Southwestern University
07/28/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/28/2026 15:37
Video: Kinesiology Students Conduct Research to Aid First Responders During Summer SURF Project
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Video: Kinesiology Students Conduct Research to Aid First Responders During Summer SURF Project
Students in Garey Chair and Associate Professor of Kinesiology Ed Merritt's summer SURF project conducted a load carriage study to determine the most efficient and least taxing method for first responders to carry large quantities of weight.
July 28, 2026
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Kinesiology majors Johannes Becker '27, Kayden Jones '27, and Malachi Wilson '28 joined Garey Chair and Associate Professor of Kinesiology Ed Merritt for a summer Southwestern Undergraduate Research with Faculty (SURF) project exploring the effects of load carriage on the human body. An essential task for first responders and military personnel, load carriage involves carrying essential tools and equipment that can weigh 30-70% of a person's body mass. The group conducted a series of tests to determine the most efficient and least taxing methods of load carriage. Their research aims to help inform first responders on the best way to carry heavy loads with the goal of reducing fatigue before performing potentially life-saving tasks.
The group will be continuing their research this fall and is looking for members of the Southwestern University community to participate. If you are interested in assisting with the study, please contact [email protected].
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Southwestern University published this content on July 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 28, 2026 at 21:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]