海角社区 Senior Briasha Jones Receives National Biomedical Research Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2019
BATON ROUGE鈥擱ecently, 海角社区 senior Briasha Jones received the 2019 Outstanding Presentation Award at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) conference in Anaheim, Calif.
As a CHSE Undergraduate Distinguished Scholar, Jones has conducted research under the direction of Associate Dean Arend Van Gemmert and School of Kinesiology Assistant Professor Marc Dalecki to determine whether direction matters during eye-hand decoupled visuomotor tasks with the dominant and non-dominant hand.
鈥淎thletes take a baseline test before they play sports,鈥� begins Jones. 鈥淚f they get a concussion, they take a return-to-play test.鈥�
The test typically evaluates whether the athletes can perform a task with their dominant hand while focusing on another object鈥攆or example, looking at a computer screen while sliding a finger along a touchscreen.
Dalecki鈥檚 team is investigating the validity of two aspects of the current protocol, which is used as assessment tool in dementia, mild cognitive impairment and other patient populations.
鈥淲e are comparing tasks in which the direction of vision and action are coupled versus decoupled,鈥� Jones explains. 鈥淲e鈥檙e also looking at differences between the non-dominant and dominant hand. If we find the non-dominant hand is more sensitive to these kinds of tasks, it could yield a more sensitive assessment tool in concussion recovery or in other neurological disease populations.鈥�
Since becoming involved in the project through 海角社区鈥檚 Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (NIH R25 GM069743), Jones has been responsible for recruiting participants, data collection, and data analysis.
Besides the creation of her award-winning ABRCMS poster, she presented more than six other posters at national, regional, and local conferences, including the Society for Neuroscience meeting--the world鈥檚 largest and most impactful neuroscience conference.
In addition, Jones is listed as first or second author on work submitted to two peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Admittedly, the last four years have been quite a remarkable journey--from Opelousas, La., to prominence at the national biomedical research convention. 鈥淲hen I first got to 海角社区, my first class was bigger than my whole high school,鈥� Jones recalls. 鈥淚t was a huge adjustment, and it was rough at first. But, you can鈥檛 be scared. You just have to believe in yourself.鈥�
In addition to being recognized for her research skills, the kinesiology major has been selected to serve as a College of Human Sciences & Education ambassador, and she has been partly funded by the Ronald McNair scholarship program. She is also a proud member of the Eta Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After she graduates in May 2020, Jones plans to attend graduate school and later pursue a career in medicine.
For more information, contact:
Adrian E. Hirsch
海角社区 College of Human Sciences & Education
225-578-5110
ahirsch1@lsu.edu
About 海角社区 School of Kinesiology (SOK)
A school of the College of Human Sciences & Education, the SOK advances the understanding
of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse
populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK
offers bachelor鈥檚 degrees in sport administration and kinesiology with a pre-athletic
training, human movement or other related concentrations. SOK offers the state鈥檚 first
accredited master鈥檚 in athletic training, a master鈥檚 in kinesiology, an online master鈥檚
in kinesiology (sport management) and a PhD in kinesiology. Graduates go on to successful
careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and
businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings.
Visit the School of Kinesiology at lsu.edu/chse/kinesiology.
About 海角社区 College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE)
Located on the flagship campus in Baton Rouge, the College of Human Sciences & Education
(CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of 海角社区. The college
is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Kinesiology, the School of
Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Library & Information Science,
the School of Social Work, the University Laboratory School and the Early Childhood
Education Laboratory Preschool. These combined schools offer eight undergraduate degree
programs, 20 graduate programs, and seven online graduate degree and/or certificate
programs. CHSE current enrollment includes approximately1,800 undergraduates and more
than 1,900 graduate students. CHSE is committed to achieving the highest standards
in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across
the lifespan.
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at lsu.edu/chse