Search Alma: > Log-in to my Alma


Notes Along the Trail

A Diverse Group

Eleven and counting...

Dr. John Davis testing a thru-hiker as part of his Applachian Trail project

Dr. John Davis (background) performing a graded exercise test at the Hiker Hostel.

The testing is going well. Eleven subjects so far with a goal of 50.

The physiology is very interesting, but the sociology/psychology of the thru-hikers is even more unique. Many have sold everything they have and are starting a new life. Yesterday, we had a guy who has cancer and only a short time to live start the trail. Ages range from 20 to 87 (I didn’t get to test the 87 year old). One hiked up to Maine, back down to Georgia and is heading right back up to Maine again. Many of them are totally unprepared physically and psychologically for the hike. Several don’t have the right equipment: Two were going to carry guns and one was carrying a machete!!!! Needless to say a very diverse group.

I am very hopeful that I will get at least 50 subjects. The data will be very interesting to say the least.

Posted: Fri, March 16th, 2007 at 12:04AM

 

Spring Term at Alma is a one-month immersion on a single academic topic that offers learning experiences not typically available during the more traditional 15-week fall and winter terms. For example, during Spring Term ‘07 students explored important cultural sites in China, worked to restore a Jewish Holocaust cemetery in Poland, analyzed ethic politics in Scotland, and studied medieval literature in London.

Read More

 

Student Profile

Brandon Smith
Graduation: 2008
Major: Exercise and Health Science
Minor: Chemistry

Brandon Smith hopes his interest in the human body combined with his major in exercise and health science will earn him a spot in medical school in the fall of 2008.

“The Exercise and Health Science Department at Alma has classes that focus on function in physiology, structure in anatomy and even pathology in human diseases,” the Harrisville senior says. “I hope that I will discover an area of medicine that will call me in the way that the EHS program here did.”

Read More