Health Sci News 2024

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019

Graduate student spotlight

December 10, 2024

Clinical Nutrition graduate students Cassy Tigner, Payal Patel and Alyssa May are completing their nutrition assistantships at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They developed and hosted a cooking class for patients and their families on how to make a healthy banana bread that adheres to the MyPlate guidelines set by the USDA. They emphasized that healthy foods can taste good, too!

Health Sci students lead program for middle schoolers

November 25, 2024

Health Sciences seniors Nicholas Turner and Channin Cross, along with junior Sabine Fayad, teamed up with Professors Kilmurray, Moore and Langston to lead a health education program for 7th-grade students from University Middle School. The session highlighted the importance of physical activity, a balanced diet and homeostasis, providing foundational knowledge to guide the students in developing their end-of-semester STEM projects.

Health Sci business officer wins UofM Excellence Award

November 13, 2024

A heartfelt congratulations to Hilary DeLuco, Business Officer III for the College of Health Sciences and Campus Recreation, on being honored with the University of Memphis First Horizon Excellence Award for the Division of Academic Affairs.

The First Horizon Excellence Award recognizes employees throughout all University divisions for a variety of exceptional efforts and contributions to the UofM. Primarily, this award honors employees who display one or more of the following:

• Consistently performs job responsibilities at a level above and beyond normal expectations.
• Exhibits an exceptional ability to foster collaboration, communication, and cooperation among colleagues and university constituents.
• Exhibits a high degree of personal ethics and integrity.
• Has clearly earned the respect of colleagues.
• Exceptional contributions to their department’s level of service satisfaction.
• Significant contributions to the efficiency of an operation or unit.
• Significant contribution to student success, directly or indirectly.

Dr. Puppa crowned World Champion at Triathlon Championships

November 6, 2024

We have a WORLD CHAMPION among us! Dr. Melissa Puppa, associate professor of Exercise, Sport, and Movement Sciences, took the gold medal in her age group at the Standard Aquabike World Championships in Torremolinos, Spain. Competing in a challenging 1500m swim and 38.9k bike, Puppa-Lasher crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:41:18.

The Standard Aquabike World Championships is one of four races at the 2024 World Triathlon Age Group Championships, alongside the Sprint Triathlon, Standard Triathlon and Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships. Competing against athletes from over 30 countries, Team USA athletes claimed 16 world championships and 50 medals across all events.

Reflecting on her victory, Dr. Puppa shared, "I couldn’t have achieved this without the love and support of friends and family. I’m still a bit in disbelief, but it became more real when the medal was placed around my neck, and I heard, ‘Congratulations, you are a World Champion.’ Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was possible — turns out, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE."

Dr. Bloomer shares expert insights on the benefits of magnesium and L-theanine

November 2, 2024

Many social media users recommend taking a “stack” (or combination) of magnesium and L-theanine supplements for better sleep. Both have been touted for reducing anxiety or stress, and there’s reason to believe they may help some people sleep.

But taking any supplement for better sleep without addressing your overall sleep habits won’t necessarily help, said Rick Bloomer, PhD, dean and professor at the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis. “If someone’s having trouble sleeping because they’re staring at their phone for two hours before they go to bed, L-theanine is not the answer," he added.

PETE students, faculty and alumni represent the UofM at state conference

October 31, 2024

The University of Memphis was well represented at the recent Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (TAHPERD) conference by both students, faculty and alumni from the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program.

A special congratulations to PETE student Briana Fields, who earned the esteemed James E. Ward Future Professional Honor Award for both the University of Memphis and TAHPERD as a whole.

Emma Jolly and Lillie Montgomery were also honored as the 2024 TAHPERD Future Professionals, showcasing the outstanding caliber of UofM students.

PETE graduate assistants Payton Gleason and Katherine Vassallo made impactful contributions through their presentations. Payton discussed Student-Designed Games in Upper Elementary, while Katherine presented on Teaching Character Traits and Leadership Skills, sharing valuable insights and experiences.

