Meet the Scientist:
Dr. Robert Kenefick

Dr. Robert Kenefick is an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at the University of New Hampshire.  He has taught in theDepartment of Kinesiology at UNH since 1996 and he also serves as Director of the Exercise Science Program.  Dr. Kenefick’s research spans the areas of fluid balance, metabolism, homeostasis, and environmental stress.  For example, he found an important link between cold weather activities and heart problems.  “…when you put individuals into the cold, there is an increase in blood flow centrally …that puts them under undue cardiovascular stress, and may cause a heart attack.” 

In addition, Dr. Kenefick has authored numerous articles on heat related stress, giving him an understanding of how easy it is to become dehydrated.   “In our research we have seen people lose 6 to 8 pounds in an hour – all through sweat.  You have got to replenish that water.” 

He has presented his research at numerous professional conferences, including the Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine and The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 

It was Dr. Kenefick’s own experiences at rock and ice climbing that led him to some of his latest research interests.  He noticed that people exercising in the cold felt less thirsty and tended to drink less.  His research later proved that people can be very dehydrated, but won’t necessarily feel it in the cold. 

The following are additional resources for more information on Robert Kenefick and exercise science, as well as homeostasis and temperature-related stress.

Dr. Kenefick’s UNH webpage: