Ganio Named Director Of UA Human Performance Lab
by August 30, 2012 9:00 am 72 views
Matthew Ganio, an assistant professor of exercise science, has been named director of the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Arkansas.
Ganio earned a doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut and completed his post-doctoral training at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
He serves as a member of the Medical and Science Advisory Board and as chief statistical officer of the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut. The Korey Stringer Institute’s mission is to provide research information, resources, assistance and advocacy for the prevention of sudden death in sport.
Ganio joined the faculty of the UA College of Education and Health Professions in 2011.
“We are glad to have someone of Dr. Ganio’s educational and research background to step into this role,” said Tom Smith, dean of the college. “He takes over for Ro Di Brezzo, who is now vice provost for academic affairs, and he has many ideas for continuing to involve our students in research that will improve people’s lives. We also value his strong connections to the University of Connecticut, which is ranked the No. 1 program in kinesiology in the country by the National Academy of Kinesiology.”
The Human Performance Lab, which is situated in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building, provides opportunities for students and faculty to work together on research and service projects.
Some programs based in the lab include Fitness for Fun, a community-based fitness program designed to assist people in developing healthier lifestyles through exercise; the Office for Studies on Aging, which supports and promotes research in the field of gerontology, provides advocacy to improve quality of life across the lifespan, and creates outreach opportunities for service to an aging population; and RazorSharp, which provides University of Arkansas student-athletes one-on-one nutritional counseling in a confidential setting.
The lab also plays a role in educating students who are taking exercise science classes.