Alyssa Weatherholt, PhD is an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Southern Indiana. Alyssa’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis in 2007, a Master of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science from Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN in 2009, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Pathophysiology and Impairment in 2015. Alyssa enjoys teaching courses such as exercise testing and programming for individuals with various conditions and diseases, behavioral strategies for exercise consultations, and measurement and evaluation. Her research interests include bone health, how exercise affects the cardiovascular system, blood flow restriction training, exercise prescription for individuals with diseases, and behavioral strategies to increase physical activity participation. She currently serves as a Fitness Assessment Section Editor for the International Journal of Exercise Science.

Samantha Johnson, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Exercise Science program at Middle Tennessee State University. Samantha earned a PhD in Human Performance from Middle Tennessee State University, an MS in Exercise Science at the University of North Alabama, and a BS in Exercise Science from Northern Kentucky University. Her research focuses on promoting longevity in older adults, aiming to improve our understanding of the changes in function over time and identifying interventions to facilitate improvement or mitigate losses. In addition, Samantha has an interest in pedagogical research, where she studies best practices in teaching and learning within higher education. She currently serves as a Senior Associate Editor for the International Journal of Exercise Science and as a founding Executive Editor for Educational Practices in Kinesiology.

Whitley Stone, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Western Kentucky University. Whitley serves the kinesiology community as a member of the executive board for the International Journal of Exercise Science and Topics in Exercise Science. Whitley enjoys teaching undergraduate courses in exercise science, particularly introduction to kinesiology and physiology of exercise. Her research area is currently focused on physical activity patterns in populations with impaired gait (e.g., spinal cord injury, Down syndrome) as well as innovative teaching modalities for adult learners. She has recently finalized work on the second edition of Practical Content for Beginning Kinesiologists, a text she coauthors with Dr. Matthew Garver.

James Navalta, PhD, FASCSM an Associate Professor, James joined the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences teaches anatomical kinesiology and applied exercise physiology within the undergraduate program, and evaluation of physical work capacity and advanced exercise physiology within the graduate program. Navalta’s research focuses on the immune response to exercise (lymphocyte apoptotic and migratory responses), physiological responses to outdoor exercise (hiking and trail running), and the validity of wearable technology. Navalta earned his bachelor’s in physical education and biology from Brigham Young University – Hawaii, his master’s in kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and his Ph.D. in exercise physiology from Purdue University. He is the co-founder and an Executive Editor of the International Journal of Exercise Science. He is also on the editorial boards of Corpoconsciência Journal and the Journal of Modern Physiological Research.

Layci Harrison, PhD, ATC is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Master of Athletic Training Program at the University of Houston. Layci earned a PhD in Health and Human Performance from Middle Tennessee State University, an MS in Exercise Science from Cumberland University, a BS in Athletic Training from Lock Haven University, and has been a certified athletic trainer since 2013. Layci’s research is focused on injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, and movement screenings. As an active member of both the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American College of Sports Medicine, Layci serves on various regional and national committees. She is a reviewer from multiple journals, including the International Journal of Exercise Science. Layci serves ICSK as the Director of the Speaker Series for Student Research Week.

Dr. Brian Kiessling is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Sport at the University of Southern Indiana. He received his Ph.D. (2019) and M.S. in Kinesiology (2015) from Indiana University Bloomington. He has taught in higher education for over ten years, beginning at Indiana University in both the Kinesiology Department and Department of Health & Wellness Design. Prior to joining the USI faculty, he taught at Lane College (2020-2023) in the Department of Physical Education. His current research interests include activity trackers and sitting time, blood flow restriction training, as well as working with tactical populations as he currently serves as a member of the Indiana National Guard. Brian serves ICSK as the Director of the Rapid Research Presentations for Student Research Week.