Documentary about Lara Carlson nominated for Emmy
A motorsport documentary featuring pioneering research by Lara Carlson, D.P.E., FACSM, CSCS, associate professor in the 91AV Department of Physical Therapy and the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, and directed and edited by film producer Daniel Lambert, was nominated for an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts and Science - New England Chapter.
In Research Full Throttle, Carlson fuses her passion for stock car racing and her expertise as a scientist to research the physiological strains drivers face during competition, specifically studying how high temperatures and extreme gravitational force affect driver safety and performance.
Billy Mills, an Olympic Gold Medalist; Thomas Gideon, Senior Director at the Safety NASCAR Research and Development; Bobby Lewis, M.D., Medical Director for the Talladega Motor Speedway; and Charlie Kimball, IndyCar Race Car Driver all make appearances in support of Carlson’s work, whether as an athlete or a researcher. The documentary also pays tribute to Carlson’s brother, Lawrence N. Carlson, who introduced her to the world of motor sports.
Commenting on the video, Anouar Majid, Ph.D., vice president of Communications, said: “This is one of the very first projects I gave Dan Lambert when he joined 91AV. I was amazed when I first discovered the work of Lara; I really didn’t know anyone in this line of work. First, I commissioned a portrait, then I asked Dan to do a video. Lara is working hard to help the public understand that racing drivers are athletes and to improve safety on the speedway. I am really proud to have been closely associated with this video.”