Research conducted by a recent Sul Ross State University graduate and a former faculty member has been published in a peer-reviewed journal, highlighting the university’s commitment to undergraduate research and hands-on learning in kinesiology and human performance.

Anna Campos, who graduated from Sul Ross State University in 2025 with a degree in kinesiology, co-authored the research with Julianna M. Dean, Ph.D., former assistant professor and kinesiology coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology within the College of Agriculture, Life and Physical Sciences at Sul Ross State University.

Their study, “Muscle Oxygen Saturation during Floor Exercise in United States Female Collegiate Gymnasts: A Brief Descriptive Study,” was published in 2026 in Volume 19, Issue 6, of the International Journal of Exercise Science. The journal is a publication focused on research in exercise science and related disciplines.

Campos and Dean’s research examines muscle oxygen saturation during floor exercise among female collegiate gymnasts and contributes to the broader understanding of exercise physiology and the physical demands of competitive gymnastics.

Campos conducted the research as a McNair Scholar at Sul Ross. She presented the study at the 2024 International Conference on Sports Science Research and Technology (icSPORTS) in Porto, Portugal. The McNair Scholars Program supports undergraduate research and prepares students for graduate education through faculty mentorship and scholarly opportunities.

Following her graduation in 2025, Campos passed the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Athletic Trainer Licensure Examination and became a fully licensed athletic trainer while working with Sul Ross athletic teams. Her professional achievement reflects the practical preparation and career-focused experiences available to students pursuing kinesiology and related health and performance fields.

The publication represents a significant milestone for Campos, extending her undergraduate research into a peer-reviewed academic journal and demonstrating how faculty mentorship and student research can contribute to scholarship in exercise science.

Sul Ross State University’s kinesiology program prepares students to pursue careers in areas related to human performance, fitness, exercise science and athletic training. Through research, applied learning and opportunities to work with university athletics, students can develop the knowledge and professional skills needed to advance in their chosen fields.

The published research is available at https://doi.org/10.70252/IJES2026613.