Keith Thraen-Borowski, Ph.D
Director
I am an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Kinesiology & Biology at Loras College, teaching health-related courses including Anatomy and Physiology, Research Methodology, Personal & Community Health and Wellness, and Cancer, Heart Disease, and Diabetes. I am also the Director of the Loras Cancer Research in Exercise Science Laboratory (CARES Lab), where our research agenda focuses on the role of physical activity and sedentary behavior in health, including cancer survivorship. I received my Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to coming to Loras, I completed a Postdoctoral fellowship in Physical Activity & Cancer Epidemiology in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by a fellowship in Supportive Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Currently, I also serve as the Co-Chair for the national Cancer Interest Group for the American College of Sports Medicine.
Elizabeth Mills
Undergraduate Neuroscience Major
I am a junior studying Neuroscience and Psychology. I love being a part of CARES Lab because I am continuously learning new information about how physical activity can benefit cancer survivors. I plan to pursue a MS in Physician Assistant studies after graduation. I am a part of the women’s soccer team and in my free time, I enjoy drinking coffee, eating sushi, and hanging out with friends.
Mackenzie Anderson
Undergraduate Kinesiology Major
I am a senior majoring in Kinesiology, minoring in biology and chemistry. I plan to graduate in spring of 2019 and attend PA school. I am on the women’s soccer team and also vice president of the school organization DuHealth. Although I have always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, I am now more passionate about this decision then ever before through our work in the CARES lab. It had been incredible to be able to apply what we have learned and continue to challenge ourselves to develop a greater understanding of this subject based on our research findings. Outside of the lab or the classroom, I am either working out or babysitting, as I absolutely adore children.
Alex Hofstetter
Undergraduate Kinesiology Major
I am from Verona, WI, and am a Junior studying Kinesiology here at Loras with plans to attend PT school after my undergraduate work is complete. I am also working towards a minor in business administration, and have been a member of the men’s soccer team since I arrived at Loras. Unfortunately, I have known a number of people close to me who have battled cancer, and my particular interest in exercise science made the CARES Lab an ideal fit for me. I am also thankful for the opportunity to complete research that matters on a campus I love. I hope to use the research skills gained in this lab to further my opportunities post-undergrad, and to continue learning about the importance of physical activity as it relates to the health of cancer survivors.
Rachel Valente
Undergraduate Biology Major
I am a junior here at Loras College, studying Biological Research with a minor in chemistry. As a pre-health student, I am quite interested in research regarding preventative measures of chronic diseases, specifically as it relates to exercise and sedentary behavior. Prior to becoming a student researcher in the CARES Lab, I was already interested in physical activity and nutrition as it related to health, so when I heard about the research that Dr. Thraen-Borowski was conducting, I was quite interested in joining the team. The lab has been a great experience and has helped me learn proper patient-contact skills and working with a collaborative team, all which will be necessary for my career in the future. Outside of schoolwork, I enjoy weightlifting, making new vegan recipes, hanging out with my friends, and spending time with my family.