Faculty Research Areas

Dr. Galloway’s research focuses on childhood and early adolescent physical activity and the relation to obesity. He is currently working on a project titled Physical Activity Clearinghouse in Education (P.A.C.E.) which relates to in-school physical activity levels, influential factors, and strategies for improvement. In addition, Dr. Galloway investigates alternate exercise modalities and intensities for overweight and obese adults to provide the greatest health benefit while limiting associated risks.

Dr. Huye’s research interests are in the development and effectiveness of innovative nutrition programs in a variety of settings. Other areas of interest include impact of active learning strategies in higher education instruction.

Dr. Kataoka's lab focuses on the physiological adaptations to resistance exercise, with particular emphasis on the relationship between muscle growth and strength development. He also investigates skeletal muscle and cardiovascular responses to resistance exercise performed with blood flow restriction (BFR).

Dr. Lacruz’s research integrates exercise physiology and nutrition to investigate metabolic health and physical and cognitive function. Her work examines the effects of dietary supplementation on lipid metabolism, evaluates methods for assessing fat oxidation during exercise in older adults, and explores the combined effects of exercise and dietary interventions on health and function.

Dr. Landry's research interests are in school nutrition programs (Child Nutrition Programs, including farm to school, community gardens, and administrative issues) and nutrition-related lifespan consequences of being medically underserved, including both observational and community-based studies.

Dr. Oliveira's research interests include the development of biofeedback-based interventions directed at improving human performance.

Dr. Piland directs the Sport and Tactical Athlete Research (STAR) Lab. The STAR lab is focused on growing knowledge and understanding around the human-material interface with a primary focus on head protection systems across both sport and military applications. The STAR Lab maintains a host of dedicated state-of-the-art helmet impact research equipment and has a 10+ year history of successful partnerships with International Universities, the US Department of War,  and Sporting goods manufacturers. External funding to support the STAR Lab exceeds $10 million dollars since 2012. Dr. Piland has over 25+ years of clinical and research experience and has international recognition for his expertise on the topic of the brain injury of concussion and sport protective equipment.

Dr. Smith’s research interest revolves around the impact physical activity has on the health of children and adolescents, specifically those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current studies investigate the impact of physical (in)activity on cardiovascular health in young children with ASD and the feasibility of measuring cardiovascular health in this population. Her long-term research goals include the investigation of physical activity interventions in children and adolescents with ASD and the impact on overall health and well-being.

Dr. Thompson's research interests include coaching education and development with specific emphasis on the impact of the coaching internship and the development of coaching ethics.

Dr. Thorsen’s research focuses on lower-extremity biomechanics and neuromechanics, with an emphasis on understanding the factors that influence human movement and mobility. His work examines the biomechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms underlying gait and locomotor function, age-related changes in movement strategies and coordination, and the use of exercise interventions to improve mobility and movement function. His research also investigates how task demands, footwear, and other external factors influence lower-extremity biomechanics.

Dr. Turner's research focuses on biomechanics and mobility, adapted physical activity interventions, and cognitive-motor function in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current research examines balance, gait, executive function, and the effects of inclusive sport, exercise, and virtual reality on health and participation outcomes.