Career Perspectives of Michael N. Sawka

Michael N Sawka

doi:10.1186/2046-7648-1-10

Abstract

This invited autobiography reviews the career of Michael N. Sawka. Influences: Dr. Sawka soon will retire after a 40-year research career and was influenced by great professors, mentors and colleagues. Career Path: After working at the Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center and Wright State University, Dr. Sawka’s remaining 32 years were at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. Research Story: His primary research thrusts included: 1) physiology of upper body exercise; 2) blood volume and its impact on thermoregulation and performance; 3) hydration and its impact on thermoregulation and performance 4) heat stress physiology - adaptations / maladaptations and performance. Summary: His career highlights were the personal interactions, intellectual excitement and satisfaction of producing knowledge that will be “tested by time”.

Highlights

This invited autobiography reviews the career of Michael N
I was fortunate to be influenced by great professors (Drs Neil Anderson and Herb Weber at East Stroudsburg University; Drs Jerry Critz and Ron Knowlton at Southern Illinois University), mentors (Drs Carl Gisolfi, John Greenleaf, Ethan Nadel, Kent Pandolf), colleagues (Drs Ralph Francesconi, Roger Glaser, Rich Gonzalez, Dan Miles, Bruce Wenger, Andy Young) and many bright young scientists (e.g., Figure 1)
My family were CocaCola bottlers so as a teenager I delivered soda to East Stroudsburg University (ESU), which was in our territory, and became friendly with many coaches, faculty and administrators

Summary

Introduction

This invited autobiography reviews the career of Michael N. I was fortunate to be influenced by great professors (Drs Neil Anderson and Herb Weber at East Stroudsburg University; Drs Jerry Critz and Ron Knowlton at Southern Illinois University), mentors (Drs Carl Gisolfi, John Greenleaf, Ethan Nadel, Kent Pandolf), colleagues (Drs Ralph Francesconi, Roger Glaser, Rich Gonzalez, Dan Miles, Bruce Wenger, Andy Young) and many bright young scientists (e.g., Figure 1). He introduced me to the fascination of studying physiological integration by imposing an environmental (thermal and hypoxic) stress upon a human engaged in physical exertion.

Results

Conclusion