Harris College is pleased to announce that two faculty members, Phil Esposito, assistant professor of kinesiology, and Gina Alexander, assistant professor of nursing, have received grants from TCU’s Research and Creative Activities Fund. The RCAF provides financial support to enable full-time, tenure-track and tenured faculty members to engage in research or pursue artistry that will make a significant contribution to the individual’s discipline. Grants are awarded to faculty members with noteworthy research concepts that would benefit from further exploration.

Esposito will use the RCAF grant to study the potential correlation between Down syndrome, obesity and a low (almost non-existent) risk for heart disease, high cholesterol and other weight-related ailments. Individuals with Down syndrome are disproportionately overweight but do not experience the same risk for metabolic issues as individuals who are overweight without Down syndrome. These risks are highly likely and often expected for overweight and obese individuals in general; however, people with Down syndrome appear to be exceptions.

Esposito believes that something in the chromosomal mutation that causes Down syndrome potentially immunizes these individuals from obesity-related diseases. He is optimistic about this research, and anticipates the study to produce greater insight into the matter. He expects to complete the research by December 2012.

Alexander will utilize the RCAF grant to explore the impact of the intentional practice of alternative therapies (mind-body medicine) on the general wellbeing of healthcare professionals. She will conduct a randomized controlled trial in which participants will practice various mind-body techniques. Data regarding the participants’ general health patterns prior to the training will be acquired, and data collection will be repeated afterward. Specifically, Alexander will track the participants’ sleep quality, stress, mindfulness and health promotion activities (eating well, exercising, appropriate substance use, etc.). These variables will be the standard by which Alexander will weigh the influence of mind-body medicine on the total health of the individual.

While passionate about mind-body medicine and the practice becoming an integral process of achieving overall good health, Alexander is determined to remain balanced throughout the course of the study. “I would like to see that there’s a change in health, but my aim is to be as unbiased as possible and see how it all plays out.” Alexander expects to complete the research by spring 2013.