Exercise Science Research Area

Dr. Amy Allnutt’s research interests are in exercise and nutritional interventions, whole body vibration, and weight stigma. Weight bias has become the 4th leading cause of discrimination in the United States and it is particularly prevalent among health professionals. Results from her research are guiding curricular changes within her undergraduate and graduate classes to introduce health students to a more person-centric approach to treating obesity.

Dr. Michael Nordvall’s research has focused on how exercise and/or nutritional supplements influence body composition and markers of inflammation in adolescents, healthy adults, and in those with health or other disorders. His recent works may be found at: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1100-478X

Dr. Sara Pappa, a Master Certified Health Education Specialist, manages a regional falls prevention initiative, including the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs and the direction of the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance. This work engages students with older adults in falls prevention awareness activities, community presentations and falls risk screenings. She is also interested in research designed to improve the professional preparation of public health students. Her background includes implementing and evaluating health promotion programs; conducting community health needs assessments; and developing community health improvement plans.

Dr. Michelle Walters-Edwards’s research focuses on the following areas: (a) Neuro mechanical performance of synovial joint systems associated with musculoskeletal injury and disease. (b) Application of magnetic stimulation (Magstim) in clinical populations. (c) Sensorimotor control issues in dynamic force regulation. (d) Human performance evaluation of elite athletes. (e) Neuromuscular and sensorimotor rehabilitation of the lower limb following surgery or sports Injury. (f) Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the female athlete. (g) Prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

Dr. Alexei Wong’s research focuses on cardiovascular and muscular function in different populations. I particularly study the effects of exercise training and nutritional interventions on cardiovascular health, muscular adaptations, and body composition in both healthy and diseased cohorts.