AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's College of Education has named Rick Sharp, professor of health and human performance, as interim chair for the department. He also holds appointments in biomedical sciences, and food science and human nutrition.
Sharp succeeds Jerry Thomas, who has been named interim dean of the College of Education. Both appointments are effective Aug. 1. Thomas succeeds Dean Walter Gmelch, who will leave Iowa State July 31 to become dean of the School of Education at the University of San Francisco.
Sharp came to Iowa State University in 1982. He is chair of the Iowa State Human Subjects in Research Committee and Institutional Review Board.
His research focuses on nutritional factors that influence the body's metabolic response to exercise. He has patented technology for producing a water soluble starch that does not cause an insulin response which has potential applications for sports drinks, weight loss supplements, and supplements for medical conditions that are aggravated by simple sugars.
Sharp also is active in research to identify the physiological factors of performance in competitive swimming, including muscle strength and power training.
"Dr. Sharp will provide outstanding leadership to the department of health and human performance. In addition to his research and teaching expertise, he served two years as director of research for Olympic swimming at the Olympic training site in Colorado Springs," said Jerry Thomas, who has served as chair of the department since 1998.
