Lab Members

Director

Joshua C. Carr, PhD, CSCS
Assistant Professor, Kinesiology Program
Director, Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory

Dr. Joshua C. Carr is an exercise physiologist whose research focuses on neuromuscular plasticity. His work is driven by a broader interest in how exercise can be used to preserve strength, restore function, and improve health across injury, disuse, disease, and aging. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 2019 under the mentorship of Professor Travis Beck. Dr. Carr is an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is a recipient of the BIGXII Faculty Fellowship award and is currently supported by the Cognitive and Neurobiological Approaches to Plasticity (CNAP) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence as a Pilot Project Awardee. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American College of Sports Medicine Central States Chapter as the State of Kansas Representative, is an Associate Editor for Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, and serves on the Editorial Board for Physiological Reports. Outside of the lab, he has a lifelong passion for resistance training and enjoys making pancakes for his wife and their three young daughters.

Links:
Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate | CV

Graduate Students

Lee J Hinkle
Degree Program: PhD in Kinesiology
Role: Graduate Research Assistant

Lee J Hinkle investigates healthy neuromuscular aging and the role of physical activity and exercise in preserving function and independence throughout adulthood, with particular interest in cancer survivorship. Supported by the Johnson Cancer Research Center, his research integrates neuromuscular physiology, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and population health to identify mechanisms of functional decline and inform interventions that improve strength, mobility, and quality of life in older adults and people living with and beyond cancer.

Current Projects: Grip Strength and Neuromuscular Health Across the Lifespan. This study investigates how grip strength and neuromuscular function change across the lifespan using physical function assessments and surface electromyography (EMG). We are recruiting participants of all ages and health statuses for a single study visit lasting approximately 45 minutes. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lee at leejhinkle@k-state.edu.

Tejaswin Shankar
Degree Program: MS in Kinesiology
Role: Graduate Teaching Assistant

TJ is currently pursuing his MS in Kinesiology and is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Kansas State University. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance and his master's degree in accountancy from K-State. TJ's interests include biomechanics, performance optimization, athlete health and performance. Outside of school, TJ is a professional athlete who represents India in international competitions and holds the Indian national record for the Decathlon.

Undergraduate Researchers

Kai Rehfeld
Major: Kinesiology
Role: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Kai is an undergraduate student at Kansas State University who plans to graduate in Spring 2027 and pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. He has been heavily involved with K-State Football Sports Nutrition and campus ministry during his time at K-State. Kai also has a passion for travel and recently returned from a trip to Africa.

Brennan Cook
Major: Kinesiology
Role: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Brennan is a Kinesiology major with minors in Neuroscience and Strength & Conditioning at Kansas State University. His interests center on human performance, and he currently works as a strength and conditioning coach for youth athletes. Outside of the classroom and weight room, Brennan enjoys vintage clothing.