Physical Therapy student Jacob Kravitz is not what you would call an average UConn student.

As a part of the Neag School of Education’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, Kravitz is required to perform at least 40 hours a week of clinical education in addition to classes and human performance lab work. Outside of school, you might find Kravitz coaching the Middletown High School diving team or working as a ski instructor in Vermont.

Kravitz also spends free time crocheting ski caps and has even set up a successful online shop on Etsy where he sells his hats. Kravitz recently donated two of his own crocheted hats to the silent auction hosted  by Magic Mountain in Londonderry, VT.

Like many PT students, Kravitz loves spending  time outdoors and exercising. Days off are often spent mountain biking, running, skiing, playing ultimate Frisbee or even training for triathlons. Kravitz also enjoys road biking and has several times biked to UConn’s campus.

In addition, Kravitz is president of his PT class, which has him involved in PT traditions like the white coat and pinning ceremonies.

“I was interested in becoming class president after my experience as captain of an Ultimate Frisbee team for five years,” says Kravitz. “I enjoyed leading a team of people and wanted to do it again. Thankfully, my classmates elected me.”

Originally from Connecticut, Kravitz earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in television production from Fairfield University. After graduating, he had a few jobs before landing a position doing research in Yale University’s Neurobiology Department. After a couple of years there, Kravitz decided to apply his love of medicine and helping people by pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

However, within UConn’s Physical Therapy Department, Kravitz isn’t a typical student.

“Jacob is a high-energy student,” says DPT Program Director Craig R. Denegar. “He’s part of a group of great students who manage their time so well. They are committed to exercise and health.”

According to Denegar, students in the DPT program lead highly active lifestyles, both in school and during their free time. Many DPT students are not just heavily engaged in their academics, but also in their exercise pursuits, doing things like running the Boston marathon or, like Kravitz, competing in triathlons.

“They are phenomenal role models for physical therapy in terms of their commitment to outdoor activities,” says Denegar.