As we wrap up another incredible semester, we’re excited to highlight some of what the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute has accomplished. From groundbreaking research to community partnerships, our team has been busy integrating sports science into Las Vegas and beyond.
If you’ve been following on Instagram and LinkedIn, you’ve seen these moments unfold throughout the semester. Here’s a recap of everything we’ve shared with you:
Team Growth & Leadership
This semester brought exciting additions to the Sports Innovation Institute Team. We welcomed Dr. Michelle Coyner as Director of Sport Business and the IPSM Program Coordinator, bringing expertise and vision to our programs. We also introduced two new graduate assistants, Kelvin Omojola and Alexander Jones, who have already made significant contributions. Graduate Assistant Francisco Alvares-Sosa graduated from UNLV with his Master’s of Education in Intercollegiate & Professional Sport Management!
SPEED Lab in Action
Our SPEED Lab has been at the forefront of innovation this semester, bringing sport science into the community.
We’ve brought performance testing to local high schools including Canyon Springs, Mojave, and East Career & Technical Academy. Students got hands-on experience with timing gates, motion capture, force plates, and grip strength testing. Students learned firsthand how data drives smarter training and better performance. Dr. Cordero Roche and Kelvin Omojola also visited Liberty High School as guest speakers, sharing their unique journeys from Major League Baseball and professional basketball into sports science careers.
Our partnerships with professional teams and the community continues to thrive as well. The SPEED Lab worked with the Las Vegas Desert Dogs for their second annual preseason lacrosse combine, collaborated with professional slap fighting athletes, and joined the Las Vegas Raiders at the USAA Salute to Service event. The SPEED Lab also participated in the RUSH program at J.D. Smith Middle School, providing performance testing for junior high girls learning flag football. Other community highlights included collaborating with Circus Meets Medicine to explore performance and rehabilitation for elite circus performers, and partnering with Dr. Kara Radzak at the Las Vegas Mom’s Resource Fair and the Las Vegas Baby Expo.
Research & Professional Development
Dr. Brooke Conway-Kleven, our director of Brain Health, presented at an exclusive Combat Sports Summit hosted by ACSM and the UFC Performance Institute, discussing biomarkers and brain health in combat sports. She also worked alongside the Cleveland Clinic to publish a neurology journal highlighting important research on socioeconomic disadvantage as a risk factor of neurodegeneration among combat athletes.
Undergraduate researchers Natalia Pravica and Jana Perez both presented their work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium showcasing research on advanced data analysis techniques and the biomechanics of Hip-Hop Dance.
National Recognition
COO Jay Vickers was featured in The Scouting Report by sportsbusinessventures, and our team served as a supporting sponsor for the Mobile Lab Coalition Conference, representing UNLV among industry leaders.
The team also had an opportunity to speak on a panel hosted by Business France, with Jay Vickers moderating a discussion connecting France-based businesses with the Las Vegas sports market.
Looking Ahead
Dr. John Mercer and the SPEED Lab team continue to lead discussions with Biomechanics and SPEED Lab sessions each Thursday. This semester’s guest speakers included UNLV Men’s Basketball Strength & Conditioning Coach Jon Wall and Performance Analyst for the Baltimore Orioles, Rogelio Realzola, PhD, CSCS.
As we close out this semester we’re grateful for all of our partners and affiliates who make our work possible.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay connected and keep up-to-date on everything involving the Sports Innovation Institute!
📲 Instagram: @unlvsportsinnovation
💼 LinkedIn: UNLV Sports Innovation Institute
Here’s to an amazing semester and to even more innovation, collaboration, and impact ahead!
