Exercise Science

McKenzie is a first-year Ph.D student in the Exercise Science program. McKenzie was born and raised in Texas but moved to Jackson, MS to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Mississippi College. She remained at MC to receive her Master’s degree in Applied Exercise Physiology, during which she taught undergraduate exercise physiology labs.

Maria is a first-year PhD student in the Exercise Science program at Mississippi State University, with a focus on Disability. Originally from Pakistan, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Riphah International University in Lahore and completed her Master's in Exercise Science at Mississippi State University in Spring 2024. Maria's research is dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of individuals with Down syndrome.

Lauren Smith is a Ph.D. student in the Exercise Science program. Originally from Tupelo, MS, Lauren earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mississippi State University. She later earned a Master’s in Biomedical Science from William Carey University. Her current research interests include using nutrition to improve the gut microbiome and overall health and fitness.

Leo Po-Lin Chen is a fourth-year Ph.D. student majoring in Exercise Science. He is originally from Taiwan and earned both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Physical Education at National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. He joined the Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology Laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology. Leo’s research interests include Adapted Physical Activity/ Education (APA/ APE), exercise interventions, motor skills, and cognitive function.

Hunter Derby, PhD is from Columbus.  As a Mississippi State Alumni, Hunter is a third-generation bulldog, having earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree from Mississippi State.

Currently, he completed his Ph.D. in Exercise Science specializing his research in spine biomechanics in the ergonomics.  With earning multiple black belts and teaching traditional karate, Hunter developed his research interests in biomechanics and injury prevention and how they improve performance. 

Kristy Gourley is a lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology. She holds a master’s degree from Mississippi State University in exercise physiology. She is originally from Mathiston, MS and completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Millsaps College while playing women’s lacrosse. Kristy is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She also assists in on-going research in the Neuromechanics Laboratory at Mississippi State University and has taught activity classes.