Daniel Lunz

During his time in the Marines, Daniel Lunz received numerous awards, including Marine of the Quarter and for leadership positions while serving in Iraq. But when he returned home, Lunz needed a bit of help adjusting to civilian life.

Through a program at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Hospital in Cecil County, Lunz began using exercise to help him fully regain emotional and physical health. That’s when things started clicking. “I enjoyed working with the kinesiotherapist at the VA, and I loved the idea of working with veterans,” says Lunz, who chose to pursue an exercise science major to help others benefit from fitness the way he has.

Shortly after, Lunz began attending Towson University and became a father. “I met other veterans on campus and found that TU was great in providing both veteran and family support and giving me the balance I need to be a good father, a good husband and a good student,” explains Lunz. He credits Devon Dobrosielski, assistant professor of kinesiology, for being his mentor and for opening research and employment doors for him.

“ …TU was great in providing both veteran and family support and giving me the balance I need to be a good father, a good husband and a good student. ”

Right out of the gate, Lunz recognized the importance of finding an internship and building relationships. He interned at Smarter Team Training in Lutherville, Md., where he worked under Coach Rob Taylor and Mike Whitman to build knowledge and experience, leading him to obtain National Strength and Conditioning Association certification.

Currently a research program coordinator at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lunz conducts clinical research in interventional pulmonology, participating in lung, device, and drug studies.

Now pursuing his MBA at Johns Hopkins University, Lunz sees himself as an entrepreneur building a fitness-related business for himself and his family. “I am hopeful for the future and enjoying the ride,” he says.