Exercise science student Marlee Huskey appeared in Tech Today and in Stories from Husky Nation. You can read the article to learn about her experience.
Last week, I had the opportunity to blend professional growth with a bit of adventure during a short trip through Michigan. My journey began in Grand Rapids, where I attended the annual Midwest Chapter of American College of Sports Medicine (MWACSM) conference. It was an exciting and enlightening event where I had the chance to deliver a long-form professional presentation titled “Metabolic Cost of Human Locomotion: A Historical Review and Future Considerations.” Getting the experience to present and engage with a broad audience from undergraduate students to professionals in the field was rewarding and provided great opportunity for personal growth. The other highlight of the MWACSM conference was undoubtedly the keynote by Dr. Philip Skiba. His talk on Nike’s “Breaking Two” project—a quest to break the 2-hour marathon barrier—was inspiring and highlighted some of the most cutting edge work marrying engineering and science to optimize human performance.
From Grand Rapids, I then headed to Ann Arbor to attend the Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) conference. Here, I presented a poster on my current research titled “Human Powered Locomotion on Variable Terrain: Implications for How to Move on Mars.” The interdisciplinary nature of the conference made it incredibly enjoyable. Presentations ranged from hard engineering to deep space science to ecology and biomechanics, fostering conversations that bridged numerous fields of research. It was refreshing to be part of such a diverse gathering of minds, all united by a common curiosity for the unknown.
This trip was not just a personal and professional milestone but also an opportunity to represent Michigan Tech and the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP). By presenting my research, I had the chance to showcase our work to undergraduates and other attendees from around the region. I hope that sharing cutting-edge topics and insights with future scientists and researchers could inspire collaborations both within and outside the department and university.
To cap off the trip, I embarked on a mini adventure. Driving back home, I took a scenic route that allowed me to touch three of the Great Lakes in a single day—Huron, Michigan, and Superior. Feeling the cool water from each of these massive lakes was a grounding experience, a reminder of the vast and varied landscapes that define this region.
All in all, the trip was a perfect mix of professional development, scientific inspiration, and personal exploration.
Submitted by Kyle Wehmanen
KIP doctoral students Gregory Miodonski and Oluwatosin Oyeniran attended the 11th Annual Michigan Physiological Society (MPS) Conference hosted by Oakland University, Rochester Hills, Michigan. The event featured participation from eleven institutions including Michigan Technological University and was held from Monday June 24th to Tuesday June 25th, 2024.
One of the highlights of the conference was when Oluwatosin presented his research, titled “Classroom Techniques for Teaching Skeletal Muscle Contraction”. This project supervised by Dr. Steven Elmer explores the alternative teaching (hands-on or active learning) approaches that can be employed to skeletal muscles to students across different levels.
Another important highlight of the conference were the keynote lectures from eminent speakers including Emeritus Professor John Williams from the University of Michigan who took the audience on a journey through his life as a physiologist in his talk titled, “The Pancreas and Me”. The Physiology Trivia Competition was also a fascinating session as it refreshes our understanding of basic physiology. Furthermore, the professional development series was very enriching as it offers new perspectives and approaches to learning, teaching, and career development.
Moreover, doctoral students Gregory Miodonski and Oluwatosin Oyeniran had the privilege to moderate the oral presentation session on Strength, Reproduction, and Integrative Physiology. Speaking on their experience, Gregory stated, “It’s no accident that the MPS is arguably the most active APS chapter–it takes a lot of work to keep physiologists, trainees, and our communities involved throughout the year. Our annual meeting in particular requires everyone to chip in, and it was a pleasure to do my part”.
On the other hand, Oluwatosin stated, “Moderating an oral presentation session and presenting my research findings to a large scientific and academic audience was both fulfilling and fabulous. The feedback I got from the participants was highly beneficial, bringing out novel ideas and roadmaps for future studies.
Furthermore, the MPS conference was a great opportunity to meet and network with graduate students in physiology, mentors and advisors, early career researchers, and possible future research collaborators. We also had a great time interacting with other graduate students, faculty, and keynote speakers, while discussing and learning about ongoing projects and cross-exchanging ideas to help advance our research and careers.
Recently, doctoral student Kyle Wehmanen and Dr. Steven Elmer attended the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference in Boston. This year’s conference was particularly special as it marked the 70th birthday of the ACSM, a milestone celebrating seven decades of pioneering research and advancements in sports medicine and exercise science.
One of the highlights of the trip was when Kyle presented his research, titled “Metabolic Cost of Human Locomotion on Soft Terrain.” This project explores the energy expenditure associated with walking and bicycling on soft surfaces, such as sand. Speaking on the experience, Kyle stated, “Presenting my findings to such a knowledgeable and inquisitive audience was both energizing and exhilarating. The feedback I received was invaluable, sparking new ideas and directions for future research.”
