move more efficiently or use alternative
equipment to reduce lower back stress.
Keeler has likely discovered a field of work
he will continue to study. When initially
contemplating master’s programs, Abel’s
research caught his eye.
“My father’s side of the family are
volunteer firefighters, state police troopers,
and EMS heads in New York state, so the
topic of helping people who do those
professions interested me right away. I took
one of Dr. Abel’s classes, and loved the way
he taught and challenged the thinking of
his students. After that I thought we might
be able to work together, and it has worked
out really well. He has been a very great
mentor, colleague and friend.”
“I have a belief that keeping your
head in research will help you
become a better teacher...”
—Jason Keeler
master’s student
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Keeler has been accepted into the College
of Education Department of Kinesiology
and Health Promotion’s Ph.D. program and
will work with Abel. Eventually, he would
like to begin his career at an institution that
will allow him to continue his research and
teach students.
“I have a belief that keeping your head
in research will help you become a better
teacher, and I hope that is what I’m able
to do,” he said. “After starting down this
road, I have found myself loving the work
more and more. If I help provide some
information that can help prevent an injury,
I would feel fantastic about my work.” «