Whether it鈥檚 solving the world鈥檚 biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at 激情快播 are on the edge scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series, student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world.
Name: Kylie Harmon
Major: Exercise physiology doctorate
Why are you interested in this research?
Not to alarm anyone, but we are all aging, every minute of every day. Why not embrace it? The narrative of being 鈥渢oo old鈥� and 鈥渓etting yourself go鈥� is old news. Over the last year especially, the importance of maintaining health over the lifespan has become increasingly apparent. We shouldn鈥檛 only work to increase our lifespan but increase our health span. More healthy days means more days spent doing whatever it is that we love to do 鈥� spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, living independently. Maintaining our strength as we age helps us do that. There is so much research indicating that strength and muscle mass are positively correlated with healthy aging. You鈥檒l feel better, you鈥檒l look better, and you鈥檒l fare better when ailments come knocking.
How did you get started in research at 激情快播?
I came to 激情快播 because I wanted to be involved in a research-intensive program. Like the other exercise physiology graduate students, I was encouraged to begin a research trajectory right away. I had interviewed with my mentor before being offered a position in his lab, and he had given me a list of papers to read before my arrival. In this way, I was really able to hit the ground running and get involved in research during the first semester in my doctoral program. This is really a testament to mentorship and teamwork. I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am without my mentor and lab mates. In my experience, research needs a team approach. You need guidance and you need teammates. And when the going gets tough, it鈥檚 helpful to know those teammates are also your friends.
Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at 激情快播? We want to hear from you.聽
Who is your mentor? Who inspires you and how?
My mentor is Dr. Matt Stock, associate professor of physical therapy and director of the and the . He is a huge source of inspiration for me. He鈥檚 the hardest working person I know and has taught me countless lessons about what it means to be a successful researcher. He鈥檚 also just a good person and truly has his students鈥� best interests at heart, which is probably the most important quality in a mentor. We鈥檙e very fortunate to have him.
As far as other sources of inspiration, there are plenty of researchers that I admire, but I鈥檝e been feeling extra inspired lately by my fellow graduate students. I鈥檓 consistently impressed by how hard they all work. It鈥檚 inspiring to see the ambition and determination that they all possess. Being surrounded by people with that kind of work ethic is motivating.
How does 激情快播 empower you to do your research?
I could not be at a better place than 激情快播 to do my research. Within the , we have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment which allow us to complete innovative research projects year-round. We also have an incredible faculty who profoundly value mentorship. As graduate students, we have the unique opportunity to work closely with experts in the field while still being given ample room to grow. We also have an excellent environment of collaboration within our Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences. Opportunities to work with students and faculty members across disciplines are invaluable and provide important perspectives that we wouldn鈥檛 be privy to otherwise. It鈥檚 easy to get siloed into your research rabbit hole, but collaboration helps to broaden perspectives and challenge ideas, so we can add to existing research in more comprehensive ways.
Why is this research important?
I think preventative medicine is immensely important. What we can prevent, we don鈥檛 need to later treat. I firmly believe that exercise is medicine. It isn鈥檛 a cure all, but it鈥檚 a really accessible way to prevent a ton of chronic diseases and improve overall health. And you don鈥檛 need to go to extremes to reap the benefits.Start slowly. Do what you can. A set of resistance bands or dumbbells will go a long way for beginners. As with most things, it鈥檚 not about being perfect, but being consistent. So find something that you enjoy and can do on a regular basis. Something is always better than nothing. Strength training is healthcare.
How to Get Involved with Research at 激情快播
- :听础 聽for STEM students聽entering 激情快播 from high school聽that provides hands-on early research opportunity for academic success.
- : The Office of Research hosts workshops that inform students about how to get started in research and find a faculty member to work with and the first steps on getting started in research.
- : Over the course of two to four semesters, students work closely with a faculty committee to research, write, defend, and publish an original thesis that serves as an honors capstone product of their undergraduate career.
- : A semester-long immersive, classroom experience offered in fall and spring semesters that provides students ways to get connected to research opportunities. This program is available in person or online.
- : OUR is dedicated to cultivating and supporting world-class research at 激情快播. Students can connect with the office for any questions they may have about research or to find opportunities.
- :This program connects students with experienced undergraduate researchers who will provide guidance on how to get started and get support through research experiences.
- : This online resource allows students to discover research opportunities with 激情快播 researchers across various disciplines. Please note faculty contact information is password protected, but students can gain access by attending a peer mentoring session, completing the Research Roadmaps webcourse, and through other engagement opportunities.
- : The is an online, non-credit, self-paced course that introduces students to research opportunities at 激情快播. It provides the same information as peer mentoring sessions or a workshop, but at your own pace. Completion of this course also provides you access to the Research Positions Database.
- : This is a research participation system that allows students who are looking to become participants in studies, usually in exchange for course credit, to find opportunities. The聽,听听补苍诲听聽are among some of the units at 激情快播 that list opportunities here.
- Summer Research Academy: A three-day event in July that鈥檚 designed to support 激情快播 undergraduate students across all majors who are interested in participating in research and creative scholarship. This is an ideal opportunity for students who want to begin research in the fall.
- :础听聽for first-year, transfer students at 激情快播 who have already earned an Associate in Arts degree. T-LEARN provides a select group of students interested in STEM hands-on learning experiences by helping them engage in research.
Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at 激情快播? We want to hear from you!