In a proud moment for UofM, PETE alumnus Andy Martin ceremoniously passed the gavel to UofM associate professor Becky Bocz, who was named the new president of TAHPERD. Congratulations to all for their achievements and contributions!

Dr. van der Merwe presents at ACRE food and agriculture symposium

October 1, 2024

Dr. Marie van der Merwe recently presented at the “Flourishing in the Delta: A vision for food and agriculture for our region” symposium hosted by the UofM Institute for Agriculture and Conservation Research and Education (ACRE).

Dr. van der Merwe’s presentation, “Power to the People: Optimizing Health Through Nutrition,” explored the vital connection between gut microbiota, diet and overall well-being. The human gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, that live in the human gut. The microbiome is the environment they live in. Most microbes in the body are useful, but they may become harmful when out of balance.

The symposium gathered experts from across the nation to discover and celebrate the newly established Institute’s efforts in addressing research and educational opportunities in conservation, sustainable food and agriculture within our region.

ACRE collaborates with scientists, engineers and other experts from the College of Arts and Sciences, Fogelman College of Business & Economics, Herff College of Engineering and the College of Health Sciences to conduct cross-disciplinary agriculture research with the potential to make significant impacts in food and agriculture innovation and sustainability.

Angela Johnson honored with Academic Advising Award

September 27, 2024

Angela Johnson, a dedicated academic advisor with a passion for health and wellness, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Academic Advising Undergraduate Professional Advisor Award. The award recognizes her outstanding commitment to guiding College of Health Sciences students, a role she has embraced with enthusiasm since joining our advising team in 2017.

The selection committee reviewed over 300 nominations, with several of Angela's students submitting glowing recommendations praising her thoughtful and personalized approach. Completing her master’s degree in Health Promotion, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a background in wellness coaching, personal training, Pilates and corporate wellness, she offers unique insights to students pursuing careers in health.

Angela's journey began during her undergraduate years at University of California, Davis where she served as a full-time student athletic trainer while balancing her studies. This combination of academic rigor and practical experience has shaped her advising philosophy. She is committed to focusing on students' needs, providing them with the tools to make informed decisions, and helping them navigate their educational journeys successfully.

"Advising is so much more than assigning classes," said Johnson. "Students face many obstacles on this academic journey. I’ve found that developmental advising with an appreciative approach, helps effectively reach the students where they are, empowering them to make the best decisions not only for their undergraduate goals but for their future graduate and career plans. I love being an effective part of their journey!"

Dr. Puppa overcomes adversity as a triathlete

September 6, 2024

Associate Professor Dr. Melissa Puppa (Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences) embodies strength and resilience both in and out of the classroom.
As a dedicated triathlete, she’s not letting Lupus stop her from conquering new challenges. Read her inspiring story on how she's overcoming adversity one race at a time.

Dean Bloomer selected as member of international research team

August 31, 2024

Dr. Richard Bloomer was recently part of a 38-member international team to develop a consensus on fasting terminology. The paper is published in the prestigious journal, Cell Metabolism. The article provides an internal consensus on a variety of terms including fasting, intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, long-term and short-term fasting, and the fasting mimicking diet.

Congrats to our 2023-24 MVP and MVT award winners

August 26, 2024

Last week, the College of Health Sciences honored its standout contributors for the 2023-24 academic year, naming Drs. Barbara McClanahan and Shelly Stockton as the Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and Becky Bocz as the Most Valuable Teacher (MVT).

The MVP award celebrates faculty or staff who have excelled in areas such as research, instruction and service. The newly introduced MVT award highlights excellence in teaching measured by SETE scores, feedback from students and colleagues, mentoring and innovative course design.

College welcomes new DPT Director of Clinical Education

August 16, 2024

Dr. Rachel Humphrey joins the College of Health Sciences as the new Director of Clinical Education of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Lambuth.

Dr. Humphrey is a seasoned clinician and an inspiring leader in clinical education with over 15 years of expertise as a physical therapist at Lift Therapy, a Sports Plus rehabilitation facility in Jackson, Tenn. She holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Belmont University and a Bachelor of Science from Union University.

