8:16 a.m., Aug. 10, 2010----Gabe Fife, a graduate student in athletic training at the University of Delaware, has been awarded a master's research grant from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Research and Education Foundation. Each year, the organization provides funds for “exceptional” research projects conducted by master's and doctoral students.

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Advised by Thomas Kaminski, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Fife received the award for his project, “Examining the Concussion Dilemma in Taekwondo: An Initial Look at Impact Forces to the Head.”

A black-belt holder in taekwondo, Fife is a teaching assistant responsible for classes in self-defense and the martial arts.

“Gabe came to us having completed his undergraduate studies at Oregon State University and with a keen interest in head injuries in the sport of taekwondo,” Kaminski says. “The sport itself is very unique and one that is popular worldwide. What is fascinating is that opponents score points via kicks to the head, which can result in concussions. Gabe is determined to change the way the sport is played, especially with regard to safety modification to better protect the head during competition. We're hopeful that he'll stay with us to continue his doctoral studies.”

Fife is currently on a six-week trip to England, Spain, Germany, and Poland, where he is collaborating with European colleagues on a data collection effort.

Article by Diane Kukich