Health Sci News 2025
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Dr. Paquette Featured Featured in Research in a Minute
April 4, 2025
Dr. Max Paquette, professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis, is featured in the latest “Research in a Minute” segment. He shares insights from his research on the biomechanics of running, examining how factors like footwear, surface type, and fatigue impact performance and injury risk. By studying movement patterns and mechanical forces, Dr. Paquette aims to help runners train more efficiently and reduce injury. His work offers valuable guidance for athletes at all levels, from casual joggers to competitive runners. Read more here.
University of Memphis Hosts 2025 NDEP Conference
March 28, 2025
The University of Memphis hosted the 2024 NDEP Annual Conference on March 28–29 at the FedEx Institute of Technology, with many of our dietetics and nutrition faculty members facilitating the event. The conference welcomed 200 nutrition educators and preceptors from across the country. Dr. David J. Russomanno, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, welcomed the attendees Thursday afternoon with opening remarks.
NDEP (Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors), a national group within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, supports those who train future registered dietitian nutritionists. The conference focused on professional development, collaboration, and advancing best practices in dietetics education. Hosting this event highlights the college’s commitment to innovation and leadership in nutrition.
Dr. Paquette receives Tigers Ascending to Excellence Award
March 21, 2025
Dr. Max Paquette was recently honored with the Tigers Ascending to Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the University. He was celebrated on March 7 during the men’s basketball game against the University of North Texas, where he served as honorary coach. Congratulations, Dr. Paquette!
Character & Leadership Development Conference Hosts Special Guests
March 17, 2025
The Character & Leadership Development Conference at the University of Memphis brought together students, faculty, and staff—primarily from the College of Health Sciences—for an inspiring exploration of leadership and personal growth. Featuring renowned speakers Michael Lamb, PhD (Wake Forest University), Pete Allison, PhD (Pennsylvania State University), and Brett Bartholomew (The Art of Coaching), the event empowered attendees with valuable insights on fostering meaningful and impactful leadership.
Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored the core principles of character development within the college’s Ascend ethos. The conference provided a dynamic space for reflection, connection, and actionable takeaways that will shape future leaders. Those in attendance left with a renewed sense of purpose and practical strategies to elevate their leadership journeys.
College of Health Sciences Faculty Honored at 2025 Research Celebration
March 4, 2025
The College of Health Sciences congratulates Dr. Richard Bloomer and Dr. Brandt Pence for being named impact leaders at the 2025 University of Memphis Research Celebration. Dr. Bloomer, recognized among the university’s top faculty based on his Scopus H-Index, and Dr. Pence, honored as a Google Scholar Highly Cited Author with over 11,000 citations, showcase the college’s research excellence.
The celebration also honored Dr. Amr Mohamed, Dr. Jacquelyn Pence, and Dr. Douglas Powell for their contributions as key personnel on externally funded projects. In addition, Drs. Richard Bloomer, Tracy Bruen, Jamie Brunsdon, Max Paquette, Brandt Pence, Marie van der Merwe, and Yufeng Zhang were recognized as principal investigators driving discoveries in FY24.
These achievements highlight the College of Health Sciences’ vital role in supporting the University of Memphis’ Carnegie R1 status and advancing impactful research.
PETE student featured in Daily Memphian
January 1, 2025
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Excerpt from the Daily Memphian
Three years ago, Will Barto’s life changed forever.
When he spoke then with his father, Danton Barto, who was hospitalized because of COVID-19, Will never imagined it would be their final conversation.
Danton Barto, the Memphis Tigers’ football leader in career tackles, was 50 years old. Will Barto made a promise during their final talk. He, at 22 years old, pledged to Danton that he would earn a college degree in preparation for a football coaching career.
“I was like, ‘Hey, I really want to go back to school, and this is kind of what I want to pursue,’ ” Will recalled. “And he just told me, he said, ‘I want you to do what makes you happy and I want you to pursue your goals the way I pursued mine.’
Will kept his word and officially graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Physical Education Teacher Education (Sports Coaching) during the UofM winter commencement ceremony at FedExForum.
“He was not going to break that promise to his dad,” said Rachel Barto, Will’s mom and Danton’s ex-wife. “That would have crushed his spirit and crushed his soul. His dad was his best friend. He would have done anything, and he did.”