As an American Physical Therapy Association Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor, Dr. Humphrey has mentored countless students, bringing her specialized knowledge in aquatics, McKenzie techniques and dry needling to the forefront of education.

Her role will be crucial in shaping the clinical education component of our DPT program and fostering strong connections between our academic community and clinical physical therapy professionals across West Tennessee.

We welcome the inaugural cohort of the College of Health Sciences DPT program in the fall of 2026.

Dr. van der Merwe studies how milk sugars affects gut health

August 7, 2024

Milk oligosaccharides comprise a diverse group of complex indigestible sugars with various alleged biological activities. They are well-documented for their health benefits in newborns, particularly as prebiotics that help to develop gut bacteria and strengthen the immune system. However, it is less understood how these sugars impact adult health, specifically regarding gut permeability, which is the ability to pass through the lining of the intestines and into the bloodstream.

In collaboration with Dr. Richard Kreider from Texas A&M, a clinical study was conducted to explore how milk oligosaccharides can affect microorganisms (i.e., bacteria), weight, and overall health in an adult population, focusing on analyzing how the milk oligosaccharides change the amount of zonulin in human waste.

Zonulin controls how easily substances can pass through the intestines, and too much zonulin can disrupt the tightness of the gut barrier, leading to heightened leakiness. Elevated zonulin release therefore compromises the health and function of the mucosal lining of the intestines and raises the risk of intestinal inflammation, which could potentially spread to organs and tissues throughout the body.

This research aims to shed light on the effect of milk oligosaccharides on human health and its potential as a treatment for gut-associated inflammatory conditions (i.e., irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, diverticulitis, etc.).

Dean Bloomer named interim COO at UofM Lambuth

July 16, 2024

Dr. Richard J. Bloomer, dean of the College of Health Sciences, will serve as Interim Chief Operating Officer of the UofM Lambuth. He will maintain his role as dean while serving the Lambuth Campus in an interim capacity. The University expects to launch a national search for the position at the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year.

“With strong existing programs and the planned Doctor of Physical Therapy slated to begin in Fall 2026, the Lambuth campus has tremendous potential, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide interim leadership over these next several months,” Bloomer said.

First EMT cohort graduates from MAAP

July 8, 2024

Our inaugural Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) cohort, as part of the Methodist Associate Advancement Program (MAAP), walked the stage last week at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. Fourteen Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare employees successfully completed the course and now prepare to sit for the National Registry exam to become certified EMTs. Employees will move into a role in the Emergency Department once they pass the exam and become licensed.

Two University of Memphis College of Health Sciences employees—Debra Wyatt and Tod Underhill (adjunct)—completed the course, passed the exam and will soon become licensed.

Dr. Keith Martin publishes research on risks of antidepressant referred to as "Gas Station Heroin"

June 25, 2024

A recent study led by Dr. Keith R. Martin delves into the complexities and risks associated with tianeptine, commonly known as "Gas Station Heroin." Tianeptine, an antidepressant used in 66 countries, is noted for its efficacy in treating depression, especially in patients unresponsive to SSRIs. However, its opioid-like effects at high doses have led to significant abuse and dependency concerns in the U.S., where it remains an unapproved and illegal substance.

The study underscores the challenges in regulating dietary supplements, highlighting how tianeptine's misuse has resulted in numerous adverse health effects and a rise in calls to Poison Control Centers. Dr. Martin emphasizes the need for increased consumer awareness and stricter regulatory measures to prevent the sale of such dangerous adulterants. This research serves as a cautionary tale for both consumers and healthcare practitioners regarding the potential dangers hidden within purported dietary supplements.

Dr. Jamie Brunsdon receives multiple awards in PETE field of study

June 24, 2024

Dr. Jamie Brunsdon, assistant professor of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE), received funding for two projects and one award for his research which includes studying teacher/faculty socialization, and human flourishing in the context of movement education settings.

