The Kinesiology research laboratories are divided into three areas of study:

1. Biomechanics: Dr. McNitt-Gray

   Dr. McNitt-Gray's research is truly interdisciplinary in nature. In collaboration with Dr. Flashner (Engineering) and Dr. Requejo (Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center), she has developed a dynamic musculoskeletal model to study locomotion and movement patterns. As an example of her interdisciplinary work using this dynamic model, she has co-mentored Jack Tseng (IEB graduate student, recipient of Fulbright and NSF scholarships as well as a National Geographic Society grant) and collaborated with Dr.s Flashner, Wang (National History Museum), Huang (Dentistry) and Liu (Dentistry) to study ingestion mechanisms and locomotion under different environmental conditions. Mcnitt-Gray's collaborations also include work with USC's School of Cinematic Arts to use multimedia tools to communicate the results of these studies to faculty and researchers with diverse backgrounds.

2. Fatty Acid Metabolism, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance: Dr. Turcotte

   Dr. Lorraine Turcotte investigates the importance of signaling cascades in the regulation of fuel use. To investigate this, energy intake or energy output are manipulated using different dietary regimens and various exercise protocols. In both cell lines and mouse models, manipulations of energy state and of genetic profile allow for the testing of different hypotheses on the pivotal roles played by specific signaling cascades and cellular mechanisms to maintain energy homeostasis in the face of perturbations in energy intake or energy output. Turcotte is also collaborating with Dr. Alicia McDonough of the Keck School of Medicine to investigate research questions about the cellular mechanisms that lead to perturbations in potassium homeostasis and lead to muscle fatigue.

3. Glycemic Regulation in Diabetes Mellitus: Dr. Donovan

   The efforts of Dr. Donovan's lab are directed at understanding the mechanisms by which the body detects low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how it integrates that information to generate corrective responses and maintain bodily homeostasis. They are particularly interested in peripheral glucose sensors located in the gut, which play a prominent role in detecting small or slow changes in blood glucose. They have characterized various aspects of these sensory neurons (i.e. type, origin, and metabolism) and have begun to exam their role in pathological states, (e.g. diabetes). In collaboration with Dr. Alan Watts (Biological Sciences - Neuroscience), they are also examining the interaction between these peripheral glucose sensors and those located in the brain. Because brain function is central for the proper integration of neural and endocrine signals, the two labs are working to unravel the mechanisms that integrate information from peripheral-central "networks" of nutrient sensors during homeostatic challenges.

If you wish to work with one of the Kinesiology faculty members above while earning a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or Biomedical Engineering, please visit the faculty members' profiles and contact them directly to discuss research and funding possibilities.  Undergraduates interested in exploring research opportunities in these labs, click here.