Faculty
Our fifteen faculty actively publish in the top journals in the field and routinely present their work at national and international conferences. Six faculty are Fellows of the American College of Sports Medicine and four have been elected Fellows of the prestigious American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Several of the faculty serve on multiple editorial boards for professional journals. All faculty members teach undergraduate and graduate courses and direct independent research programs. Several faculty participate in the university-wide Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate programs.
Sofiya Alhassan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Telephone: 413-545-3475
Website: http://www.umass.edu/physicalactivity/
E-mail: alhassan@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 150 Totman
Area of Specialization: Physical Activity and Health
Current Research Interests: Physical activity in the prevention of childhood and adolescent obesity. In particular, the utilization of community family-based physical activity interventions to reduce early onset cardiovascular disease risk factors in ethnic-minority children. Her research agenda also includes examining: 1) the interrelationship between physical activity and nutrition in children, and 2) environmental and media influence on various health behaviors in children.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Stanford University School of Medicine, 2007; Ph.D., Auburn University, 2004; M.S. Auburn University, 2000; B.S. Stetson University, 1996.
Barry Braun, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Telephone: 413-577-0146
Website: http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~braunlab/index.htm
E-mail: bbraun@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 107 Totman
Area of Specialization: Endocrinology and Metabolism
Dr. Braun is currently focused on understanding how exercise, dietary energy/composition and/or pharmacological agents interact to mediate insulin resistance and the risk for Type-2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is our major source of funding for work on how the combination of exercise and/or the drug metformin impact glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity at the cellular and whole-body levels. We also use stable isotope tracers to measure the regulation of substrate kinetics during exercise. Recent studies include the effects of concurrent energy surplus and exercise on insulin sensitivity, the net impact of high body fat and high cardiorespiratory fitness in women, and the utility of alternative carbohydrates to maintain optimal blood glucose control in humans with Type-2 diabetes.
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 1993; M.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1990; B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 1982.
Graham E. Caldwell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Director
Telephone: 413-545-0017
E-mail: gc@kin.umass.edu
Web Site: http://blogs.umass.edu/gc/
Campus Address: 105 Totman
Area of Specialization: Biomechanics, muscle mechanics and modelling
Current Research Interests: Focus of research is to examine the mechanical characteristics of skeletal muscle in coordination of segmental motion patterns. His research has used kinematic and kinetic analyses to examine movement control and coordination in sprinting, cross-country skiing, pathological gait, and cycling. A related interest is the use of forward dynamics simulation models to study muscular coordination in vertical jumping.
Ph.D., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, 1987; M.Sc., University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 1980; B.Sc. (Honours), 1978.
Stuart R. Chipkin, M.D.
Research ProfessorTelephone: 413-545-0089
E-mail: schipkin@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 25 Totman
Area of Specialization: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Current Research Interests: benefits of lifestyle modification (especially exercise) on cardiovascular risk reduction, manifestations of vascular disease in type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factor reduction in Caribbean Latinos with type 2 diabetes.
Fellowship in Endocrinology, 1988; M.D., SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 1982; B.S. Emory University, 1978.
Priscilla M. Clarkson, Ph.D.
Professor and Dean, Commonwealth College
Telephone: 413-577-3902
Website: http://people.umass.edu/mbilab/
E-mail: clarkson@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 504 Goodell
Area of Specialization: Muscular Function and Dysfunction
Current Research Interests: Molecular responses of human skeletal muscle to perturbation. Studies are underway examining how signaling pathways are altered in response to muscle damage, hypertrophy, and atrophy. A related interest is how statins (cholesterol lowing drugs) cause myalgia and myopathy. Muscle biopsy samples are analyzed using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry techniques. Cell culture techniques are used to answer more basic questions. Studies have also been done to examine genetic underpinnings of muscle size and function.
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, 1977; M.S., 1973; B.S., 1969.
Edward P. Debold, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Telephone: 413-545-4944
E-mail: edebold@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 158 Totman
Area of specialization: Muscular fatigue, Muscle physiology and biophysics, Exercise physiology
Current research interests: During intense contractile activity the ability of muscle to generate force and motion rapidly declines, a process known as muscular fatigue. Despite extensive study the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood. We are interested in elucidating these molecular mechanisms in order to improve our basic understanding of muscle function and to develop more effective treatments for diseases related to fatigue, including ischemic heart disease and chronic heart failure. The force and motion generating capacity of muscle is ultimately derived from the conformational changes of muscle’s molecular motor, myosin, as it interacts with actin in a process powered by the hydrolysis of ATP. Therefore to determine the root molecular causes of muscular fatigue we study the mechanics and kinetics of myosin function using state-of-the-art-single molecule biophysical techniques.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship, University of Vermont 2008; Ph.D., Marquette University, 2002; M.S. University of Massachusetts, 1997; B.S.E. Seton Hall University, 1992
Patty S. Freedson, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Chair
Telephone: 413-545-2620
Website: http://www.umass.edu/physicalactivity/
E-mail: psf@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 111 Totman
Area of Specialization: Exercise physiology; assessment of fitness and physical activity; pediatric exercise physiology; physical activity and health in selected populations
Current Research Interests: Research interests include children's responses to exercise, physical activity assessment, and exercise and women's health. Her work focuses on determinants of performance and fitness in children and adults, development and validation of objective techniques to assess habitual physical activity in children and adults, and physical activity and health outcomes in women.
Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1980; M.S., 1976; B.S., 1975.
Joseph Hamill, Ph.D.