Dr. Brunsdon will serve as co-PI for the The Spectrum Institute for Teaching and Learning, awarded for the project “Investigating the Role and Use of The Spectrum in Modern Physical Education Teacher Education Programs."

From the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University supported by the Lilly Endowment, Inc., Dr. Brunsdon will serve as the PI for the project, “Ascend Health Sciences."

He also received the Early Career Scholar Award from the International Organization for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP), the most prestigious international award for physical education and sport pedagogy faculty members who have made an outstanding contribution to the field and demonstrate scholarly promise.

Teacher/faculty socialization studies how teachers and teacher educators’ backgrounds and professional experiences impact their pedagogies as school teachers and university professors. Human flourishing in the context of movement education settings studies how movement practitioners promote the education for the pursuit of a “good life” through the medium of play, physical activity and sport pedagogies.

Dr. Max Paquette appointed to Olympic/Paralympic committee

June 21, 2024

Dr. Max Paquette has been appointed to the Olympic/Paralympic Sports Medicine & Sport Science (OPSMSS) committee of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) through 2027. Dr. Paquette has held various roles within ACSM over the years, including serving as a Fellow since 2019 and as a committee member and chair of the Biomechanics Interest Group from 2017 to 2022.

The mission of the OPSMSS committee is to keep ACSM members informed on critical issues related to Olympic/Paralympic sports medicine and sport science. As part of the execution of this mission, the OPSMSS committee typically presents a pre-Olympics Hot Topics symposium in each Olympic/Paralympic year, and a post-Olympics Lessons Learned symposium in the year following each Olympics/Paralympics.

Dr. Bradford earns spot in national leadership program

June 18, 2024

Dr. Jacque Bradford, director of our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, was accepted to this year's American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership program.

The Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership provides current and aspiring directors in physical therapy education programs with the skills and resources they need to be innovative, influential and visionary leaders who can function within a rapidly evolving, politico-sociocultural environment.

Our DPT program begins in the fall of 2026 at the University of Memphis Lambuth campus.

Dean Bloomer awarded grant from Nestle

June 13, 2024

Dr. Bloomer recently received a grant from Nestle to study the impact of different drink solutions on the Beverage Hydration Index (BHI). Maintaining adequate hydration is essential for overall health and is especially important as pertaining to physical and mental performance. The BHI was developed to assess the potential hydration effectiveness of different beverages, as compared to water. The research will be conducted within the Center for Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Research.

ESMS graduate student lands internship with New Balance

June 7, 2024

Ben Hazelwood, a graduate student in Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences, will be interning at New Balance Sport Research Labs in Boston this summer. Since starting his master's degree in the fall of 2022, Ben has been working with Dr. Max Paquette in the Musculoskeletal Analysis Laboratory. Ben’s research focuses primarily on the biomechanics and physiology of running footwear. Ben, a life-long distance runner, competed in the NCAA for both Rhodes College and the University of Memphis cross country and track and field teams. 
 
During his internship Ben will work with the New Balance Sports research team, a multidisciplinary group of innovators focused on pushing the boundaries of human performance through scientific exploration. They deliver authentic, performance-focused insights to New Balance teams with the goal of creating best-in-class products and experiences. They leverage their state-of-the-art 17,000 sq. ft. research facility—which features running tracks, turf and court surfaces, body scanners, an environmental chamber, high-speed force treadmills, and much more—to tackle tomorrow's groundbreaking performance questions.
 
Ben will work alongside senior scientists while gaining valuable and applicable experience in the sporting goods industry. As a research intern he will focus on collecting and analyzing human performance (biomechanical, physiological, perception) data in addition to testing footwear mechanical properties while experiencing New Balance’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Kilmurray presents smoking cessation research in Scotland

June 3, 2024

Dr. Cheri Kilmurray presented her research on weight gain and smoking cessation at the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. Co-authors include Drs. Barbara McClanahan and Shelly Stockton from the College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Xichen Mou from the UofM School of Public Health.

Significance: Concern about weight gain is a barrier to smoking cessation, but it is unclear if weight concerns are predictive of cessation in the context of community-based cessation programs. 

