The Thermal and Infrared Laboratories
Research Focus
The labs investigate and explore three main research areas in human and
animal models: 1) Thermoregulation. This encompasses research on both
human and animal adaptive processes, the functions of blood under the
influence of thermal stress, and thermal (sports or work gear) or
protective barrier clothing. The blood research relies on a high special
resolution (>90 nm) microscope that investigates live samples in an
aqueous solution without distortions from typical slide preparation
procedures. 2) Infrared Imaging. This non-contact, non-invasive measure
of surface body heat allows our researchers to pursue issues related to
thermal regulation, Sports Medicine, Plastic Surgery, and Pandemic
Screening. The infrared imaging focused on thermally challenging
physiological responses and thermal patterns (signatures) of medical
problems, both of which require the investigation of dynamic responses
of skin to regulate the human body against stress. 3) Gastrointestinal
Research. The lab is the home of the Gastrointestinal Research Center
that is a brings together the collaborative expertise of individuals
from Auburn School of Kinesiology, Veterinary Medicine, and other
Universities to investigate gastrointestinal investigations related to
hydration, food, fuel ,medications, and immune responses. The gut is the
largest immune organ in the body and regulates oxidative stressors
originating in the gut.
Research Facilities/Equipment
The Thermal and infrared Labs feature an 12’ by 12’ environmental
chamber that allows our researchers to investigate climatic conditions
between 140°C to -40°C and 10 to 80% humidity. We have three infrared
imaging systems that provide non-contact, non-invasive skin surface
temperatures maps. This thermal analysis allows us to evaluate the
interchange between core-skin and environment during situation of
thermoregulation, use as a research-diagnostic tool for sports medicine
in humans and animals, and evaluate clothing designed for moisture
transport and heat transfers. Our biochemistry lab has a microscope that
can provide greater than 90 nm resolution of live samples. This allows
us to visualize in great acuity tissue samples and some physiological
functions. We also have standard equipment: Woodway treadmills,
Excalibur electrically braked cycle ergometer, Velodynes, and
Computrainers.
Current Research
1.) Our lab is the home of the Gastrointestinal Research Center. We have
been pursing research related to the influence of exercise and heat on
gut function, and oxidative stress in both animals and humans.
2.) We are also investigating blood Activity as related to exercise,
heat, hydration status, and disease states. Our high resolution
microscope allows us to investigate active live samples.
3.) Thermoregulatory responses related to clothing.
Contact the Lab
You can call me 334-844-1977 (lab), 334-844-1619
(0ffice), or send an email with any questions you might have.
You can also check full details about graduate study in the School Of
Kinesiology through this link.
http://www.education.auburn.edu/academic_departments/kine/graduatestudents/index.html
About Auburn's Graduate School
Following the link to the graduate school website for information about
admissions and other important questions:
http://www.grad.auburn.edu