Who We Are
We are a group of Michigan Tech graduate students who are focused on improving the health of our community.
We are providing health resources and a virtual exercise program to help keep community members active and healthy.
Dr. Steven Elmer
Dr. Elmer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology at Michigan Technological University. His research goals are to find better ways to restore musculoskeletal function, maintain health, and improve performance in healthy and clinical populations.
The Current Team
Abby Brooks
Abby Brooks is a M.S. student in the Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology Department at Michigan Technological University. She earned her B.S. in Physiology and minor in Health Promotion from Michigan State University (MSU). Abby worked in the Health Behaviors and Cognition Lab at MSU for 2 years. Abby is interested in exercise physiology and brain and behavior. Abby aspires to earn her PhD or DPT after completing the M.S. program.
Nathan Balok
Nathan is an M.S. student in Kinesiology at Michigan Technological University. He earned his B.S. in Human Biology, with a minor in Pre-Health Professions, at Michigan Tech as well. Currently working in the exercise physiology laboratory, Nathan is interested in community outreach and promoting lifelong physical activity, especially in a rural setting. He believes physical activity throughout one's life is the best way to achieve longevity, preserve function, and ensure overall well-being. Nathan aspires to earn his M.D. after Michigan Tech and hopes to work in a rural clinic, continuing to promote physical activity in his practice.
Kyle Wehmanen
Noelle St. Pierre
Noelle St. Pierre is a second year Exercise Science major in the Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology department at Michigan Technological University. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate, then plans to attend physical therapy school to become a physical therapist.
Felix Cottet-Puinel
Felix Cottet-Puinel is a M.S. student in the Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology Department at Michigan Technological University. He is currently doing a thesis research on the impact of acute high-intensity exercise on cognitive performance. Felix earned his B.S. in Exercise Science in France, at University Grenoble Alps. He is also Graduate Assistant coach in the Michigan Tech Nordic ski team for which he raced during the two previous seasons. Felix aspires to earn a PhD after completing the M.S. program, or to coach for a regional Nordic ski team back in Europe.
Eni Wright
Enioluwa Wright is a current 4th year undergraduate student at Michigan Technological University. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria he has lived in Michigan for the last 7 years and enjoys playing soccer in his free time. He is working towards a B.S degree in Human Biology with a minor in Pre-Health Professions and plans to graduate in the Spring of 2024. He has a keen interest in the applications of medicine in athletics and hopes to carry this interest on to medical school.
Up and Moving Alumni - Past Contributors
Isaac Wedig
Isaac Wedig is a PhD student in the Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology Department at Michigan Technological University. He earned a B.S. in Physiology and an M.S. in Exercise Science from Northern Michigan University. Specializing in exercise physiology, his research focuses on the promotion of exercise as a vital form of medicine to improve health and finding nutritional/training strategies aimed at improving body composition and performance in athletes. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over seven years of personal training experience and coaching. Isaac's future goal is to become a university professor and researcher in the field of exercise physiology.
Isaac Lennox
Isaac earned his B.S in Kinesiology with minors in Biology and Biochemistry at Lake Superior State University (LSSU). He is from Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, and is currently an M.S. student at Michigan Technological University studying Kinesiology. Isaac aspires to earn his MD after Michigan Tech to be an academic physician. At LSSU, Isaac spent four years as a member of the Men’s Golf team which competed in the GLIAC at the Division II level. Isaac is interested in research in the promotion of exercise as a form of medicine, specifically as a vital sign in the clinical setting.
Ari Laiho
Ari Laiho received her B.S. in Exercise Science in May of 2020 from Michigan Technological University. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Kinesiology and applying to DPT school. Ari also works as Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technician and is part of the Mont Ripley Ski Patrol. Ari has extensive experience biomechanics.
Jenna Phelps
Jenna Phelps earned a B.S. in Sports and Fitness Management from Michigan Technological University in 2015. While at Michigan Tech, Jenna played goalkeeper on the soccer team. She spent three years coaching high school and collegiate soccer. In these environments, she aided in physical performance, team chemistry, and overall student athlete well-being. Jenna is part of the Kinesiology Master’s program, and plans to continue coaching soccer after graduation, hoping to bridge a gap between specific on-field movements and strength and conditioning programs.
Jamie Phillips
Jamie Phillips holds B.S. and M.S Kinesiology degrees from Michigan Technological University. Jamie played four years of professional ice hockey and is in the process of applying to physical therapy school. Originally from Canada, Jamie has spent the last 9 years in the US. He is the owner of Phillips Sports Performance, and is currently a DPT student at Central Michigan University.
Corey Nicole
Corey Nicole has B.S. in exercise science and is a CNA at a Portage Point nursing home to the most at risk population for acute and chronic conditions including COVID-19. Hailing from Calumet, she has a unique insight on how COVID-19 effects the local population. Corey is also heavily involved in vape and e-cigarette education and research. Corey brings an upbeat and positive attitude to any group she works with!
Emma Huhta
Emma Huhta obtained her B.S. in Exercise Science degree from Central Michigan University in 2019 and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Kinesiology. Originally from Houghton, Emma has experience volunteering abroad, working alongside the health educators and observing various fitness instructors. Emma is well informed of the local community and the aging population.
Greg Miodonski
Greg Miodonski holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Michigan Technological University and is currently a M.S. in the Kinesiology. Greg commands a strong knowledge of cardiovascular physiology and is studying cardiovascular disease in rodent models. Greg is a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) with MT Emergency Medical Services and responds to 911 calls for the Michigan Tech campus and Student Development Complex.
Grant Thivierge
Grant Thivierge received his B.S. in Biological Sciences from Michigan Technological University and is currently an Accelerated Masters student in the Biological Sciences program. He specializes in cardiopulmonary physiology and neural cardiovascular control. He has worked on multiple projects involving regulation of blood pressure and different treatments to manage high blood pressure. While in the Clinical and Applied Human Physiology lab Grant received a surf award and was involved in several research publications.
Carmen Scarfone
Carmen earned a B.S in Kinesiology and an Associate Degree as a Health and Fitness Specialist at Lake Superior State University (LSSU). He is originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. He has experience as a certified personal trainer, as an intern strength and conditioning coach with LSSU athletics, past Junior A hockey player, former President of LSSU Kinesiology Club, and volunteer/intern in multiple rehabilitation clinical settings. He is passionate about translational research that focuses on resistance training as a modality for prevention and rehabilitation of injuries to promote quality of life and restore musculoskeletal function. Carmen is currently a PT student at The University of Western, Ontario.
Jessica Lacy
Jessica is a current fourth-year undergraduate student at Michigan Technological University. She will graduate in the Spring of 2023 with a B.S. in Exercise Science with Minors in Psychology and Pre-Health Professions. After graduation, Jessica hopes to attend DPT school to become a physical therapist. She is originally from the rural town of Manchester, Michigan and in her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, and volunteering at the Copper Country Humane Society.