Methods: Using mixed effects logistic regression, data from baseline and three follow up periods (7-weeks, 6-months, 12-months) were analyzed from a cessation trial of 392 adults, randomized to physical activity (PA) or general wellness counseling as adjunctive treatment for cigarette smoking. The dependent variable was smoking status (quit or smoking) measured as biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence at each follow up time period.

Independent variables included two measures of weight concern: 1. Use of smoking to control weight (“control”) and 2. Willingness to tolerate weight gain without returning to smoking (“intolerance”), using validated instruments. Covariables included body mass index, nicotine dependence, age, and time. Mixed effects logistic regression models stratified by sex were used to determine whether weight concerns were predictive of cessation. Covariables modeled as effect moderators with weight concern (nicotine dependence, time, and race) were removed if insignificant. 

Results: Neither measure of weight concern predicted cessation for women or men. Covariables that consistently predicted smoking cessation in most models included nicotine dependence, older age, and time since quit day. 

Conclusions: Within this community sample of smokers attempting to quit, weight concerns were not predictive of cessation. However, weight concerns may impede cessation attempts which could not be evaluated in this sample which volunteered for a cessation program.

Dr. Brandt Pence featured in Research in a Minute

May 29, 2024

The UofM's Research in a Minute series spotlights some of the most active and accomplished researchers across various disciplines at the University. From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Brandt Pence’s research focuses on how metabolism impacts the immune system in aging and age-related diseases.

Dr. Roach retires after 42 years with the UofM

May 18, 2024

‘’As a faculty member for the past 42 years, the memories are abundant and cherished. Beyond grateful for this career and the adventures ahead." — Dr. Robin Roach

Celebrating over four decades of excellence, we honor Dr. Robin Roach's remarkable journey and dedication to the University of Memphis. Your legacy of knowledge and inspiration will forever shape future generations. Happy retirement!

Dr. Todd Layne (PETE) appointed Vice Provost Fellow

May 15, 2024

Dr. Todd Layne, associate professor and unit coordinator for the Physical Education Teacher Education program, was appointed Vice Provost Fellow in the UofM Graduate School for the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Layne will focus on graduate program development, graduate curriculum review and graduate academic policy.

Dean Bloomer featured in UofM President's Perspective

May 9, 2024

In this edition of the President's Perspective, UofM President Bill Hardgrave sits down with College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Richard Bloomer to discuss the educational offerings within the college, an exciting new doctoral program and his own career as an accomplished researcher. 

Track & Field program record SHATTERED by ESMS student athlete

April 28, 2024

Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences (ESMS) sophomore Sascha Salesius Schmidt set multiple personal records at this year's Memphis Tiger Invitational and finished with a HUGE one—breaking the program record and taking the win. His throw ranks No. 12 in NCAA Track & Field and leads the American Athletic Conference: Men’s Shot Put | 19.39m / 63’7.5”

Biomechanics student awarded ACSM grant

April 25, 2024

Biomechanics doctoral student Sam Lyons, advised by Dr. Max Paquette, has been awarded a Doctoral Student Research grant from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the world's leading exercise science and sports medicine organization.

This grant is specifically funded by the World Athletics Federation, one of the most influential sport governing bodies, having great involvement in the Olympics and the creation of its own global events, such as the century-old World Athletics Championship. This grant funds human research in the area of physical activity, training and human performance relative to athletic events (e.g., track and field, road running, trail running, race walking). Besides increasing knowledge, the proposal should have a practical impact on all those who regularly participate in athletics, both for competition purposes and simply to enhance their health.

The funding from this award will help Sam apply his research findings to a broader population of high-performance runners. Findings from this research will help him conduct more in-depth studies to better understand wholistic risk factors for the development of bone stress injuries in distance runners. This is the second research award that Sam has received for his research project.

2024 President's Leadership Awards & Honors Assembly

April 17, 2024

Each spring, Student Leadership & Involvement (SLI) in conjunction with Student Academic Success, the Commencement Office, and the Office of the President hosts the President's Leadership Awards & Honors Assembly. This reception honors the University of Memphis' finest and brightest student leaders and organizations for their leadership roles and service, along with outstanding College of Health Sciences students.

