Have you ever wondered how somebody figured out that you have to bend your knees when you shoot a basketball? Or that the fastest way to get into a pool is head first? These are just a few of the many athletic phenomena that have been discovered because of Kinesiology. The students in the Department of Kinesiology at Auburn University are doing their part to make advancements in athletics through research of human movement.Jay Patel is a second year PhD student in the Biomechanics Department of Kinesiology. After completing his undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences and masters in exercise science, both at Auburn, he decided to continue his education here because of his love for the program and faculty.
“The faculty here are very helpful and let us follow our own research line,” said Patel. “Anytime we have a question or need them for any reason they are here to help out even if it’s not directly related to their field”
After receiving his PhD, Patel would like to obtain certification to be a strength and conditioning coach as well as continue to do research and teach. He currently teaches biomechanics and applied anatomy to undergraduates.
“The more I teach the more I learn at the same time,” said Patel.
Patel is also working with Dr. Wendi Weimar on a fitness shoe which is currently in product development. Patel says that the main claim of current fitness shoes is all about toning, but he wanted to check it out and question it.
“A body will adapt to a shoe and so it won’t be able to do its job anymore,” said Patel. “Our shoe changes it up.”
Students in the Kinesiology department get the chance to work with many of the athletic teams on campus. They are currently doing a flip turn study on the forces of swimmers as well as educating the softball coach on lateral forces when hitting. They also get to work with Olympians and do balance studies with injured athletes.
Degrees in Kinesiology apply to a range of professions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical education, coaching, strength and conditioning specialist and physician. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in exercise science, health promotion, and physical education/teacher education.
“The faculty here are very helpful and let us follow our own research line,” said Patel. “Anytime we have a question or need them for any reason they are here to help out even if it’s not directly related to their field”
After receiving his PhD, Patel would like to obtain certification to be a strength and conditioning coach as well as continue to do research and teach. He currently teaches biomechanics and applied anatomy to undergraduates.
“The more I teach the more I learn at the same time,” said Patel.
Patel is also working with Dr. Wendi Weimar on a fitness shoe which is currently in product development. Patel says that the main claim of current fitness shoes is all about toning, but he wanted to check it out and question it.
“A body will adapt to a shoe and so it won’t be able to do its job anymore,” said Patel. “Our shoe changes it up.”
Students in the Kinesiology department get the chance to work with many of the athletic teams on campus. They are currently doing a flip turn study on the forces of swimmers as well as educating the softball coach on lateral forces when hitting. They also get to work with Olympians and do balance studies with injured athletes.
Degrees in Kinesiology apply to a range of professions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical education, coaching, strength and conditioning specialist and physician. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in exercise science, health promotion, and physical education/teacher education.
