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. Hilary Yoder, Dr. Sang-Rok Lee, Dr. Peter Smoak
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. Hilary Yoder, Dr. Sang-Rok Lee, Dr. Peter Smoak
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 and Sports Psychology Laboratory
Faculty advisors: Dr. Larissa True, Dr. Chris Aiken
The Motor Behavior and Sports Psychology Laboratory is a research facility dedicated to the study of human movement. Encompassing the fields of motor behavior and sports psychology, 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.
Biomechanics
Faculty advisors: Dr. Chris Aiken
The New Mexico State University Biomechanical Motion Analysis Laboratory (BMAL) consists of a large data collection area (30x65x15 feet). The high ceilings provide ample space for a variety of data collections (e.g., basketball, volleyball, golf, etc.). The BMAL has a 10 camera Vicon (Vero 2.2) Motion Capture System for collecting motion data with Bertac and AMTI force plates for collecting force data. Other equipment includes: Balance Master for examining balance and proprioception tasks, an isokinetic dynamometer for muscle strength testing (Biodex System 3) and a wireless EMG+IMU system for capturing muscle activation during human body movement (Delsys Trigno).
