who needs help,” Becca said. “That’s why I decided to become a certified personal trainer—so I could help firefighters and other first responders stay healthy and live their best lives, both on and off the job.”
Her work with the BodPod is just one part of that mission. By tracking body fat, lean muscle, and other metrics, she helps individuals improve their physical health, boost their mood and get back to enjoying life.
With medical school in her sights, Becca is already setting herself up for success.
“SU let me dive right into my field, gaining hands-on experience from day one,” she said. “That’s what motivated me to keep pushing myself. The faculty here are so supportive, and it’s made all the difference.”
As she moves toward her goal of a career in pediatrics, Becca’s journey is just beginning. With her passion for helping others, combined with the unique skills she’s developed at SU, there’s no doubt that she’s destined for greatness. And, thanks to her tireless efforts, she’s already changing lives—one BodPod session at a time.