Congratulations to this year's winners!

Student Spotlight: Stephanie Bigham; Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences

April 15, 2024

Stephanie Bigham presented her research at the National Council on Undergraduate Research conference last week in Long Beach, Calif., focusing on how different diets affect the development of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. One key aspect is insulin resistance, affecting 7.3% of males and 6.6% of adult females. The purpose of this experiment was to determine how different diets alter the progression of insulin resistance in males compared to females. Results showed that male mice on a high-fat diet for 12 weeks had higher insulin levels and insulin resistance compared to other groups, while females seemed protected from insulin resistance regardless of diet.

Her findings shed light on how diet impacts health, particularly in the development of metabolic syndrome, offering insights into potential gender differences in susceptibility to insulin resistance.

Stephanie, a College of Health Sciences Honors and Helen Hardin Honors student, also presented at the UofM Fall 2023 Works in Progress Symposium, completed a summer research fellowship with Dr. Melissa Puppa in the summer of 2023 and will begin physical therapy school this summer upon graduating (summa cum laude) in May.

Presentation title:
The impact of sex and diet on the development of metabolic syndrome
Abstract:
There are many different diets that may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease. One aspect of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, which affects 7.3% of males and 6.6% of adult females. Muscle comprises 40% of the average body mass and helps to control insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this experiment was to determine how different diets alter the progression of insulin resistance in males compared to females. Mice were fed one of three diets control (20% fat, 20% protein, and 60% carbohydrates (18% sucrose)), High Fat (45% fat, 20% protein, and 35% carbohydrates (18% sucrose)), or high sugar (60% carbohydrates (100% sucrose), 20% protein, and 20% fat. Glucose tolerance test was conducted at 0 weeks, 6 weeks, and 11 weeks. Fasting insulin was measured in a subset of animals at weeks 6 and 12, and HOMA-IR was calculated. RNA was isolated from the skeletal muscle and RT-PCR was run for Glut4 and Igf1 genes. The male high fat diet group at 12 weeks had higher insulin, blood glucose, and HOMA-IR compared to all other groups. HOMA-IR was elevated in the HF males at 6wks, while no change was seen in the HS or female groups. There was no difference in gene expression of Glut4 and Igf1. Conclusion: This data suggest that females may be protected from insulin resistance regardless of diet, and it may be regulated independently of muscle Glut4 and Igf1 expression.

Dr. Okwumabua receives mentorship award

April 12, 2024

Dr. Jebose Okwumabua (Health Sciences) was the recipient of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) Award for Mentorship,  nominated by students for his continued efforts in teaching and mentoring.

This award recognizes administrative and faculty members who have made significant efforts in mentoring and advising graduate students to become professionals in their field, shape the graduate work of a graduate student, and/or provide exceptional personal support and development to a graduate student. Only eight faculty and staff from across campus were recognized.

"Dr. Okwumabua's hard work, dedication and outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed, and the recognition is truly well-deserved. This award is a testament to his skills and reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence," said Christopher Harris, GSA President.

Dr. Brunsdon (PETE) receives international award

April 10, 2024

Dr. Jamie Brunsdon received the Early Career Scholar Award from the International Organization for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP), the most prestigious international award for physical education and sport pedagogy faculty members at colleges and universities.

“It’s a true honor for me to have received this award. AIESEP is an incredible institution and I’m grateful my efforts were acknowledged, supported and praised through this space. I’m especially thankful to the committee members for their support and consideration and to my mentors, both old and new, for their council and unwavering support throughout my career.”

The AIESEP Early Career Scholar Award (formally Young Scholar Award) recognizes early career scholars within the field of physical education who have made an outstanding contribution to the field and demonstrate scholarly promise.

Brunsdon will formally accept this award in Finland next month.

