Jacob Brown, a graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology, has been named a 2026 National Scholar Award recipient by the American Kinesiology Association (AKA), an award given to only two master’s students nationwide.
Brown is pursuing a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology where he can apply his interest in understanding the connection between the brain, behavior, and physical activity.
“Throughout my studies in Kinesiology, I became curious about the Minds in Motion Laboratory (MiML) and wanted to keep learning about how the brain worked,” Brown said. “During my internship with MiML, I discovered a passion for research and teaching. This discovery ultimately drew me to a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology.”
Brown gained research experience on a few projects during his MiML internship while assisting in finding research journals for various topics. During his undergrad studies, Brown studied experiences of athletes with ADHD within a recreational sport setting and the influence of mindfulness training on consistency in cognitive performance. Currently, he’s investigating the impact of concurrent physical activity and learning on memory recall.
Dr. Andrew Parks, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, noted Brown’s commitment to his academic record and intellectual capability.
“Jacob’s academic rigor is matched by a genuine curiosity and passion for understanding the intersection of physical activity and psychological functioning, qualities that are evident in every dimension of his scholarly work,” Parks said. “His work will help to improve how physical activity is implemented in a learning setting, address what activities can be impactful, and even enhance our understanding of how the sport experience can change across competition settings and personal characteristics.”
While the American Kinesiology Association did not disclose any specifics on Brown’s projects, they were impressed with his dedication to academic performance, scholarship, leadership, and service.
“This award acts as proof that others see the hard work I have put in,” Brown added. “I can’t help but be very appreciative for all the support I have received from Kinesiology faculty, staff and the Department of Recreation faculty during my time a Louisiana Tech. I am honored that I was able to represent not just Louisiana Tech but also our Department of Kinesiology.”
Looking ahead, Brown plans to pursue a Ph.D. to continue teaching and conducting research, with a focus on neuroscience and exercise-related cognitive performance.
“I’m especially interested in helping people become more physically active and improve cognitive function,” Brown said. “That’s where I see myself making the biggest impact.”