Professor
Telephone: 413-545-2245
E-mail: jhamill@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 23B Totman
Area of Specialization: Biomechanics/Kinesiology
Current Research Interests: Primary research focus is in the area of mechanics of the lower extremity during locomotion. He is particularly concerned with modeling the lower extremity in an attempt to define criteria on which humans optimize during running. In addition, he is interested in mechanisms of lower extremity injury during running.
Ph.D., University of Oregon, 1981; M.S., University of Oregon, 1978; B.S. (magna cum laude), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada, 1977; B.A., York University, Toronto, Canada, 1972.
Gary Kamen, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Graduate Program Director
Telephone: 413-545-0784
E-mail: kamen@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 160A Totman
Area of Specialization: Exercise Neuroscience
Current Research Interests: Research interests concern the ability of the neuromuscular system to adapt to changing conditions. Current research projects include the development and testing of a surface-based EMG array electrode for monitoring motor unit activity, the identification of self-sustained firing activity in adaptations of motor unit discharge behavior to long-term exercise, central drive during maximal strength production, adaptations in motor unit discharge behavior during aging, motor unit synchronization, and the conjoint role of motor unit recruitment and firing rate in motor control.
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, 1980; M.S., 1975; B.S., 1974.
Jane Kent-Braun, Ph.D.
Professor
Telephone: 413-545-9477
Website: http://www.people.umass.edu/muscle/
E-mail: janekb@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 108 Totman
Area of Specialization: Muscle Physiology
Current Research Interests: Primary interest is in the area of human skeletal muscle function and fatigue. In particular, her work examines the mechanisms of fatigue, and how these may vary depending upon age, gender, chronic health status and habitual physical activity level. A secondary interest is an examination of the influence that fatigue has on functional capacity.
Ph.D., University of Southern California 1987; M.A., California State University, Long Beach, 1983; B.A., 1980.
David Peckinpaugh, M.S.
Instructor and Director, The Body Shop Exercise Center
Telephone: 413-577-0131
E-mail: dpeck@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 130A Totman
Area of Specialization: Fitness, Exercise Assessments, Worksite Wellness, Personal Training, and Strength and Conditioning
Areas of Interest: Teaching students applied exercise testing and training techniques that will give them the skills to succeed in the health and fitness industry. With experience in managing fitness centers and a worksite wellness program for the UMass Amherst Housing and Residence Life Wellness Program, David works with the Body Shop and provides students with the opportunity for “hands-on” learning experiences.
M.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2004; B.A., University of New Mexico, 1996
Frank Rife, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and
Undergraduate Program Director
Telephone: 413-545-2634
E-mail: frife@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 109 Totman
Area of Specialization: Fitness and Wellness
Current Research Interests: Director of campus wellness/fitness programs. Interests include worksite health promotion programs, exercise compliance, and fitness management.
Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1973; M.S., Brigham Young University, 1971; B.S., Trinity University, 1970.
Erin Snook, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Telephone: 413-545-6438
Website: http://www.umass.edu/physicalactivity/
E-mail: esnook@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 106 Totman
Area of Specialization: Exercise Psychology and Physical Activity
Current Research Interests: Antecedents and outcomes of physical activity behavior in populations with neurological diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis. Additional interests include examining (1) the influence of symptoms on physical activity (2) the benefits of physical activity and exercise for reducing symptoms and improving function and quality of life and (3) and the effect of exercise on cognitive functioning.
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2008; M.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2003; B.A., Bloomsburg University, 2000.
Brian Umberger, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Telephone: 413-545-1436
Website: http://people.umass.edu/umberger/
E-mail: umberger@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 106 Totman
Area of Specialization: Biomechanics; Computer Simulation of Human Movement
Current Research Interests: Current research is focused on better understanding the mechanical and energetic aspects of normal and pathological human walking. This research is pursued using both experimental and computer simulation techniques. A related interest is how the mechanical and energetic properties of skeletal muscles influence the control and coordination of fundamental lower limb movements (e.g., stepping, pedaling, jumping, hopping, etc.).
Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2003; M.S., Springfield College, 1997; B.S., Central Connecticut State University, 1993.
Richard E.A. van Emmerik, Ph.D.
Professor
Telephone: 413-545-0325
Web Page: www.umass.edu/motorcontrol/
E-mail: rvanemmerik@kin.umass.edu
Campus Address: 160 Totman
Area of Specialization: Motor Control
Current Research Interests: Dr. Van Emmerik's research is in the area of motor control and coordination. In his research, he applies principles from complex and nonlinear dynamical systems to the study of posture and locomotion. The particularly emphasis in his research is on mechanisms of stability and adaptability in movement coordination. An important research focus is the role of variability in the control of movement. He has extensive experience in the area of balance and gait disorders due to aging and neurological disease, such as Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1990; Drs. (equivalent of U.S. M.S. degree) Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Cum Laude).
Adjunct Faculty
- Edward Frederick, Ph.D., President, Exeter Research, Inc.
- David Gabriel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept of Physical Education and Kinesiology, Brock University
- Laurie Goodyear, Ph.D., Joslin Diabetes Center & Associate Professor, Harvard University Medical School
- Daniel Grow, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine
- Stavroula Osganian, M.D., Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School
- Thomas Price, Ph.D., Research Scientist/Scholar, Dept of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine
- Gary E. Riccio, Ph.D., Managing Scientist, Exponent, Inc.
- Scott Selbie, Ph.D., Director of Research and Development, C-Motion, Inc.
