Dennis Robert Taaffe was awarded Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) first Doctorate of Science at CSU’s Wagga Wagga 2006 graduations on Friday 20 April. Dr Taaffe’s research identified the factors associated with a decline in the neuromuscular system, and ways to prevent frailty and promote independence through improving an individual’s physical reserve. According to Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ross Chambers, Dr Taaffe’s research has the potential to improve health outcomes and demonstrates CSU’s commitment to conduct strategic and applied research of an international standard. Dr Taaffe was one of almost three hundred graduands awarded degrees and certificates from the CSU Faculty of Education.