Arthur Leon, M.D., professor emeritus in the School of Kinesiology and long-time director of the Laboratory of Physiological Hygiene and Exercise Science (LPHES), is featured in the Fall 2018 issue of the CEHD magazine, Connect.

The story, “A Mind for Science, a Heart for Health,” follows Leon’s illustrious career at the U of M, which began in 1973 when he was recruited by Dr. Henry Blackburn, colleague of the world-famous scientist, Ancel Keys, to come to the U of M to work on an NIH study involving men at high risk of heart attack due to smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol. During his 45 years at the U, Leon worked on a number of groundbreaking studies on cardiovascular diseases and the impact of exercise on health. He was on the team of researchers who initiated the multi-year, $21 million HERITAGE Family Study, which explored the genetic component of aerobic exercise training. The study was conducted at five research universities around the country, and Leon was principal investigator for the U of M site. The unprecedented study ran for 13 years and has resulted in more than 200 peer-reviewed publications.

Leon, who retired in June, serves as director emeritus for the LPHES.