Keiser University Research Symposium Sheds Light on Exercises for Hypothyroidism, Gene Therapy for Signs of Aging, and More

Hosted by the Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology, Psychology and Biomedical Science departments, the Keiser University Flagship Campus’ recent Spring Research Symposium unveiled a variety of insights.

Led by Exercise Science Program Director and Professor Dalton Oliver, the virtual event recognized research procedures and findings in the areas of Theoretical Insight, Practical Impact, Methodological Rigor, Creativity and Innovation, Content Mastery, and more. Among the many highlights were the suggestion of refined movement assessments and evaluation rubrics that could help trainers prevent injury, the importance of exercise while pregnant, and aging and gene therapy exercises to aid those with hypothyroidism.

Winning research presentations included:

Dean’s Award of Distinction

• Winner: Mark Martinez
• Project Title: Methods for Assessing Movement in Resistance Training: A Scoping Review

Theoretical Insight

• Winner: Tyra Vigil
• Project Title: Unilateral and Bilateral Functional Rehabilitation Exercises for Female Athletes with ACL Injuries: A Scoping Review

Methodological Rigor

• Winner: Anna Lofton
• Project Title: Exercise Programming for Individuals with Hypothyroidism

Practical Impact

• Winner: Alexandra Yeardley
• Project Title: The Effects of Caffeine on Exercise Performance

Creativity and Innovation

• Winner: Nina Haeberlin
• Project Title: Should Procrastination be considered a Mental Health Disorder?

Content Mastery

• Winner: Jordan Odom
• Project Title: Connecting Key Factors of Aging with Gene Therapy

Emerging Scholars (Honorable Mentions)

• Ballaion Cadet-Joram
• Kelsey Barton
• Dakota Zdun

Volunteer Judges

• Dalton Oliver
• Megan Lounsbury
• Robin Schupper
• John Crimmins
• Joan Krakowsky
• Flavia Melo
• Buzz Barak

Dean’s award winner Mark Martinez will receive a trophy commemorating his research and all competitors will receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishments. The acknowledgment will also be included as part of their curriculum vitae and serve as additional application documentation for graduate school admissions and professional positions.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science combines both didactic instructions integrated with supervised practice and externships necessary to provide the student with the necessary tools to be successful in this field. The focus of this program is to prepare the student to take three nationally recognized and accredited field certifications. In addition, the coursework focuses on preparing the student with a strong foundation in science-based General Educations and a balanced offering of Core classes. Following graduation from the Exercise Science program, students will have the necessary requirements to pursue a degree in a variety of medical fields including physical therapy.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology focuses on advanced health and fitness assessment, prescription and lifestyle modification. The program provides information on health risk factors,  exercise leadership,  biomechanics of movement, physiological adaptations to exercise, injury prevention, corrective exercise, business management and ethics in sport.

The Keiser University Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology offers a diverse curriculum that provides a broad-based education in many facets of behavior, mental processes, communication, research, and writing. Courses include forensics, sports and positive psychology, as well as the traditional courses needed to prepare students for graduate studies. Students may select from four tracks/concentrations within the major (Human Services, Developmental Psychology, Health Care/Fitness, and Business). Student learning objectives include the application of scientific methods and the ethical treatment of human and animal research subjects.

The university’s Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences program prepares students for entry into health sciences and analytical/research laboratories. Graduates possess the skills to perform in a variety of science related positions in health departments, zoos, clinical and environmental chemistry, pharmaceutics, and laboratories.  Graduates of the program will have completed the prerequisites necessary to be successful in graduate programs in the sciences as well as a multitude of professional programs such as occupational and physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, physician and physician assistant programs. However, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences can also be a terminal program for individuals who wish to work in laboratory settings and other occupations.