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Meet the researchers who bring their best work
to NOPL every day.
Interested in our history? See the full lab timeline
Payton miller, m.s.
Payton miller, m.s.
PhD Candidate in Exercise Physiology
Anticipated graduation: Spring 2028
Payton is a second-year Ph.D. candidate originally from Houston, Texas. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Exercise and Sport Science at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, where she conducted research in the Clinical Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology Laboratory under Dr. John Farrell III. Her master's work focused on the fatigue threshold marker critical power and the parameter W' during high-intensity interval exercise protocols. Currently, Payton serves as a graduate part-time instructor for the Department of Kinesiology at TTU, and is involved in research at the Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory. She is particularly excited about her upcoming research with tactical athletes, aiming to optimize performance in this unique population.
As featured in Texas Tech Now (June 2026): How Two Texas Tech Researchers Hope to Keep Firefighters Safer
Kornkanok "Grammy" Sophonsakulrat, CSCS
Kornkanok "Grammy" Sophonsakulrat, CSCS
M.S. in Kinesiology (Human Performance)
Anticipated graduation: Spring 2026
Grammy is a second-year master's student who recently received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Texas Tech University in the Spring of 2024. She has been working with Dr. Mota in the research lab since Spring 2023 and is currently working on her master's degree in Human Performance. Her research interests include analyzing ultrasounds as well as investigating tactical strength and conditioning. In addition, Grammy is currently working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management where she is an instructor for physical fitness and wellness classes.
As featured in Texas Tech Now (March 2026): "Texas Tech Graduate Student Shows Discipline in the Weight Room"
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Students
Avery
Pickrell
B.S. in Microbiology Avery
Pickrell
(Honors College)Anticipated graduation: Fall 2026
Avery is a third-year undergraduate student from Mansfield, Texas. She is currently studying Microbiology with a minor in Spanish at Texas Tech University. Currently on the pre-medical track, she plans to attend medical school with an interest in pursuing pathology or radiology. Working in NOPL, she has developed a special interest in pQCT and ultrasound.
Corie Smith
B.S. in Kinesiology Corie Smith
(Honors College)Anticipated graduation: Spring 2027
Corie is a third-year undergraduate student from Streetman, Texas. She is currently studying kinesiology with a minor in athletic coaching. After undergrad, she plans to attend physical therapy school with an interest in pursuing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. During her time at NOPL, she has enjoyed learning DXA analysis.
Visiting Scholars
Visiting Scholars
NOPL has hosted visiting scholars from institutions around the world.
Bronia Glen, Phd(c)
Bronia Glen, Phd(c)
Bronia Glen was a visiting scholar in NOPL during the Summer of 2026. At the time of her visit, she was a research scientist and PhD Candidate in Biomechanics and Exercise Science at Macquarie University in Australia. Her doctoral research focuses on occupational physiology and psychology, specifically investigating the effects of physical and cognitive fatigue on performance in firefighting — research that maps directly onto NOPL's occupational physiology work.
Todd Freeborn, Phd
Todd Freeborn, Phd
Todd Freeborn was a visiting scholar in NOPL for a month in the fall of 2023. Dr. Freeborn is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama in the electrical and computer engineering department. His research focuses on biomedical signal processing for health applications and electrode-based measurement of biological tissues — a natural fit for the noninvasive assessment work we do at NOPL.
NOPL Alumni
NOPL Alumni
Our alumni have gone onto research roles, advanced degrees, and clinical positions accross the country.
Doctoral Degree Alumni
Doctoral Degree Alumni
Kealey Wohlgemuth, Ph.D., CISSN, CSCS, *D
Texas Tech University Class of 2025
Currently an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) at the University of Cincinnati
Master's Degree Alumni
Master's Degree Alumni
Kornkanok "Grammy" Sophonsakulrat, M.S. in Kinesiology (Human Performance)
Texas Tech University Class of 2026
As featured in Texas Tech Now (March 2026):
"Texas Tech Graduate Student Shows Discipline in the Weight Room"
Currently pursuing PhD at the University of Oklahoma (Dr. Sam Moore)
Carina Velasquez, M.S. in Kinesiology (Human Performance)
Texas Tech University Class of 2025
Currently pursuing PhD at Texas Tech University (Dr. Grant Tinsley)
Kathryn Southall, M.S. in Kinesiology (Human Performance)
Texas Tech University Class of 2024
Currently pursuing PhD at University of Virginia (Dr. Chris Kuenze)
McKenzie Hare, M.S. in Kinesiology (Human Performance)
Texas Tech University Class of 2024
Undergraduate Alumni
Undergraduate Alumni
Laura "Ryne" Roden, B.S. in Nutrition
Texas Tech University Class of 2026
Karley Rayfield, B.S. in Animal Science
Texas Tech University Class of 2026
Katherine Adcock, B.S. in Kinesiology
Texas Tech University Class of 2026
Canyon Massengale, B.S. in Biology
Texas Tech University Class of 2026
Salvador Ortiz Sanchez, B.S. in Kinesiology
Texas Tech University Class of 2026
Breanna Rodriguez, B.S. in Kinesiology
Texas Tech University Class of 2025
Prrishti Gukhool, B.S. in Mathematics
Texas Tech University Class of 2024
Maddie Roy, B.S. in Kinesiology
Texas Tech University Class of 2023
Abbey Jordan, B.S. in Exercise Science
University of Alabama Class of 2023
Mackenzie Kennedy, B.S. in Exercise Science
University of Alabama Class of 2022
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