Notable Achievements

Kinesiology alumni Corban Ruiz’s ’23 “fun” COVID student research project turned independent study with Associate Professor of Kinesiology Ed Merritt, which morphed into a research assistantship data management role for biology major and kinesiology minor Iliana Hernandez ’27, was published in the International Journal of Exercise Science. The paper, “Age of Anaerobic, Aerobic, and Skill-Based Olympic Athletes 1988 – 2024” provides insight into the development of and, potentially, the onset of age-related declines in human metabolic systems. The good news for most of us is that there has been at least one 65-year old who has competed in the Olympics since 1988 in a non-equestrian event! The paper can be read here.

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Edward Merritt

Associate Professor of Kinesiology

Expertise

Exercise Physiology, Skeletal Muscle Physiology, Muscle Injury

B.S. Virginia Tech - 2002

  • Major: Nutrition & Exercise Science
  • Minors: Chemistry, Biology

M.A. University of Texas at Austin - 2004

  • Major: Kinesiology
    • Thesis: Effect of aerobic exercise and the induced increase in heat shock proteins on recovery of skeletal muscle function after ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin - 2009

  • Major: Kinesiology
    • Dissertation: Repair of Skeletal Muscle Transection Injury with Tissue Loss

Postdoctoral Fellow. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine - 2009-2012

  • NIH F32AR060670: Regulation of human skeletal muscle protein metabolism following burn injury
  • NIH R01 (PI: Marcas Bamman): Maximizing mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy to combat sarcopenia in older adults

Assistant Professor. Appalachian State University. 2012-2017

  • Department of Health & Exercise Science

In the News

  • Paris Olympics
    Southwestern Students Experience Paris Olympics Up Close During Summer Study Abroad Program

    Eleven students spent four weeks in Paris studying sport, physiology, and culture during the Summer Olympic Games.

  • SCOPE students in the laboratory conducting research.
    A Weighty Experience

    Corban Ruiz ’22 strengthens his skills—and his résumé—through SCOPE.

  • Edward Merritt
    New SU Kinesiology Professor Dr. Edward Merritt’s Research Focuses on Helping Trauma & Burn Victims Regain Muscle Functionality

    When most people think of kinesiology they think of exercise studies or improving athletic performance. But as with most academic disciplines, there are often lesser-known areas that can lead to interesting and rewarding career paths as well.