KINnovative

Donor Innovation Grants support special projects for faculty and students BY EMILY MATHEWS

School donations that are not designated for a specific purpose go to the Kinesiology Annual Fund, which supports multiple school initiatives. Each year, up to five $5,000 Donor Innovation Grants are awarded to faculty members for a special project that directly impacts our students. Here are the 2019-20 recipients.

Dr. Peter Bodary, clinical assistant professor of Applied Exercise Science and Movement Science, used his award to purchase research-grade classroom technology for his MVS 452: Scientific Inquiry Using Wearable Technology class. This included:

• Catapult. Students designed mini-experiments to test this technology and then used it to analyze player datasets provided by Michigan Athletics. • Stryd. Students used these devices to measure athletes’ power output and recovery. • Biostrap. Students used these devices, which collect more raw data than a Fitbit or Apple Watch, to investigate the effect of sleep and workouts on subject recovery. • Athos. Dr. Bodary purchased additional Athos equipment that students used to perform studies on muscle recruitment and activation.

After receiving her award, Dr. Weiyun Chen, associate professor of Applied Exercise Science, and her students conducted a major study titled, “Active Body and Mind (ABM) Intervention for Older Adults.” Her team examined the effects of a 12-week ABM intervention on cognitive functions, fitness, physical activity behaviors, and psychological well-being between the intervention group and control group in the two retirement communities from September to December 2019. A second 12-week study had to be paused in March due to COVID-19.

Dr. Chen used her award to buy 20 Fitbit trackers, Fitabase software, and incentives for the control participants to complete the baseline and post-test.

Dr. Michael Vesia, assistant professor of Movement Science, used his award to purchase equipment designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of neuroscience and electrophysiology. These neuroscience experiment kits helped attendees “see” how electrical activity in their brain, nerves, and muscles helps them move.

In partnership with the U-M student group FEMMES and the U-M Natural History Museum, Dr. Vesia and his team hosted several events for participants of all ages and backgrounds to explore science through fun, hands-on activities. Kinesiology students shared their research with others, acted as role models for kids interested in STEM careers, and learned how to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience.

For the 2020-21 academic year, a portion of the Kinesiology Annual Fund will be used to support our students and faculty in their transition to online, hybrid, and public health-informed in-person classes. n

A F.E.M.M.E.S. participant with MVS student Semat Adekoya. Courtesy of Michael Vesia.