Student Spotlight: Jazz James, Health Sciences

April 2, 2024

Senior Health Sciences student Jazz James represented the College of Health Sciences for the Spring 2024 NEDtalks with her presentation, "Modeling the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy Using the BXD79 Mouse Strain."

At Hamilton Eye Institute, where James volunteers as a research assistant, researchers recently uncovered a spontaneous mice model—the BXD79 strain—that mimics some of the key features of Diabetic Retinopathy. Using this model, researchers have been able to further investigate the development and mechanisms involved in Diabetic Retinopathy in order to better understand the disease and to hopefully find more effective treatments.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular disease associated with diabetes where constant fluctuation of blood sugar and blood flow damage the vasculature of the retina, this resulting in blindness. Even though this disease is hard to model due to its complexity, this ongoing study aims to investigate the etiology and pathology of a spontaneous model of DR, the BXD79 mouse strain.

"My experience with the researchers at the Hamilton Eye Institute and with my mentor Dr. TJ Hollingsworth has been inspiring and eye-opening. My work with them has motivated and encouraged me to take the PhD route in neuroscience after I graduate from the UofM," said James.

NEDtalks is a bi-annual research forum hosted by Univertsity Libraries where UofM faculty, instructors and students share recent research in engaging and entertaining short-form presentations in the TEDtalks style. The fall event is dedicated to faculty and the second event, NEDxStudents, is dedicated to students. The Libraries partners with the Graduate School and Helen Hardin Honors College for NEDxStudents, and a panel of judges awards the best presentation from each day.

Dr. Bloomer, CHS nutraceutical lab featured in Business Insider

March 28, 2024

Excerpt from Business Insider

Dr. Richard Bloomer has been researching supplements and how safe and effective they are for more than two decades.

He founded the Center for Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Research, a lab that tests whether products deliver the benefits they claim to, partly because of his own personal interest in their health benefits and partly as a means of giving consumers accurate information.

The supplement industry has been growing steadily in recent years, with surveys indicating that more than half of US adults take such products, according to the American Medical Association. By 2028, the market is projected to generate about $308 billion worldwide, according to Statista.

"There are many supplements that probably are not worth our time and money, but I think there are a lot of things that do have value. It's just a matter of finding out which ones have value and why," Bloomer told Business Insider.

He's been using supplements for many years alongside eating a healthy diet, exercising about five times a week, and focusing on getting good quality sleep — and he stressed the importance of all three.

"Those things I think are so valuable, and supplements are never going to, in my mind, replace those," he said.

In his research, however, he has seen evidence to suggest that some ingredients can improve different aspects of health, such as physical performance and cardiometabolic health.

Bloomer shared the four supplements he takes to help his health go from good to great.

New CHES prep course begins this summer

March 26, 2024

HSME 4305: Problems/Health Sports Sciences
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam Prep Course

• Offered Summer II
• Online/asynchronous
• 3 credit hours
• Offered S/U (pass/fail)
• The course will prepare students for the CHES exam offered in Oct. 2024 or April 2025.

CHES certification is a nationally recognized credential that sets you apart from other graduates and job candidates. It verifies that you are a health education professional with the competencies to provide high quality professional services.

These include collecting and analyzing data to identify community needs; planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs; and serving as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, and the community maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Pursuing certification signals to potential employers and clients that an individual is recognized as an effective communicator and health education expert. The CHES certification is "preferred" or "required" for many public health and community health positions.

Make the most of your Health Sciences degree. Become a Certified Health Education Specialist and improve the health status of individuals, families and communities.

Biomechanics faculty, doctoral student awarded AAC grant

March 25, 2024

Dr. Max Paquette and second-year PhD student Sam Lyons, in collaboration with Dr. Stacey Meardon of East Carolina University, were awarded a research grant from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Academic Research Consortium. The grant supports a study which aims to develop practical methods to measure bone forces on the tibia, and to assess how well forces can be measured using wearable devices outside of laboratory settings.

Results from this study will help improve methods to quantify tibial bone forces, allowing coaches and medical support staff to optimize training and bone stress injury rehabilitation programs for runners. Bone stress injuries account for approximately 16-20% of all running-related injuries and occur due to the inability of bone to adapt to repetitive mechanical loads resulting in structural micro-damage, pain and fractures.

