Undergraduate and graduate students in our department have the distinct opportunity to complete research projects in a variety of exciting areas.

Dr. Donovan’s lab studies the mechanisms by which the body detects low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how it integrates that information to generate corrective responses. 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.

Dr. McNitt-Gray studies the mechanisms used by specific organisms use to control and distribute mechanical loads during goal-directed multi-joint movements involving external loading. She works with diverse populations (eg: elite athletes, musicians, technicians, older adults) in realistic settings (eg: U.S. Olympic Training Camps, Olympic Games, workplace, or research labs).

Dr. Turcotte’s lab focuses on elucidating the cellular and hormonal signaling intermediates that regulate fatty acid metabolism by muscle and how these intermediates are affected by obesity, insulin resistance and exercise.