Kennesaw, Ga. | May 8, 2025
Kaden Buford, senior of Kennesaw State University, likes to be practical with the science of exercise, immerse themselves in a clinical environment and help people cure injuries. His classmate Kayla Anderson, on the other hand, prefers research, plunging into the scientific “why” using data, experiences and observation.
Together, they form a great team of Majors of the science of exercise Study effective measures of muscle function and support each other in and outside the laboratory. Recently, they worked together on three research projects and Anderson presented its results in the spring Symposium of university students.
“Kaden and Kayla are a dynamic duo,” Garrett Hester, an associate professor of exercise science and mentor at Anderson and Buford, told Garrett Hester. “They had such a complete experience in Ksu, both with research and the club of the Majors of the Enterprise, their Capstones honors, and they really support each other. It was great to see. ”
The duo took different ways to start before landing in the Hester laboratory. Buford originally wanted to study breastfeeding But the gears have changed to help people in a different health care framework.
“Like nursing care, the science of exercise is based on the person and allows you to have an impact on so many lives,” she said. “Thanks to the science of exercise, I also embarked on research, which was a great experience for me.”
Likewise, Anderson arrived in Ksu with a biochemistry interest but quickly changed heart.
“People say to study something that fascinates you, and yes, I am passionate about science and mathematics, but I am also passionate about health and well-being,” she said. “When I was looking for areas of research and career paths, the science of exercise was more suitable for what I like to do. There is always this physiology side in which I put, but it is also practical, it is linked to health and well-being, and I work with people.”
They worked together in the Hester laboratory with the graduate of Master 2024 LACEY HARPER On his study of the effectiveness of strength training in elderly women. Later, they took their own projects. For their corners of a cornerstone in the KSU Journey Honors CollegeThe duo studied muscle function from different points of view. BUFORD studies non -local muscle fatigue involving a handshake after a quick walking task, and Anderson’s project is on the effects of mental imagery at different muscle contraction speeds on brain excitability and muscle function. Hester said that Anderson was leading the largest study by undergraduate students to date under his mentoring to date; A randomized control trial with four visits including twenty participants.
Far from the laboratory, the two run the KSU – BUFORD exercise club as president, Anderson as a vice -president. In the recent Wellstar Research Commitment and Discovery SymposiumThey presented their research, Buford winning first place and Anderson finishing second.
“We were just the power duo all year round,” said Anderson. “Kaden was my main supporter of my project. She helped me a lot with pilot tests as well as data collection. She helped recruit, so we have teamed up with research and club majors. We work together all the time.
BUFORD said that the two brought different things to the laboratory that complement each other and helped them reach large heights as a student and researchers.
“Even if we are involved in many of the same things, we think very differently because Kayla is very analytical, and she notices details that I do not do,” said Buford. “I am a very creative person outside of science. We have different features that come together, and it helps us create good ideas. ”
After graduating, Anderson will stay in Ksu to continue her Master of Science in Exempt ScienceWhile Buford will continue a doctor in physiotherapy at Georgia Southern University, which she will start next week.
“Their commitment, their hard work and their support for each other have made a big difference for them in Ksu, and these things will serve them in the future,” said Hester.
– by Dave Shelles
Matt Yung photos
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Innovative education and learning leader, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctorate diplomas to their more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the Georgia university system with 11 university colleges. The culture of the university’s dynamic campus, the diversified population, strong global links and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from the country and the world. The state of Kennesaw is a doctoral research institution designated by Carnegie (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8% of American colleges and universities with R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit Kennesaw.edu.