Catherine Springer-Sapp, Ph.D.

Catherine Springer-Sapp will always remember when she fully developed her scientific thinking: in the lab, working on her master’s thesis on muscle atrophy with a supportive advisor. Passing the torch, she’s now teaching Human Physiology at McDaniel, giving students “an appreciation for how intricate and fascinating the human body is.” She earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park; her M.S. in Kinesiology from East Carolina University; and her B.S. in Applied Health Science from Messiah University.

I have always loved both sports and science, so Kinesiology seemed like a good fit as an undergraduate. I was initially drawn to graduate school because I was interested in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation as a career and knew a master’s degree would be needed. But during my master’s program, I was exposed to the world of research, and continued my research and education through a Ph.D. During my Ph.D. program, I was a graduate teaching assistant and realized I found teaching to be fun and rewarding. I was reminded of the knowledgeable and engaging professors I had as an undergraduate who ignited my passion for health science. As a professor, I aim to inspire that same enthusiasm in my students.

My dissertation investigated how aging impairs the mitochondria and how resistance exercise training may reverse these impairments. Mitochondria are referred to as “the powerhouse of the cell” because they produce energy that is used throughout the entire body. Unfortunately, as we age, mitochondrial function declines. For my dissertation, I used a very sophisticated microscope to analyze the structure of mitochondria from the skeletal muscles of rats and older adults.

I believe it is important for students to understand the “why” behind the “what.” That is, not just learn material for the sake of learning it but understand the big picture and why it is important. As an educator, I believe it is my job to help impart this curiosity and to equip students with the necessary knowledge to succeed in whatever area of Health Science they pursue.