Dr. Pete Smith
Program Director
Professor, Motor Learning, BS and MS University of Wales (Bangor), Ph.D. University of Houston, Research on attentional focus and task complexity.
Dr. Tony Amorose
Professor, Sport and Exercise Psychology, BS and MS Miami (OH) University, Ph.D. University of Virginia. Research on sport and physical activity motivation, coaching effectiveness, and youth development through sport and physical activity.
Chris Carter
Instructional Assistant Professor, Teaches courses on Coaching and Anatomy & Physiology, BS and MS Illinois State University.
Dr. Karen Dennis
Instructional Assistant Professor, Internship Coordinator and teaches our ECG class, BS Mennonite College of Nursing, MS and Ed.D. Illinois State University, Fulbright Scholar, Research on heart rate variability.
Aaron Harwick
Instructional Assistant Professor, teaches our Introduction to Exercise Science and Anatomy & Physiology courses, BS and MS Illinois State University.
Dr. Tyler Kybartas
Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Cardiorespiratory function and neuromuscular fitness, BS and MS University of Wyoming, Ph.D. University of Tennessee, Research on children’s motivation for physical activity.
Dr. Kristen Lagally
FACSM, ACSM-CEP, M.S. and Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, University of Pittsburgh . Research on Perceived Exertion, Exercise Testing, Exercise is Medicine on Campus.
Dr. Kelly Laurson
Professor of Exercise Physiology, Statistics, Director Active for Life, BA Central College (IA), MS Illinois State University, Ph.D. Iowa State University, Outstanding University Researcher, Research on epidemiology of physical activity, youth fitness.
Dr. Marcel Lopes dos Santos
Assistant Professor of Biomechanics, BS University of Campinas (Brazil), MS Illinois State University, Ph.D. Oklahoma State University, Research on resistance training and biomechanics.
Dr. Samantha McDonald
Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, BS Southern Oregon University, MS Oregon State University, Ph.D. University of South Carolina, Research on exercise and pregnancy.
Dr. Anna Miles
Instructional Assistant Professor, BS and MS Illinois State University, Ph.D. University of Illinois, Research on messaging and barriers to physical activity.
Dr. Scott Pierce
Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), BS University of Otago (New Zealand), MS Miami (OH) University, Ph.D. Michigan State University. Research on athlete psychosocial development through sport and coach education.
Dr. David Thomas
FACSM – Professor of Exercise Science, BS Penn State University, MS and Ph.D. Arizona State University, Research on obesity prevention and physical activity.
Dr. Mike Torry
Director of Biomechanics Research Lab and Professor of Biomechanics; BS, MS – Illinois State University; Ph.D. – Southern Illinois University, Research Director, OSF Illinois Neurological Institute; Research Focus on: injury biomechanics of knee, hip and shoulder, rehabilitation engineering, neuromuscular movement disorders including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and traumatic brain injury.
Academic Advisors:
Megan Taylor
BA Hiram (OH) College and MS Miami (OH) University. Megan Taylor is an academic advisor who has been at ISU since 2016. Ms. Taylor has a master’s degree in exercise and health studies, and an undergrad degree in biology. She has a passion for exercise science, as well as an interest in academia overall. Helping students reach their goals has always been her main goal.
Summary provided by Ex Sci student Cody Kurcab.
Daphyne Walker
BS and MS Illinois State University. Daphyne Walker is an academic advisor who has been at ISU for 21 years. She has a master’s degree in higher education and a love for exercise science. Her passion is helping students find their way in the program, as well as guiding them along at ISU.
Summary provided by Ex Sci student Cody Kurcab.