Science That Restores Motion

Join Chelsea Reber as she welcomes Texas A&M handball icons Donald Johnson and Martin Mulkerrins to explore the rich history and explosive growth of the university's handball program. In this episode, Don Johnson, university first national champion from 1952, shares his journey from the wrestling mat to the handball court and his mission to document the program's century-long legacy. Martin Mulkerrins, an assistant instructional professor and world-class player, discusses the transformative power of recent multi-million dollar endowments and how the program has scaled from two students to nearly 100. We’ll also discuss the unique bridge between academic kinesiology classes and competitive club sports, the role of Irish culture in the sport's global expansion, and why participating in athletics leads to better academic outcomes. Whether you are a student looking for a physical outlet or a sports enthusiast interested in campus traditions, this episode highlights how handball fosters lifelong health and camaraderie. For more information on the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, visit us at https://knsm.tamu.edu/. Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!Host: Chelsea Reber Guests: Martin Mulkerrins - Assistant Instructional Professor | Texas A&MDonald Johnson - Handball Coach | Texas A&MTime Stamps: 00:00 Intro00:54 Donald Johnson’s Handball History04:05 Martin Mulkerrins’ Journey 06:45 Impact of Program Endowments 10:03 Handball as Lifetime Sport 12:48 Student Experience and Camaraderie 15:27 Academic Classes and Clubs 19:47 Building a Winning Future 22:45 The Student Athlete Pitch 25:20 Closing

Host Chelsea Reber sits down with Nate Young, director of the Veterans Coaching Program (VCP) at Texas A&M, to discuss how the program helps veterans and their families transition from military service to careers in kinesiology and sport management. Nate shares how the VCP evolved into a standalone initiative, offering veterans the flexibility and resources needed to pursue advanced degrees in performance physiology and strength conditioning. He explains the critical importance of helping veterans "dissect" their VA benefits, often revealing up to seven years of paid education they didn't know they had. The conversation highlights successful intake-to-placement pipelines, new initiatives like the DoD SkillBridge internship, and an upcoming tactical strength camp for youth. Nate emphasizes that while the transition can be a "long process," the maturity, leadership, and discipline veterans bring to the classroom make them uniquely equipped to shake the world as coaches and mentors.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!Host: Chelsea ReberGuest: Nate Young, Program Manager, Veterans Coaching ProgramTime Stamps & Show Notes:00:00 Advice for Transitioning Veterans00:41 Running the VCP Program01:13 Serving Veterans and Families01:49 Evolution to Standalone Program03:02 Why This Program Matters04:28 Defining Success and Recruiting05:38 Intake to Placement Pipeline08:39 Long-Term Relationship Building10:26 Translating VA Benefits Effectively13:51 Holistic Military-Academic Transition16:14 Veterans in the Classroom17:28 DoD SkillBridge Internships20:10 Tactical Strength Conditioning Camp22:47 Value for Faculty/Employers25:00 Broadening Horizons and Dreams

Welcome to Season 4 of On The Move, the official podcast of the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University.In this episode, host Chelsea Reber is joined by John Schriever and Jay Miller, Professors of Practice in Sport Management, whose decades of leadership across Major League Baseball, the NFL, and professional sports operations now shape the next generation of industry professionals at Texas A&M.John and Jay share their career journeys, from selling tickets and launching franchises to leading organizations and mentoring students in the classroom. The conversation explores what truly prepares students for careers in sport, including professionalism, persistence, relationship-building, networking, and earning trust early in one’s career.Listeners will also hear candid reflections on mentorship, work-life balance in the sports industry, standing out in competitive job markets, and why real-world experience is essential to student success. This episode offers timeless lessons not only for students pursuing sport management careers, but for anyone building a professional path rooted in integrity and relationships.To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, visit:https://knsm.tamu.edu/Host: Chelsea ReberGuests:John Schriever, Professor of Practice, Sport ManagementJay Miller, Professor of Practice, Sport ManagementTimestamps(00:00–01:18) Welcome to On The Move(01:19–03:52) Careers That Crossed Paths(03:53–05:55) Transitioning from Industry to Teaching(05:56–08:10) Why Teaching Matters(08:11–11:05) Sales, Persistence, and Resilience(11:06–14:02) Building Relationships That Last(14:03–17:10) Classroom Lessons from Real Experience(17:11–19:58) Networking and Standing Out(19:59–22:35) Gaining Trust in Your First Job(22:36–25:20) Work-Life Balance in Sports(25:21–27:45) Advice for Future Sport Leaders

