New Assistant Professor of Exercise Sciences
The College of Life Sciences is pleased to introduce Dr. Jake Sorensen, a new assistant professor in the college. With his extensive background in exercise sciences and a specialization in aging and muscular injuries, Sorensen's arrival brings exciting prospects for additional research in these areas.
Sorensen's research trajectory is marked by a passion for understanding the complexities of aging and its impact on the body's ability to recover from injuries and exercise. After graduating with a master’s in exercise sciences, his initial focus was on improving athletic performance. However, as he experienced the inevitable effects of aging firsthand, his research interests shifted toward the broader aspects of health and longevity.
During his tenure at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, Sorensen investigated the cardiovascular lifestyle factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases prevalent in the aging population. Building upon this experience, he earned a PhD at BYU focusing on inflammation’s role in hindering rapid healing and recovery in older individuals. Sorensen further expanded his research during his postdoctoral studies at the University of Minnesota by exploring chronic injuries resulting from military incidents, car accidents, and invasive surgeries that failed to heal properly.
Outside of his research pursuits, Sorensen enjoys golf and cherishes quality time with his family. Golf brings him immense joy and serves as a wonderful way for him to embrace the sheer delight of living. It also serves as a platform to build connections with his children, offering them one-on-one time and meaningful conversations.
Sorensen shares valuable advice for students interested in pursuing research and study within the field: He emphasizes the importance of defining your career goals and aligning research opportunities accordingly. Open communication with faculty members about your own personal expectations and desired outcomes is key to maximizing the research experience, whether as a steppingstone toward graduate school or a future medical career.
As Sorensen joins the college, he brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and academic opportunities in the realm of aging and muscular injuries. With his research prowess and access to exceptional resources, Sorensen is poised to make significant contributions to the field while enriching the understanding of the body's healing processes.