Dynamic program keeps students a step ahead

When Caleb Calaway enrolled at the University of Miami as a first-year student, he was considering a career in public health. But after learning about the School of Education and Human Development 's exercise physiology program, he found a new passion and changed his career plans. "This is an amazing program with unique learning opportunities,- said Calaway, who is now a doctoral candidate conducting innovative research and teaching undergraduate students in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences (KIN) Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging. Guided by professor Joseph Signorile , who directs the laboratory, Calaway is conducting velocity-based training studies with individuals who have Parkinson's disease, while mentoring undergraduates on the academic research and publishing process. "Our doctoral and undergrad students will be coauthors on our upcoming publications, helping them benefit from the many hours they spend learning in our laboratory,- said Signorile. Calaway is one of four doctoral students advancing their exercise physiology careers through hands-on research and teaching at the laboratory in the Max Orovitz Laboratory. For instance, Mandy Virgets is conducting an evaluation of two different styles of yoga to assess their impact on the physical and cognitive performance of Parkinson's disease study participants.