In this Season 4 episode of On the Move from the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, host Chelsea Reber talks with Dr. Jenny Yentes and PhD student Kuanting “Quan” Chen about how kinesiology research is helping keep firefighters safer on the job. They explore how heavy gear, demanding skills, and long calls affect movement and injury risk, and how field based studies with TEEX Fire Academy are changing the way firefighters train and perform.Dr. Yentes and Quan explain why musculoskeletal injuries are so common, how wearable IMU sensors can capture real movement in full gear, and what it means to build durable firefighters who can handle the demands of a full career. They also share practical advice for graduate students on staying curious, flexible, and focused on impact.To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/Host: Chelsea ReberGuests: Dr. Jenna Yentes, Associate Professor, and Kuanting “Quan” Chen, PhD student in KinesiologyTimestamps(00:00-00:28) Cold Open Protective Traits(00:29-01:16) Welcome And Project Origins(01:17-02:00) High Risk Fire Skills(02:01-03:03) Quan Joins The Project(03:04-05:04) Strength Endurance Durability Focus(05:05-07:40) Weight Gear And Movement(07:41-09:31) Training What You Control(09:32-11:32) Musculoskeletal Injuries And Cost(11:33-13:20) Lab Limits And Inclusion(13:21-16:07) Markerless Motion Capture Challenges(16:08-18:40) Pivot To IMU Sensors(18:41-20:51) Skills For All Bodies(20:52-23:01) Building Durable Firefighters(23:02-24:21) Open Mind And Curiosity(24:22-26:07) PhD Skills And Outro

Welcome to Season 4 of On The Move, the official podcast of the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University.In this episode, host Chelsea Reber sits down with Madison Weinrich, a fifth-year PhD student whose research bridges neuroscience, motor control, Parkinson’s disease, and rehabilitation science. Madison shares her academic journey into kinesiology, her work in the Neuromuscular Coordination Lab, and how personal experiences shaped her commitment to improving quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions.The conversation explores non-invasive brain stimulation, community-based Parkinson’s research, horse-riding (hippotherapy) interventions, and how movement, cognition, and emotion intersect in powerful ways. Madison also reflects on the importance of teaching excellence, mentorship, and professional development, offering practical advice for graduate students navigating demanding academic paths.This episode highlights how research at Texas A&M extends beyond the lab, creating meaningful impact through collaboration, compassion, and innovation.Learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University:https://knsm.tamu.edu/Host: Chelsea ReberGuest: Madison Weinrich, PhD student, Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M UniversityTimestamps(00:00–00:51) Welcome to On The Move(00:52–01:30) Madison’s Academic Journey(01:31–03:29) Life in the Neuromuscular Coordination Lab(03:30–06:55) Connecting with the Parkinson’s Community(06:56–11:07) Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Explained(11:08–15:51) Horse-Riding Therapy and Balance(15:52–18:22) Research That Changes Lives(18:23–23:04) Teaching, Mentorship, and Growth(23:05–24:14) Advice for Graduate Students

