Tactical Performance
and Thermoregulation Lab
About the Lab
By focusing our research on populations based in the hottest regions of the United States, our research highlights the unique environmental pressures of the region, offering insights into human resilience and performance in extreme environments.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches, we aim to extend the boundaries of human capability and enhance resilience and safety in challenging conditions.
Location: Lab 134, Reynolds Building
Mission Statement
Our mission is to pioneer advancements in human thermoregulation and performance through innovative research and technology, including the development of the thermal digital twin. By understanding individual variability in extreme environments, we aim to push the boundaries of human capability and enhance resilience and safety in challenging conditions.
Vision Statement
Core Values
Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards, transparency, accountability, and compliance with institutional, state, and federal research regulations while fostering an environment that respects multiple perspectives and experiences.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: We actively foster multidisciplinary partnerships, including physiology, engineering, environmental science, data analytics, and public health, to create innovative and impactful solutions.
Innovation: We embrace bold, forward-thinking approaches and technologies to address current challenges and anticipate the human performance needs of future generations.
Excellence: We are committed to producing rigorous, meaningful, and transformative research that advances the global understanding of human thermal performance.
Resilience: We thrive on tackling complex challenges, adapting to evolving circumstances, and driving progress in high-stakes, high-impact environments.
Facilities and Capabilities
Environmental Chamber (ESPEC)
Capable of simulating extreme environments with ±1°F precision across a temperature range of -22°F to 185°F (-30°C to 85°C) and controlled humidity regulation. Supports human testing, thermal stress studies, and physiological adaptation research under precisely controlled environmental conditions.
Metabolic Cart (COSMED K5)
Portable metabolic analyzer for measuring oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization during exercise and rest.
Treadmills & Cycle Ergometers (Woodway)
High-performance treadmills and ergometers designed for controlled exercise testing, gait analysis, and endurance assessments.
Fully Equipped Wet Lab with Phlebotomy Capabilities
Enables blood sampling, biomarker analysis, and biochemical assays to assess metabolic, endocrine, and immune responses to exercise and environmental stressors.
High-Sensitivity Force Plates (AMTI)
Precision platforms for measuring ground reaction forces, balance, and neuromuscular performance during dynamic movements.
Thermal Imaging System
Infrared technology for assessing heat distribution, skin temperature changes, and thermoregulatory responses in real time.
Temperature Monitoring Systems
Core and skin temperature sensors for continuous tracking of thermoregulation and physiological responses in various environments.
Body Composition Analysis
Multiple modalities, including body scanners, platform scales, and bioelectrical impedance, to assess body fat percentage, body surface area, muscle mass, and hydration status.
Cardiovascular Monitoring Systems
Includes heart rate monitors, ECGs, and blood pressure devices to track cardiovascular function and autonomic responses to exercise and environmental stress.