February 16, 2023
Children are encouraged to reach for the stars, yet college students are often urged to be practical and keep their feet on the ground. Two students, Elisabeth Dichiara, 22’ and Neel Patel, combined those ideas when they traveled to Paris, France last October to present at the 2022 International Astronautical Congress with funds from the Kentucky Space Grant Consortium.
Dichiara and Patel are students in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Department of Health and Sport Sciences (HSS). HSS is the CEHD’s newest department and is home to nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the health, fitness, and sport industries. Expert faculty teach academic programs in exercise science, exercise physiology, health and physical education, and sport administration.
One HSS faculty member, John Caruso, is committed to enhancing student experiences. Caruso specializes in teaching exercise physiology and human anatomy and physiology but is also heavily involved in research at UofL. His current work focuses on palm cooling devices for athletes, astronauts, and laborers. Dichiara and Patel began working with Caruso on the palm cooling research project in the fall of 2020.
Palm cooling is the act of placing a cold object on the palm. Studies have shown that is an effective way to lower body heat in humans. This is especially important if they are working outside or in warm conditions.
Dichiara began working with Caruso while earning a master of science degree in exercise physiology. “I started working with him during my first semester,” she explained. “Eventually, he suggested that I apply for the NASA Kentucky grant.”
After several months, Dichiara’s project was accepted, and she was invited to present at the 2022 International Astronautical Congress. “Her project looked at mobility issues with the thermal flux palm cooling glove device,” explained Caruso. “Elisabeth spoke in a room with 150 people from around the world and she was the only graduate student who presented. Neel and I tagged along for support.”
Since graduating in May 2022, Dichiara has remained involved with research at UofL. After their trip, Patel started a new project with funds from the same grant. “As soon as we got back, Dr. Caruso and I began discussing conferences I could apply for,” said Patel. His work will be a continuation of the thermal flux palm cooling project. “We’re expanding the focus to see how much temperature we can decrease while someone is wearing the gloves,” said Patel. “We want to know if they’re effective and efficient.”
Patel will graduate with a bachelor of science in health and human performance (exercise science) in May 2023 and plans to apply for the 2024 cycle of medicine. After his experiences so far, Patel feels confident in his future. “Taking these opportunities has been valuable for me and I’m sure it would be valuable for others as well.”
Caruso, Dichara, and Patel all agreed that being involved in research, especially while at the university, has been impactful. Students can develop professionally, network globally, and fulfill their childhood dream of reaching for the stars. “I really hope that students can see that research takes you places,” said Caruso. “It can be fun. We should have more opportunities available for students interested in tackling that.”
In addition to the presentation and conference, Dichiara, Patel, and Caruso took in the sights and experiences Paris had to offer. They visited The Louvre, took pictures with the Eiffel Tower, and much more.
If you’re interested in a degree from the Department of Health and Sport Sciences, click here for more information. Students interested in working with Dr. John Caruso can email him at john.caruso@louisville.edu
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.
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