In this Season 4 episode of On the Move from the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, host Chelsea Reber sits down with longtime Texas A&M golf coach and current instructor Bob Ellis. From conference championships and near national titles to teaching beginners in activity classes, Coach Ellis shares how golf has shaped his life and the lives of generations of Aggies.He reflects on memorable players and moments from his 27 years as head coach, the Aggie core values that keep him connected to the university, and why he loves helping brand new golfers find that first unforgettable shot. Coach Ellis also explains how golf serves as a powerful networking tool, why a good pre shot routine matters both on the course and in life, and how walking the course supports lifelong health and performance.Whether you are a serious golfer, a casual fan, or simply interested in leadership, character, and connection, this conversation offers practical wisdom and plenty of heart.To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/Host: Chelsea ReberGuest: Bob Ellis, Former Head Men’s Golf Coach and Golf Instructor, Texas A&M UniversityTimestamps(00:00-00:39) Golf And Networking(00:40-01:17) Welcome And Bob’s Role(01:18-02:29) Coaching Highlights And Heartbreak(02:30-05:10) Players Who Left Marks(05:11-06:27) What Aggie Core Means(06:28-07:27) Joy Of Beginners(07:28-07:58) Hall Of Fame Honor(07:59-09:27) From Coaching To Teaching(09:28-11:50) Golf As Networking Skill(11:51-13:38) Building Pre Shot Routine(13:39-15:21) Walking For Performance(15:22-16:36) Courses And Conditioning(16:37-17:35) Pros Who Inspire(17:36-18:21) First Tee Advice(18:22-19:18) Golf As Lifelong Game(19:19-20:40) Growing Game Access

Welcome back to Season 4 of On The Move, the podcast from the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University.In this episode, host Chelsea Reber is joined by Dr. Matthew Scott, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, whose work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, motor learning, and rehabilitation. Dr. Scott shares his journey from the United Kingdom to Aggieland and discusses how his research explores learning through movement observation, motor imagery, and neural activation, even when physical movement is limited or impossible.Viewers will learn how the brain adapts through watching and imagining movement, why concepts like the mirror neuron system matter for rehabilitation and performance, and how Dr. Scott’s Motor Cognition, Neuroscience, and Behavior Lab is advancing research with real-world impact. He also outlines plans for an open-access video resource library designed to support families, clinicians, and individuals seeking alternative pathways to movement learning.The conversation closes with thoughtful advice for students considering kinesiology, emphasizing curiosity, openness, and the expansive career possibilities within the field.To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/Host: Chelsea ReberGuest: Dr. Matthew Scott, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M UniversityTimestamps(00:00–01:45) Welcome to On The Move(01:46–03:58) From the UK to Aggieland(03:59–06:18) Why Study Motor Learning(06:19–08:52) Imagery and the Brain(08:53–11:42) Aphantasia and Learning Differences(11:43–14:30) Learning Through Observation(14:31–17:45) Building an Open Resource Library(17:46–20:10) Collaboration Across Disciplines(20:11–22:05) Teaching and Aggie Culture(22:06–23:35) Advice for Future Kinesiologists

In this episode of On the Move, host Chelsea Reber sits down with Dr. Lori Greenwood, Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Texas A&M, and students Caleigh Piles and Mitchell Machuca to explore what it takes to succeed in graduate athletic training. From balancing football, track, and academics to mastering time management, the students share how they navigate the intense demands of their dream program.The conversation dives into Disaster Day, a hands-on simulation designed to test students’ skills under pressure, as well as real-world experiences with research projects, professional representation, and opportunities with organizations like the Tennessee Titans. Dr. Greenwood shares how the program equips students with a “very large, heavy toolkit” to prepare them for careers in athletic training, while Caleigh and Mitchell reflect on goal-setting, work ethic, and pursuing lofty aspirations. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, preparation, and passion required to thrive in athletic training at the graduate level.If you enjoy these types of conversations, like, comment, and subscribe to keep them coming!To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at TAMU, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/ Host: Chelsea ReberGuests: Dr. Lori Greenwood (Director or the Master of Science in Athletic Training), Caleigh Piles (Master of Science Student, Football), Mitchell Machuca (Master of Science Student, Track and Field, Football) Timestamps:(00:00 - 00:57) Introduction(00:58 - 02:21) The Student’s Paths(02:22 - 05:39) Disaster Day(05:40 - 06:31) Mitchell’s First D-Day(06:32 - 07:48) Caleigh’s First D-Day(07:49 - 11:07) The Simulation Case(11:08 - 14:40) Track, Football, and Academics(14:41 - 16:39) Tennessee Titans(16:40 - 17:44) Professional Representation(17:45 - 21:59) Research Projects(22:00 - 24:11) Advice To Freshman Me(24:12 - 27:24) Open Opportunities(27:25 - 27:56) Closing

