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, Dr. Nicholas Spokely
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, Dr. Nicholas Spokely, Dr. Filipe Stoyell-Conti
The research program in the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on vascular dysfunction, inflammation, metabolic regulation, and physiological responses to environmental stressors. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates exercise physiology, vascular biology, molecular biology, transgenic mouse models, and bioinformatics to investigate disease mechanisms, physiological adaptations, and potential therapeutic strategies.
The primary research interests in our laboratory include: 1) investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving vascular remodeling, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases; 2) understanding the interactions between vascular dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes; 3) exploring the protective effects of exercise training on cardiovascular and metabolic health, with particular emphasis on vascular adaptations, autonomic regulation, and insulin sensitivity; 4) investigating the cardiovascular and molecular responses to environmental stressors, particularly exertional heat stress and heat stroke, to understand the mechanisms of vascular injury, inflammation, and tissue remodeling under extreme environmental conditions; and 5) identifying novel molecular pathways and therapeutic targets through advanced approaches, including single-cell transcriptomics, molecular profiling, and genetically modified animal models.
Our research aims to bridge fundamental discoveries and clinical applications through translational investigations, advancing our understanding of cardiovascular and metabolic health, exercise-induced adaptations, and environmental stress responses. Ultimately, we seek to develop innovative strategies to prevent and mitigate cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction and improve human health and resilience under physiological and environmental challenges.
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.
