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Puget Sound’s Exercise Science department offers students a scientific approach to developing critical thinking related to health, wellness, and realizing the human potential. Students have the opportunity to collaborate and conduct research with faculty using the department's four state-of-the-art facilities. Students who complete their degree are prepared for careers in health professions, research, and the fitness industry.

Fall term is underway and filled with activities. Exercise Science alum Jared Perez '17 visited campus recently to share his career journey and October is Exercise is Medicine on Campus month! Check out these activities scheduled in October to promote physical health.

 

  • Campus Fitness Walks | Wednesdays at Noon | Oct. 16, Oct. 23, and Oct. 30. Meet in front of the Wilson Welcome Center, rain or shine.
  • Movement Challenge Kickoff | Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Noon | Library 053 | Co-sponsored by Human Resources and the School of Physical Therapy.
  • "The Human Predicament" Health Discussion | Friday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | with guest speaker Frank Forencich, PT adjunct faculty member.
View the poster of all October Events

Fall 2024 Updates

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Alum Jared Perez '17 Visits Campus

Exercise Science alum Jared Perez '17 visited campus Oct. 3 and 4 to meet with students and share his career journey. Perez is pictured with Professor Gary McCall.

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October Campus Fitness Walks

Faculty and staff participated in a Campus Fitness walk on Oct. 4 led by Professor Gary McCall. Campus Fitness Walks are scheduled for Wednesdays at Noon on Oct. 16, 23, and 30 (rain or shine) as part of Exercise is Medicine on Campus month.

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Ayla Murphy '26 Conducted Research in Summer 2024

Effect of Caffeine on Lung Function During Exercise in Athletes with Asthma

Ayla participated in the 2024 Summer Research program in collaboration with Professor Coffman and presented at the recent symposium on Sept. 12. The Summer Research Program allows students to conduct high-level, independent work and expand their understanding of their field that will contribute to building professional skills.

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Emmett Foster '25 Conducted Research in Summer 2024

qPCR Analysis of Protein Synthesis and Degradation Markers after Functional Overload

Emmett participated in the 2024 Summer Research program in collaboration with Professor Kim and presented his project at the recent Summer Research Symposium on Sept. 12. Students who wish to participate in the program in the summer of 2025 should contact an Exercise Science faculty member to discuss the opportunities. 

Photo of Professor McCall
Professor McCall on Sabbatical

Dr. McCall will be on sabbatical in the fall with a focus on propelling the Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) initiative that began during a Senior Capstone course. 

 

EIM-OC has the vison of supporting movement activities of all types, for all campus members. The science is clear- physical activity is among the most powerful behaviors to promote our physical and psychological health. The EIM-OC leadership team aims to facilitate integrative and durable structures among our campus stakeholders to benefit the health of our campus, and near-campus, communities.

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Welcome Professor Gray

Professor Gray is assistant coach for Puget Sound’s men’s and women’s swim teams and will be teaching while Professor Gary McCall is on sabbatical. 

 

Classes: 

  • Introductory Research Methods (EXSC 200)
  • Nutrition and Energy Balance (EXSC 301)

“I look forward to the semester and invite you to come cheer on your fellow Loggers when we have home swim meets,” says Gray.

Exercise is Medicine-On Campus

Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) is an inspiring health initiative led by the Exercise Science department and aims to promote a culture of joyful movement among Puget Sound's campus community and beyond.

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American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is the primary international professional organization for exercise science, sports medicine, and for promoting physical activity and its benefits. 

 

Northwest chapter website
Fall 2024 Photo Gallery
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Alumni Feature Stories

Read more about University of Puget Sound student helps baseball players refine their pitching technique
Students

University of Puget Sound student helps baseball players refine their pitching technique

It’s midmorning at Driveline Baseball, a performance training facility in Kent, Wash., and Kevin Covarrubias ’23 is spraying a thin layer of adhesive on the skin of an athlete in preparation for attaching 45 reflective markers…
Read more about University of Puget Sound Students Take a Plunge for Science
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University of Puget Sound Students Take a Plunge for Science

Chris Nicol ’24 was freediving for lobsters off the coast of San Diego, Calif., when he realized that the cold water was impacting how long he could hold his breath. As an exercise science major with a minor in neuroscience and…
Read more about The Business of Baseball
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The Business of Baseball

And while some of it has to do with the Loggers’ on-field success in the sport, much has to do with what happens in the classroom. “The vast majority of the classes are smaller and are in boardroom settings—and if you didn’t…

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A Passion for Whitewater

Growing up in North Bend, Wash., J.T. Hartman ’19 spent time in and around rivers, but not paddling them. That changed when he was 12 and a family friend took him on a six-day rafting trip on Oregon’s Rogue River. “From the…
Demonstrating health equipment use

Teaching & Research Labs

Four labs, housed in the inspiring Weyerhaeuser Hall and Harned Hall, provide opportunities for students to collaborate on projects and solve problems about human health. The exercise physiology, human anatomy, wet research, and biomechanics labs are state-of-the art facilities accessible to students throughout their enrollment in the program.

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Pie chart showing career paths

Exercise Science Careers

Alumni hold positions in healthcare, sports and fitness, community and social services, education, research, and business. Many graduates go on to earn advanced degrees in nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and medicine.

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Co-presidents Jillian Stoewer and Kayli Brown

Exercise Science Club

The Exercise Science Club educates students and the campus community about the major and career opportunities after graduation.

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