7/29/2023 0 Comments Thessa band![]() What is the biggest misconception you encountered about your research? As I became more involved, I realized how large the knowledge gaps are about the most basic aspects of lifestyle and health within this population, and I became excited by the prospect of helping to fill in some of those gaps. What struck me was the participants’ honest communication and their excitement for new experiences. I was tasked with testing the physical fitness of the participants. My former master’s advisor asked me to volunteer as a research assistant for a study about circadian rhythm and Alzheimer’s disease among individuals with Down Syndrome. ![]() What inspired you to pursue your line of research? This may further explain the fatigue and exercise intolerance experienced by individuals with Down Syndrome, and provide us with directions for adapted guidelines. My first NIH-funded project at UNLV will focus on individuals with Down Syndrome and investigate whether muscles are supplied with the right amount of oxygen to perform activities, and whether exercise will change the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure and blood flow to the muscles. My research examines how population-specific differences in cardiovascular physiology and autonomic regulation impact fitness and health among individuals with neurological limitations. And, I was really looking forward to working with physical therapy students. The team has great expertise in neurocognitive aspects of movement and rehabilitation, as well as strong collaborations with the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and other community partners. On top of that, the fit with the department was extremely good. When a position opened up within the physical therapy department and I was invited to campus, the ambitions and attitude were tangible in every conversation and interaction. I had spoken with different UNLV faculty members at various conferences and they all praised the university’s ambitiousness and can-do attitude. I chose to leave the Netherlands and embark on this new academic adventure, which turned out to be life-changing in every way imaginable. But if you want to present Thessa with a challenge today, ask her to describe the taste of an “oliebol.” Tell us about a time in your life you were daring.įive years ago, I was awarded the European Union Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship, which allowed me for one year to develop new techniques in the United States. Now she’s preparing to continue her research focused on cardiovascular physiology among people with neurological limitations. One of the more daring moments for Thessa Hilgenkamp happened recently when she moved more than 5,300 miles away from home to work at an ambitious university with a can-do attitude.
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