The conference was also a fantastic opportunity to network with future collaborators and mentors and to reconnect with former colleagues. It was wonderful to exchange ideas and discuss ongoing projects with individuals who share a passion for advancing our understanding of sports medicine.
Another significant highlight of the week was the keynote opening lecture delivered by Dr. Barry Franklin, titled “Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Modulators of Health Outcomes: A Compelling Case Presented to the Medical Community.” Dr. Franklin’s presentation was both enlightening and inspiring, underscoring the profound impact of physical activity on health and longevity. His compelling arguments and extensive research resonated with the audience, reinforcing the importance of our work in this field. A link to Dr. Franklin’s review article published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, which includes Dr. Elmer as a co-author, can be found here.
Outside of the conference, Kyle also took the opportunity to experience some of Boston’s local culture. One of the more memorable moments was attending a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park. The energy in the stadium was infectious, and it was a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy a classic American pastime.
In summary, attending the ACSM annual conference was a chance for KIP members to share research and learn from the best in the field. The keynote speeches and panel discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the latest advancements in exercise physiology to innovative approaches in injury prevention. Each session gave new insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexity and scope of sports medicine. Overall, the trip to Boston was an enriching experience and it reinforced importance in contributing to the field and provided new tools and connections to do so.
Oluwatosin Oyeniran, a doctoral student in Integrative Physiology, was elected to serve as the Research Chair for the Michigan Tech Graduate Student Government (GSG).
The GSG research chair is responsible for organizing the major GSG research events and activities on campus, which include the Graduate Research Colloquium, 3 Minute Thesis Competition, Merit Awards Program, and Alumni Reunion Poster Session. Oluwatosin’s one-year term as a research chair will start May 1st with the possibility of re-election for an additional one-year term.
Congratulations to three of KIP’s graduate students on their recent research, teaching, and scholarly achievements! Compliments to these students, as well as the faculty that provide the training and mentorship for their success.
- Lily Hart (MS student) received the Harry R. Cohodas U.P. Graduate Student Fellowship for Summer 2024.
- Felix Cottet-Puinel (MS student) is the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship from the Graduate School.
- Kyle Wehmanen (PhD student) is the recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award from the Graduate School.
- Kyle Wehmanen received a second year of funding for his Michigan Space Grant Consortium Fellowship.
Please join the KIP department on Friday, March 22, from 3:00-4:00 pm in Fisher 132 for our March seminar.
The guest speaker will be Sarah Konefal from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The title of the presentation is “Drug Overdose and Co-occurring Conditions in Michigan.” For more information about the speaker and her work, please take a look at the flyer below.
The MTU KIP department hosted its annual Student Research Forum on February 16, 2024 as part of its February department seminar series. Students and faculty from the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, as well as the Central Michigan University Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program attended. Several undergraduate and graduate students presented their research, educational, and outreach related projects.
As part of the thematic style poster session, students first delivered short, 3-minute oral presentations to the audience and then gave more in-depth explanations of their projects to attendees that circulated through the posters. The student presentations were excellent, and students were commended for their work and level of professionalism. Importantly, the questions and feedback that students received will help them move their projects forward and prepare to present their work at regional and national conferences later this Spring.
To help support student travel to conferences, please consider contributing to our student travel fund through our giving opportunities page.
“Brain-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats with High Salt Diet Increase PVN and SON Vasopressin Levels in Sprague Dawley Rats”
“Inhibiting Local Brain Metabolism of Ethanol in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Blunts Sympathoexcitatory Responses Induced by Ethanol in Sprague Dawley Rats”
“Classroom Techniques for Teaching Skeletal Muscle Contraction”
“Physiology Outreach in the Upper Peninsula,” Dr. Steven Elmer, Kyle Wehmanen (KIP PhD student)
“Metabolic Cost of Human Locomotion on Soft Terrain”
“Surface Electromyography to Quantify Deep Tendon Reflexes”
Please join us this Friday, February 16, from 3:00-4:15 pm in ATDC 101 for this month’s KIP Seminar. Refreshments will be provided.
This seminar will showcase the current research, educational, and outreach projects that KIP’s undergraduate and graduate students are working on. Students will present their projects and answer questions. This is a great way for them to receive feedback before they go on to present at regional and national conferences. We look forward to seeing you!
Three departments at Michigan Tech collaborated on a research study titled “Influences of Backpack Loading on Recovery from Anterior and Posterior Losses of Balance.” The official release of the paper can be found in Applied Ergonomics.
Students from the Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology and Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics department at MTU and Central Michigan University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program worked on this study under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Duncan (KIP faculty).
