Name/Title: Kelley Hammond, PhD, assistant professor of exercise science and pre-health professions, Creighton University
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Year you joined the INBRE program: 2023
Research focus: Skeletal muscle biology and neuromuscular function in aging and Parkinson’s disease
Goal of your research? Although muscle strength, mobility and neuromuscular function decline in both normal aging and with the progression of Parkinson’s disease, we are still learning about the specific mechanisms in the periphery that contribute to these progressive motor declines. One of the goals of my research is to uncover what changes occur in cell signaling, morphology and function leading to neuromuscular and muscle cell degeneration. Clarifying these degenerative changes in the neural and muscular systems will allow us to implement targeted rehabilitation for aging adults and persons with Parkinson’s disease.
Your research will make a difference because? Experts estimate that approximately one million Americans are battling Parkinson’s disease with drug interventions that lose effectiveness and have increasing side effects over time. While others are doing the important work to identify the cause and cure for Parkinson’s disease, the goal of my research is to fill the gap and use exercise to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and prolong independence and improve quality of life for people who are battling PD.
Why is it important to mentor undergraduate students? Students are our future. Undergraduate students who are able to experience and contribute to the scientific process and engage with older adults and persons with PD in my lab gain skills for their future endeavors in science and/or medicine while they develop their gifts and talents to contribute to society as a whole. I have the privilege of working with outstanding young adults at Creighton, and I appreciate my role in helping these students navigate challenges in the lab and in life. I hope that my influence and advice help them build a stable scientific foundation and nurture their scientific curiosity and wonder. It is my joy to offer research experiences to undergraduate students and help them discern their next steps after college.
Three things people may not know about you:
- I enjoy the challenge of keeping my lawn in tip-top shape.
- Backpacking is one of my favorite escapes.
- One of the things on my bucket list is to see orcas swimming in the wild.