Renowned Expert in Physiology to Give Health, Human Performance and Recreation Seminar

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The Exercise Science Research Center announced that James Carson, senior associate dean of research and graduate studies at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's College of Health Professions, will speak as part of the U of A College of Education and Health Professions Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation Seminar Series.

Carson, a renowned expert and leader in physiology, will give a special lecture titled "Disrupted Muscle Metabolism in Cancer and Treatment: A Role for Exercise" on Nov. 3 from 1-2 p.m. in HPER 316.

The seminar will cover various topics relating to the role of muscle disuse in cancer development, associated chemotherapy treatment-induced systemic and skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction and how increased physical activity can improve that dysfunction.

Tyrone A. Washington, an associate professor of exercise science at the U of A, was a doctoral student under Carson during his time at the University of South Carolina.

"Dr. Carson was more than a mentor to me. At a time where I needed direction, Dr. Carson was there, and he is the reason I am passionate about science," Washington said. "He is an amazing scientist, but what has always impressed me was how much of a dedicated family man he is. He treated the members of his lab as family, and I have always appreciated that. It is truly an honor to host Dr. James Carson here at the University of Arkansas."

Carson arrived at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2018 following a 19-year stint as a faculty member at the University of South Carolina, where he established a muscle biology research program. As graduate director for eight years, he helped grow the Exercise Science doctoral program to be the No. 1 ranked program in kinesiology for the past 10 years, according to the National Academy of Kinesiology. He is also director and chief of the regenerative and rehabilitation sciences division at the Tennessee Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

"Dr. Carson's credentials as a scientist are truly outstanding, and he is among the world's true leaders in the study of cancer-associated cachexia," said Nicholas Greene, professor and director of the U of A's Exercise Science Research Center. "Dr. Carson has been a driving influence and cherished mentor for my career, to whom I owe a great deal of my own successes. This is truly an amazing opportunity to have a world leader and fantastic person visit our research center, department and university."

Those who cannot attend the seminar in person can join via Zoom here.