Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Michigan University to facilitate staff exchanges, study abroad opportunities for students and research collaborations in the health science field.
Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Michigan University to facilitate staff exchanges, study abroad opportunities for students and research collaborations in the health science field.
Dr Michael Harrison, Head of the Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science at SETU, who has previously collaborated with exercise physiology staff at CMU on a study examining the effect of different exercise intensities on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, says that the two institutions are ideally placed to collaborate as they share common interests in terms of the effects of exercise on cardiovascular and metabolic health. The first joint projects will be in the area of exercise science, with potential collaborations in healthcare administration and health services quality improvement.
Dr Harrison continued, “We are delighted to formally link with CMU which will open up study opportunities to SETU students both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Central Michigan University has 27,000 students and their postgraduate exercise science and healthcare administration programmes are highly regarded in the United States and their reputation in clinical exercise physiology is second to none.”
Dr Jeff Edwards, Director of the Division of Exercise and Health Sciences and the Exercise Science Postgraduate Programme Coordinator at CMU said, “Our visit to SETU was enlightening, exciting and promising! During our discussions it soon became clear that the pursuit of content mastery, skill acquisition, and professional development is a challenge faced by the students and staff of both institutions.
“By signing a memorandum with SETU Central Michigan University has demonstrated our belief in and commitment to a future exchange of knowledge, faculty, and most importantly students, which will enhance our shared, desired outcomes.
“Initial efforts will soon afford opportunities to the committed exercise and health science students and staff with the additional bonus of international and multicultural immersion. Identification of other promising partnerships is ongoing.”
For more information on the Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science, visit www.wit.ie/dhses. For more information on CMU, visit www.cmich.edu.