*Editor’s Note: 3:55 p.m. March 1 – This story has been edited throughout.

The Research on Exercise and Wellness Colloquium Series lecture on Feb.24 discussed applied physiology laboratories’ research from four selected SMU Ph.D. students and a lecturer.

The series allows these students to not only inform attendees about their research, but to also gain feedback before presenting to a national audience. It is also beneficial for undergraduate students who wish to gain a better understanding of the Works-in-Progress program.

Undergraduate students in attendance including Sydney Lyng who is majoring in Applied Physiology and Health Management found the lecture to be helpful.

“I like how these presentations are real life events, and I can relate better. Also the extra credit for attending is beneficial,” Lyng said.

Ph.D. Students Dustin Allen and Mu Huang first discussed heat stress in individuals with multiple sclerosis. They explained that there is currently no technology to fix the problem of people developing heat sensitivities, which makes their M.S. symptoms worse. Their research consists of thermoregulatory reflex and subatmospheric presssure to measure individuals’ nerves.

Huang’s research consists of having participants wear a pressurized box on their lower-body and they increase the pressure until they pass out. This allows researchers to know the limits their nerves can sustain.

“We are tormentors and saviors all in one,” said Huang describing what participants think once they finish the test.

Justin Frantz’s Ph.D. presentation was about concussions in collegiate athletes. Frantz explained how allowing athletes to continue on with their athletic training and school work even eight days after their concussion puts the athletes at a greater risk.

Ph.D. Student Adrew Udofa lecture by explained his research on running. Udofa has done numerous tests on runners by having them wear simulators while running on a treadmill. For instance, he had the participants wear weights to study impact.

B.J. Warren, a lecturer with the department of Applied Physiology and Wellness presented his multi-year presentation of goal setting for physical fitness. His main reasoning was to help students and faculty at universities to redesign their goal setting and connect each goal.

The next health and wellness colloquia series will be held March 31 and April 28. The department will have a special guest present, which they will inform students and staff about in an email in the next few weeks.