Archived News from the Department of Kinesiology
UMass Researchers Study Heel Pain
February 1, 2008
Ryan Chang, a doctoral student in the biomechanics laboratory, has been studying plantar fasciitis, a common problem that can result in heel pain.
Mike Tevald receives fellowship from Foundation of Physical Therapy
Michael Tevald, a postdoctoral researcher in the Muscle Physiology Laboratory, has been awarded the 2007 New Investigator Fellowship from the Foundation of Physical Therapy.
Priscilla Clarkson named Dean of Commonwealth College
Prof. Priscilla Clarkson has been named the new Dean of Commonwealth College, the honors college on campus.
Brian Umberger receives research grants to develop new muscle models
Brian Umberger, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, received two grants from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research to use nuclear magnetic resonance techniques to develop and evaluate new computer simulation models of skeletal muscle mechanics and energetics.
Keith Hayes - Outstanding Alumnus for 2008
Keith Hayes was honored as the outstanding graduate alumnus for 2008 at a celebration on Friday, April 4, 2008.
Keith C. Hayes PhD is a Professor and former Chair in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Professor in the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology in the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Western Ontario.
After graduating with a PhD from the Dept of Exercise Science in 1973, Dr. Hayes took an appointment in the Dept of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, where he established a graduate research program in the area of neurophysiology of motor control; combining elements of biomechanics, electromyography and human neurophysiology. While at the University of Waterloo, Dr Hayes served as Chairman of Graduate Studies, was President of the Canadian Biomechanics Society and served on the Executive Committees of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology and the International Society of Biomechanics.
In 1981 Dr Hayes moved to The Univ of Western Ontario, in London, Ontario where he was initially Chair of the Graduate Program in the School of Physical Therapy and then Director of Research and eventually Chairman in The Dept of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
Since 1981 Dr Hayes has focused his research in the area of restorative neurological approaches to the treatment of spinal cord injury. He conducted some of the first studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation of motor cortex that detected preserved but hidden innervation in patients with functionally complete SCI. He also conducted the first human SCI clinical trials of the K+ channel blocking agent, 4-aminopyridine or Fampridine-SR, which has been shown to restore neurological function in patients with SCI or multiple sclerosis; and has served as a consultant to Acorda Therapeutics as they have taken Fampridine-SR through Phase 3 multi-center clinical trials. He currently serves as a consultant to GERON Corp CA for their forthcoming first human clinical trial of embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells.
Dr Hayes’ current research focuses on the role of the immune system in modifying axonal conduction in preserved axons within the injured cord. These studies, employing an ex vivo animal model, have revealed a new mechanism of reversible neurologic deficit following trauma. In addition to exploring neuro-restorative opportunities, Dr Hayes directs a program of clinical research at Parkwood Hospital in London, Ontario, examining new ways to manage secondary medical complications arising from SCI. The research program involves investigator-driven human clinical studies of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assisted bicycling exercise as well as industry-driven clinical trials.
With over 120 peer reviewed publications in journals such as Neuroscience, J Neurotrauma, Brain Research, and Expert Reviews in Neurotherapeutics; generous grant funding from various National and International agencies, and being the recipient of several prestigious awards including Fellowships in Japan and Australia, Dr Hayes has established himself as a leader in the field of Spinal Cord Injury research in Canada and internationally. Dr Hayes serves on numerous International Expert Panels including some for the National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in Washington, DC.
Joe Hamill gives keynote lecture
Joe Hamill, Professor of Kinesiology, in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences will deliver the keynote address at the University of Virginia Conference, 'Running Medicine 2008: From the Lab to the Track.' His lecture is entitled 'New Trends in Injury Research.'
Graduate students and Joe Hamill receive awards from ACSM
UMass Dept of Kinesiology "cleaned house" in winning 2008 awards from the ACSM Biomechanics Interest Group. Joe Hamill won the Career Achievement Award, Elizabeth Russell won the Student Research Award, and Ryan Chang won the Student Travel Award.
