Kinesiology Newsletter - Fall 2012

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Kinesiology

News Fall 2012

PEMDC receives donation Dr. Michael Horvat, Pediatric Exercise and Motor Development Clinic (PEMDC) director, received a donation of two Pioneers TOTs (Therapy-Oriented Tricycles), which are modified safety tricycles designed for children with special needs to help improve their strength and enhance their physical therapies while allowing them the thrill of playing and interacting with other children. “We are extremely pleased to receive the two trikes from the Pioneers who donated them to the PEMDC. These custom-built trikes make it possible for young children to enjoy the freedom, fun, and mobility that a trike can provide,” stated Horvat. “The trikes help to build strength in their legs, and the program provides a great service to children who are very grateful recipients of this gift.”

Manuella Barnes, Ph.D. student, demonstrates use of TOT Tricycle

Faculty Spotlight Catching Up with Dr. Thomas Baker Dr. Thomas Baker began his appointment as an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology in the fall of 2007. He completed his undergraduate studies in journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. He then began his graduate studies by obtaining a J.D. degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Then in 2007, Dr. Baker earned his Ph.D. in Sport Management from the University of Florida. However, he is a proud supporter of his students who play for the Bulldogs. While at UGA, Dr. Baker has taught courses in sport law, facility and event management, sport ethics, and sport entrepreneurship. Dr. Baker’s experience in law allows him to have a unique perspective and recognize potential problems that can be addressed through research or through risk-management practices. He uses his years of

previous work experience as a law clerk, judicial intern, judicial extern, and attorney to guide his lectures and assist with research, explaining that knowledge of the law itself is valuable, but knowledge of how the law is applied is equally valuable. Dr. Baker’s degree in journalism has aided his ability to take a large amount of information and redeliver it in a consumable, smaller version that makes sense to others, an important skill needed for his research. His current research is in risk management involving youth sports and sport facility management; he is currently in the process of pursuing external funding options related to these two research topics. He also conducts research on sport commercial law and how it affects sport marketing, including studies on brand image and use of social media as well as the marketing and legal issues related to these topics.


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Kinesiology Newsletter - Fall 2012 by University of Georgia College of Education - Issuu