A growing research program that focuses on the exercise response to bone adaptation through the molecular process is recognized in the Young Faculty Scholarship Award recently presented by Lander University to Dr. Pragya Sharma Ghimire.
Known as "Dr. Sharma" to her students, the researcher is also an assistant professor of physical education and exercise. Since arriving on Lander's campus, she has "provided a great deal of service to the Physical Education and Exercise Science department and the university," said Dr. Scott Jones, Lander's Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.
At Lander, Sharma is an EKG technician for the Athletic Department's freshman physicals. She is an active member of Eat Smart, Move More of Greenwood County, a statewide nonprofit that promotes healthy eating and active living, and participates in the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce's Connect Young Professionals program.
"Most impressive, however, is her scholarly activity," said Jones, noting that the researcher has published 11 articles and given five scientific presentations in her time at Lander University. "Her presentations and publications have been largely related to the impact of muscle and bone characteristics on physical activity in women."
During the 2019 - 2020 academic year, Sharma was awarded a President's Grant to complete a research project, titled "Bone and Inflammatory Markers Characteristics among College Athletes and Non-athletes."
"Her scholarly focus and productivity are exemplary and bring honor to herself and Lander University," said Jones.
Sharma's research looks at the impact of exercise and physical activity on the molecular and cellular levels of bone metabolism, a complex sequence of bone turnover and bone formation.
For example, when children are physically active, they are developing strong bones in a "bank" for the future. Without this reserve, people become more at risk for osteoporosis and fractures as they age. "This can lead to the loss of quality of life and hospitalizations and even death," Sharma explained.
Her research will help develop intervention programs to reduce or prevent bone loss, promote bone health and improve muscle strength as well. Among her other research interests are nutrition, obesity and endocrinology.
Sharma finds that it is vital to include students in her research program, saying that students are very enthusiastic about the opportunities to conduct research and also energize the laboratory setting. Lander students have had the opportunity to present their research findings at scientific symposiums and also at the annual conferences of the American College of Sports Medicine, which comprises members from 90 countries and is the leading organization for sports medicine, exercise science and health and fitness professionals dedicated to helping people worldwide live longer, healthier lives.
A native of Nepal, Sharma earned her bachelor's degree in Microbiology and master's degree in Clinical Microbiology from Tribhuwan University in Nepal. Her master's and doctoral degrees in exercise physiology are from the University of Oklahoma.
She said that she fell in love with Lander's campus, faculty and staff when she visited for the first time and it's a blessing being able to find work at the same place with her husband, Dr. who is a faculty of the William Preston Turner School of Nursing. "Everyone was so supportive and encouraging," she said. "I felt at home."
The Young Faculty Scholarship Award is "motivation for me as a researcher and also as a teacher," said Sharma. "It recognizes my research, my teaching and my teaching in research. I am very honored."