Wearable technology may be used to estimate tibial forces to remove technological or computational barriers for coaches and medical support staff. Lyons will apply the findings to better understand risks of bone stress injuries in junior distance runners. The research team will present study findings at the annual American Academic Consortium Symposium in April.

The Consortium funds grants for research in the area of student-athlete well-being, and the brings together student-athletes, scholars and athletics staff from the AAC member institutions to learn about the results of the research. 

CHS alumni, faculty, staff recognized by nutrition association

March 21, 2024

Every year, the Memphis Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes outstanding dietetic students and dietitians. This year, four out of five award recipients are from the College of Health Sciences (CHS).

CHS hosts annual Health Sci Career Fair

March 18, 2024

Last week, the College of Health Sciences hosted the annual Health Sci Health & Wellness Career Fair. Over 160 students connected and engaged with 18 companies including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Youth Villages, Church Health and more.

Dr. Melissa Puppa cycles 500 miles for to raise money for cancer

March 15, 2024

Dr. Melissa Puppa will cycle 500+ miles over five days for the third annual She to Sea in support of the West Cancer Foundation. The group of 20 women raising money for the fight against cancer leave Memphis on March 16 and will arrive at Seagrove Beach, Fla. on March 20.

"Like many, cancer has affected many people who are dear to me including my sister, grandparents, uncle and many friends. I ride this year in honor and memory of those who have fought the battle against cancer. Some have won, some have lost, and some are continuing to fight. I am grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself amongst the amazing ladies on the She to Sea team while raising awareness and funds for West Cancer Foundation," said Puppa.

CHS biomechanics professor and doctoral student featured in Washington Post article

March 14, 2024

When shopping for a sports bra, many athletes believe that the tighter and more snug, the better. But new research suggests a too-tight bra can affect your breathing and impede running performance. The study, which was funded by athletic apparel brand Lululemon and conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, tracked the breathing and lung function of nine elite runners as they ran on a treadmill wearing a custom sports bra with a lower band that could be adjusted to tight, loose or a standard size the runner chose.

The study focused on the tightness of the band around the rib cage, not overall breast support. Other studies that included women with different bust sizes have found that greater breast support helped runners and is associated with reduced oxygen consumption and greater running economy.

Douglas Powell, director of the Breast Biomechanics Research Center, said that individuals with larger breasts benefit more from the high-support sports bras. He was the co-author of a 2022 study that found running economy improves as you increase sports bra support. In that study, 14 participants ran on a treadmill in different sports bra conditions. The researchers recruited recreational runners who had bust sizes ranging from B to DD cups. They found that, on average, there was approximately a 7 percent improvement in running economy when participants ran in a high-support sports bra.

Hailey Fong, the lead author in the 2022 study and a doctoral student researching sports bra biomechanics in the College of Health Sciences, said that the participants in the studies are very different, and welcomes more research in the area.

"I think the biggest thing to take from all of these papers and all of this research that we’re doing is that support matters, the sports bra you're wearing matters," she said.

2024 Research Celebration recognizes success

March 7, 2024

Faculty researchers from across the University gathered at the FedEx Institute of Technology to celebrate research and principal investigators’ (PIs) accomplishments over the last year. In FY23, the University of Memphis received an institutional record of $86 Million in research awards, reflecting the continued growth of the University as a Carnegie R1 research institution. Honored were the Class of 2024 PI Millionaires, FY23 PIs, first-time PIs, Research Book Publications, Co-Investigators and more.

Dr. Brandt Pence is among the University researchers who secured over $1M in funding for their projects, elevating them to the esteemed category of “PI millionaires.” These individuals add to a distinguished group of 134 colleagues at UofM who have attained this prestigious designation. This milestone not only reflects the University’s commitment to advancing groundbreaking research but also underscores the caliber of talent and innovation present within our academic community.

Honored faculty from the College of Health Sciences