HPW Stories

Music is known to help lower anxiety and stress, slow the heart rate, and create a calming effect, but can certain music enhance an athlete’s performance? Colton Shirk ’27, a biology major, sought to answer the question for his Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) project.

A new research study comparing the exercise habits between four populations: VMI cadets, VMI alumni, W&L students, and W&L alumni, both in the short- and long-term, is being conducted by Maj. Katherine Baur, assistant professor in the Department of Human Performance and Wellness at VMI.

Caroline Lassalle ’25 has always had a strong desire to learn about exercise science and work in the medical field. The biology major spent five weeks last summer becoming a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) at Virginia Military Institute.

Cadets are required to take swimming classes — a requirement that sets VMI apart from other colleges and universities, Col. James Coale, head of the Department of Human Performance & Wellness (HPW), said.

Philip Argauer ’23 conducted a year-long research project on cadet motivation with physical fitness and presented his findings in his senior thesis titled, “Increased Physical Fitness With Volt” during Honors Week, held March 20-28.

The ribbon cutting and dedication of Virginia Military Institute’s Corps Physical Training Facility Phase III, the Aquatic Center took place Jan. 27. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent celebrated the event with local dignitaries and special guests.