The newly renovated 3,650-square-foot space includes a structural kinesiology lab, where graduate students will study nerves, muscles and other human tissue through the use of cadavers. The $300,000 facility also includes teaching laboratories equipped with research equipment such as treadmills and cycle ergometers and interactive chalkboards, which transmit data to students' laptop computers.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the IU Human Performance Laboratories and the Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories, both located in the School of HPER's Department of Kinesiology, will be dedicated to the late Harold "Hal" Morris, former chair of the department. "Kinesiology" represents the evolution of what was previously called the Department of Physical Education when Morris was selected for the position in 1983. The dedication will take place at 4 p.m. in room 046 and will involve comments from HPER Dean Robert M. Goodman, former deans David Gallahue and Tony Mobley, and a member of the Morris family.
Early in his academic career, Morris had an interest in coaching, but was steadily drawn to research, specializing in biostatistics, human performance and motor control. During his 17 years as department chair, student enrollment increased significantly and research intensified. He oversaw the creation of the Human Performance Labs and helped expand course offerings, which resulted in solidifying majors in exercise science, sports management and marketing and sports communication.
"Hal Morris knew we needed labs to be competitive in academia," said David Koceja, associate dean for research in the School of HPER. Morris was Koceja's advisor in graduate school. "He really emphasized the research part of what we do. I think you see that coming to fruition -- the university, with its life sciences initiative, is saying this kind of teaching and research is important."
