Posted by Emily Hart on 2011-02-16

Samford University exercise science and sports medicine students Kara Hardin and Derrick Thomas earned first place for undergraduate research at the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in Greenville, S.C. Feb. 3-5.

Hardin and Thomas were awarded the top prize for their research on age-related clustering of Type I muscle fibers in humans. Exercise Science and Sports Medicine department chair Alan Jung noted that the two were in competition against research projects Auburn, North Carolina, Elon, Appalachian State universities and many other schools from the Southeastern region.

“I was elated,” Hardin said. “I was also excited for our department, Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Department. Our professors, Dr. John Petrella, Dr. Alan Jung, and Dr. Rob Hensarling have worked countless hours with us in order for us to succeed. Without their support this award or entire research process could not have been possible. This award not only represents our work but also the work of our department.”

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.