BATESVILLE, Arkansas — Lyon College graduate Ayden T. Heitmann, ’24, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has co-authored a study published in Kidney Research and Clinical Practice, one of the field’s most prestigious peer-reviewed journals.
The study investigates the role of supervised exercise as an adjunctive therapy for patients undergoing maintenance hemodiafiltration, a form of dialysis, and represents a significant international research collaboration.
Under the direct mentorship of Dr. Mayron Faria, assistant professor of exercise science at Lyon College, Heitmann played a key role in data analysis and methodology development alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists from Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
“This is a powerful example of how undergraduate students at Lyon can engage in research with global impact,” said Dr. Faria. “Ayden’s contributions were critical to this study, and the experience showcases the type of student-faculty collaboration that defines the Lyon College experience.”
The six-month multicenter study found that exercise training — whether performed during or between dialysis sessions — significantly improved dialysis efficiency, muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease. These findings could shape future clinical practices for a patient population often burdened by fatigue and physical decline.
Heitmann, who majored in biology with minors in chemistry and exercise science, was involved through Lyon’s Exercise Physiology and Integrated Cardiopulmonary (EPIC) research group, which partnered with institutions such as the Federal University of São Paulo and VO2 Care.
“I deeply value this experience for the opportunity it gave me to deepen my understanding of research and academic writing. It helped me build essential skills that continue to support my work throughout graduate school,” said Heitmann, who also played on the Scots baseball team while at Lyon College. “I still rely on the guidance and feedback I received from Dr. Faria, especially when reading research papers and navigating other aspects of my academic journey. Although it was a new and somewhat challenging experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone, I would strongly encourage other students interested in research to get involved.”
The paper, titled “Exercise as an adjunctive therapy for patients on maintenance hemodiafiltration,” marks a significant academic milestone for Heitmann and for Lyon College’s growing research footprint. It also highlights the college’s commitment to fostering high-impact undergraduate research opportunities, even at the international level.
The project was supported by the Arkansas INBRE program, funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The full article is available online ahead of print through the Korean Society of Nephrology at https://www.krcp-ksn.org/journal/view.php?number=6461.
“The Exercise Science program at Lyon College goes far beyond the classroom. Our students gain hands-on experience through real-world research, access to cutting-edge technology, and opportunities to collaborate with international scientists,” Dr. Faria said. “This isn’t just preparation for graduate school — it’s preparation for leadership in healthcare, research, and beyond. At Lyon, we’re training the next generation of innovators in exercise science.”
For more information about Lyon College’s Exercise Science program and undergraduate research opportunities, visit lyon.edu
About Lyon College
Lyon College, a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1872, is the oldest college in the state with its original charter. Ranked by US News & World Report as a 2024 “Best College,” Lyon currently enrolls approximately 660 students from more than 30 states and 18 countries. Students can tailor their education, selecting from 25 majors, as well as pre-professional, individualized options and select graduate programs. Learn more at lyon.edu.
