The Texas Leadership Research Scholars Program, which debuted in Fall 2024, is a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board research scholarship and leadership opportunity program for high-achieving graduate students with financial need.

UNT was among only nine public universities in the state selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the program, which awards selected doctoral researchers a nearly $18,000 scholarship renewable for up to four years.

“The TLRS program provides access and opportunity to exceptional doctoral scholars to excel in their research, academics and graduate life. The funding removes barriers for our scholars as they expand their career and life experiences to be readied for the workforce. This investment by the state of Texas is highly impactful and life-changing for UNT's doctoral students,” says Brenda Barrio, UNT associate vice president for graduate studies and student research.

Read Kase Pennartz's story below and check back on the UNT Research website throughout Summer 2026 to learn more about other students in the inaugural group of Texas Leadership Research Scholars.

Brain Power

While earning his undergraduate degree in kinesiology at Tarleton State University Kase Pennartz — a lifelong athlete from Decatur — was encouraged by a professor to join a research club. As a first-generation college student, the opportunity was both exciting and intimidating, but it ultimately sparked a defining shift in his academic path.

Pennartz quickly discovered a passion for research, realizing it aligned with his curiosity and love of learning. This realization carried him through a master’s degree in kinesiology and eventually to UNT, where he began his Ph.D. in 2024.

“My master’s thesis examined the effects of blood flow-restricted exercise,” Pennartz says. “One of my committee members later became my Ph.D. advisor, which ultimately led me here.”

Since arriving at UNT, Pennartz has balanced both teaching and research. He began instructing courses such as PHED 1000 — Scientific Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness — and KINE 4325 —Fitness Testing — and continues teaching while advancing his doctoral training.

“Fitness testing is about measuring different components of physical performance using advanced techniques,” Pennartz says. “Think back to the pacer test, a simplified version of what we use research and clinical settings.”

Teaching remains a central part of his doctoral experience, believing having good professors and advisors are crucial to being successful. Pennartz credits Dr. Joshua Keller, his main mentor, and is also largely supported by other faculty members including Dr. Justin Sprick, Dr. Sarah Deemer and Dr. Myungjin Jung for growth as a researcher and instructor.

“There’s a long list of faculty in our department who are willing to work hands-on with Ph.D. students,” Pennartz says. “They’re helping us build our skills and advance our understanding through team-based science.”

As he nears his comprehensive exams, Pennartz is preparing to begin his dissertation while continuing to dedicate his time at UNT to working with fellow researchers. He has contributed to and written thirty published scientific works thus far, covering complex topics from skeletal muscle to brain health.

Recently, Pennartz presented his findings about cerebral oxygenation as a finalist at the Texas American College of Sports Medicine annual conference in Waco. Thanks to support from the Texas Leadership Research Scholarship, he can take his research to the national level at the ACSM conference in Salt Lake City at the end of May.

In a few years, once he finishes his doctorate, Pennartz plans to become a professor, where he can continue researching and helping mentor other first-generation students advance their education.

“I love the mentoring aspect of talking with students, introducing them to research, and guiding them in a very critical fold of their life,” Pennartz says.

“Research really is a team effort with the participants, and students involved,” Pennartz adds. “Then taking those findings and applying them in ways that improve real-world health and clinical practice.”