In this Season 4 episode of On the Move from the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, host Chelsea Reber welcomes back Dr. Marlene Dixon, Department Head of KNSM, for an inside look at the year ahead. Dr. Dixon reflects on major faculty and student awards, KNSM’s growing global reputation, and why colleagues around the world want to know what is happening at Texas A&M. She previews new research initiatives, including the thermoregulation lab focused on heat, performance, and safety in southern climates, ongoing work with first responders, and expanding efforts in sport data science that connect performance, fan experience, and participation trends. Dr. Dixon also shares updates on new faculty hires in kinesiology and sport management, from motor neuroscience and Parkinson’s research to strength and conditioning, fan engagement, and esports. Listeners hear how KNSM students are gaining international experience through NASA collaborations, global youth sport for development projects, and study abroad trips to Europe, Africa, and Central and South America. Dr. Dixon closes with a message to prospective students about the many paths within KNSM, from coaching and sport management to aging, movement, and community impact. To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/Host: Chelsea ReberGuest: Dr. Marlene Dixon, Department Head of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas A&M UniversityTimestamps(00:00 - 01:12) Introduction(01:12 - 03:31) Year at a Glance(03:31 - 05:53) New Thermoregulation Lab Launch (05:54 - 06:41) First Responder Safety Research(06:42 - 07:23) Expanding Motor Neuroscience Team (07:24 - 09:22) Strengthening Sport Management Faculty(09:23 - 10:50) Reputation, Culture, And Community(10:51 - 12:39) Sport Data Science Expansion(12:40 - 15:10) International Research And Travel(15:11 - 17:08) Global Perspective And Partnerships(17:09 - 18:31) PEP Gifts And Programs (18:32 - 20:58) Opportunities Beyond Traditional Sport(20:59 - 21:39) Season Preview And Closing 

Welcome back to On the Move, the podcast from the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University. In this episode, host Chelsea Reber is joined by Dr. Steven Martin, Clinical Associate Professor at TAMU, to explore the critical intersection of exercise science and first responder health, as well as the health of the community.Dr. Martin shares his remarkable journey from master's student to faculty member at Texas A&M, spanning nearly three decades of dedication to cardiovascular health research. From life-saving early detection of heart disease to cutting-edge DEXA scan technology, Dr. Martin explains how their program has identified serious cardiovascular conditions before they became fatal. The discussion highlights the unique physiological demands faced by first responders—from sudden adrenaline spikes to extreme physical exertion while wearing heavy gear—and how proper screening can prevent line-of-duty cardiac events. Dr. Martin also discusses the invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students, the newly formed Tactical Athlete Research Group (TAR), and exciting new research involving live fire simulations.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about protecting those who protect us, the power of real-world clinical experience in education, and how exercise science is literally saving lives in our community.To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at TAMU, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/ Host: Chelsea ReberGuest: Dr. Steven Martin, Clinical Associate Professor at Texas A&MTimestamps:(00:00 - 1:00) Intro(1:01 - 2:32) Stevens history and current position with TAMU(2:33 - 4:07) First Responder testing program(4:08 - 5:19) DEXA testing(5:20 - 6:44) Results and trends of testing(6:45 - 8:51) Getting the public involved in testing(8:52 - 9:51) Stress and adrenaline with law enforcement/first responders(9:52 - 12:57) Getting TAMU students involved(12:58 - 15:35) Achieving teacher of the year with students(15:36 - 17:11) Pride in student success(17:12 - 18:17) Advise for potential students(18:18 - 21:20) Steven’s vision for the future of exercise physiology(21:21 - 21:44) Outro