
KRD is a one-day conference that showcases the research of undergraduate and graduate kinesiology students and professors in the field, presents speakers who discuss research topics within kinesiology and culminates with a keynote speaker who details their experience and research within the field of kinesiology.
KRD will be of interest to those within fields and careers related to kinesiology and wellness, such as exercise science, sport psychology, nutrition, community health and wellness, overall personal well-being, biomechanics, motor behavior, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and medicine. Please join us for a day of engagement and education.
When: March 11, 2026
Where: The Jaguar Student Activities Center (JSAC)
March 11th will be the 6th annual event and will feature the following speakers:

Michael Roberts, PhD
Dr. Roberts is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University where he serves as the Director of the Molecular and Applied Sciences Laboratory as well as the Director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory. He received his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Oklahoma after completing his BS in Biology and MSEd in Exercise Physiology (2006) from Baylor University.
Dr. Roberts’ research focuses on how nutrition and/or exercise affects cellular biomarkers and whole-body physiology.

Nels Popp, PhD
Dr. Popp is a Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at UNC Chapel Hill. He serves as the Co-Director for the Center of Research and Intercollegiate Athletics, in addition to the Director of Graduate Studies. He received his PhD in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville after completing a BA in English at St. Mary’s University and an MS in Sport Administration at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse.
Dr. Popp’s research interests include revenue generation for college athletic departments with a particular emphasis on sport ticket sales at both the collegiate and professional sport levels.
The Augusta University Kinesiology Research Day is made possible by the generous support of the College of Education and its fine donors.