Jane Kent-Braun Elected AAKPE Fellow
Prof. Jane Kent-Braun has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Jane joins profs. Priscilla Clarkson, Joe Hamill, Patty Freedson and Gary Kamen as an AAKPE fellow.
Priscilla Clarkson receives apoptosis grant
Prof. Priscilla Clarkson is the co-recipient of a grant from the Center of Excellence in Apoptosis Research for a project aimed at developing a novel synthetic polymer to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Barry Braun Receives Distinguished Teaching Award
Prof. Barry Braun has received the University's Distinguished Teaching Award for 2006-2007.
Mike Tevald receives fellowship from Foundation of Physical Therapy
Michael Tevald, a postdoctoral researcher in the Muscle Physiology Laboratory, has been awarded the 2007 New Investigator Fellowship from the Foundation of Physical Therapy.
Priscilla Clarkson named Dean of Commonwealth College
Prof. Priscilla Clarkson has been named the new Dean of Commonwealth College, the honors college on campus.
Priscilla Clarkson gives Wolffe lecture at ACSM meeting
Prof. Priscilla Clarkson presented the annual Wolffe lecture at the 2007 meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. The Wolffe lecture is the most prestigious keynote address of the annual conference.
Graduate students receive research grants
Six of our graduate students recently received grants for their excellent creative activity and research.
Pictures of our graduate students at the ACSM meeting
Stuart Chipkin receives leadership award
Stuart R. Chipkin has been honored by the Massachusetts Medical Society with its Committee Chair Service Award, an honor recognizing exceptional leadership and service to the Society. Dr. Chipkin, a research professor in the Dept of Kinesiology, was honored for his leadership as Chair of the Society's Committee on Nutrition, a committee that focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of nutrition, fitness, and healthy lifestyles.
Priscilla Clarkson named University Distinguished Professor
April 15, 2007
Priscilla Clarkson, Professor of Kinesiology and Interim Dean of Commonwealth College, has been named a Distinguished Professor by President Jack Wilson.
Third Annual Graduate Alumni Celebration
April , 2007
Our Third annual graduate alumni celebration was held on Friday, April 20, 2007. Many faculty, graduate students, alumni and friends were presented as we honored Priscilla Clarkson as this year's alumni award recipient. Pictures
Barry Braun and Kristen Polzien to join Baystate Medical Center grant
February, 2007
Barry Braun and Kristen Polzien are co-investigators of a recently-awarded grant by the Baystate Medical Center. The project aims to follow weight loss over three years in 100 patients who have undergone roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at Baystate Medical Center. Dr. Braun will be assessing differences in thermogenesis, economy of exercise energy expenditure, physical activity, adipokines like leptin, ghrelin and PYY3-36 while Dr. Polzien will be involved in other assessments such as motivation issues. The grant continues the department's excellent collaborations with Baystate Medical Center.
Patty Freedson Named to President's Council Science Board
January 2 , 2007
Patty S. Freedson, professor and chair of the Kinesiology Department, has been named to the science board of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Dean Priscilla Clarkson meets with Governor-Elect Deval Patrick
December 1 , 2006
University of Massachusetts Honors College, Commonwealth College Dean Priscilla Clarkson met with Governor-Elect Deval Patrick to thank him for his support of public Higher Education and to encourage his support of the Honors College at the University of Massachusetts.
Freedson elected vice president of ACSM
May 15, 2006
Patty Freedson, professor in the Department of Kinesiology (formerly Exercise Science), has been elected vice president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
With more than 20,000 national, regional, and international members, ACSM is dedicated to improving health through science, education and medicine.
Freedson will be introduced as the new ACSM vice president at the annual meeting from May 31 to June 3 in Denver, Colo.
UMass Department of Kinesiology rated among the highest in the country
May 15, 2006
The Department of Exercise Science has been ranked sixth in the nation in a survey of doctoral programs for 2004-05 conducted by the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. UMass Amherst was among 32 colleges and universities participating in the process.
The program was ranked sixth, preceded by the University of Connecticut and Penn State University, Arizona State University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Maryland. The rankings are based on reviews of faculty and student participation, along with funding and levels of professional activity.
