Research Laboratories
Pedagogy Lab
Faculty advisors: Dr. Kim Oliver
Dr. Oliver and colleagues explore the Activist Approach to teaching within undergraduate college courses, using practical teacher training in a local high school physical education classroom. As part of the undergraduates’ study of teaching methods, pedagogy lab researchers accompany the physical education teacher education students as they practice their training to listen to student voice, analyze the data, and respond over time. The pedagogy lab cohort also conducts teacher educator professional development. For school districts interested in workshops or other professional development training, contact Dr. Kim Oliver at koliver@nmsu.edu .
Applied Exercise Physiology Laboratory
Faculty advisors: Dr. Hillary Yoder De La Riva
The Applied Exercise Physiology Laboratory is dedicated to studying the roles of physical activity and exercise training on muscular strength and performance as well as metabolic capacity in various populations. The focus of our research is to explore physical and physiological adaptations to exercise intervention and to determine the role of these changes in improving human health and physical well-being. Our lab also provides students the opportunity to bridge the gap between science and application. The laboratory is used to assist students in their learning of Exercise Physiology, Exercise Prescription and Principles of Strength and Conditioning. Students participate in various on-going research and are encouraged to learn about the topics performed beyond what is taught in the classroom.
Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory
Faculty advisors: Dr. Hillary Yoder De La Riva
The research program in the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory focuses on 1) advancing knowledge of underlying mechanisms on the loss of muscle mass and strength during aging (i.e., sarcopenia) and other catabolic conditions (e.g., cancer cachexia, muscle-disuse) and 2) developing the countermeasure strategies (exercise/dietary interventions) to counteract muscle wasting under various catabolic conditions. Particularly, the primary research interests in our lab include: 1) the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in skeletal muscle under various catabolic conditions, 2) the local and systemic adaptations to exercise and nutritional interventions in skeletal muscle, and 3) the effects of exercise and nutritional supplements on body composition and physical function. Our research aims to advance scientific knowledge through translational research, providing meaningful findings for future human health-related investigations.
Motor Behavior Laboratory
Faculty advisors: Dr. Larissa True, Dr. Chris Aiken
The Motor Behavior Lab is a research facility dedicated to the study of human movement. Studies examine those factors underlying skillful movement in an effort to better design instructional and practice conditions that optimize learning and performance. The lab also provides interested students the opportunity to explore questions of interest and hone their research skills.
Sport Psychology Laboratory
Faculty advisors: Dr. Katie Agnew
The Sport Psychology Laboratory is committed to creating healthy, empowering environments in sport and physical activity. The research conducted in the lab focuses on (a) exploring coaching and athlete leadership to identify best practices for leaders to exert their influence over team members, (b) investigating leader fairness as a mechanism for creating sustainable sport participation, and (c) examining athletes’ body image experiences in sport. Researchers in the lab utilize various quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches to discovery. The lab comprises of undergraduate and graduate students who work under the supervision of Dr. Katie Agnew. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Katie Agnew at hirsch@nmsu.edu.
Biomechanics
Faculty advisors: Dr. Alyssa Vanderlinden
The NMSU biomechanics laboratory focuses on understanding and improving movement for clinical populations through advanced biomechanical analysis. Our mission is to understand and enhance mobility by investigating lower extremity and trunk biomechanics during gait, exploring dual-task paradigms, and examining the motor and cognitive performance relationship. We integrate clinical biomechanics, human movement science, and experimental gait analysis to develop evidence-based strategies that support personalized interventions for clinical populations. A central focus of our work is studying movement in children with autism to inform targeted interventions that improve participation and functional mobility. The biomechanics lab has a 10 camera Vicon (Vero 2.2) Motion Capture System and three in-ground AMTI force plates. Other equipment includes: an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3), a wireless EMG system (Delsys Trigno), and an AMTI Instrumented Treadmill.
