IVPL Lab Members

Graduate Students

Michael Simon: I am a 3rd year medical student and the Charles. E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. I completed my undergraduate degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida where my interest in vascular physiology research began. I am interested in pursuing cardiology as a career in the future. In my free time I enjoy hiking, skiing, and running.

Alexandre Hamaïde: Alex Hamaïde is a Master's student in the Exercise Science and Health Promotion program. He is the manager of the Integrative Vascular Physiology Lab, where he works alongside Dr. Fico and his colleagues, performing data collection, extraction, analysis, and preparing projects that explore the impacts of exercise on our vascular system. Outside of the IVPL, he teaches an undergraduate-level course and works with his peers at the Muscle Physiology Laboratory. His career objectives involve pursuing a doctorate in medicine or research to impact people's lives through evidence-based data. On the weekends, Alex works with the 501st Legion, a charitable Star Wars costuming group.       

Frederique Audet: Frederique is in her final year of the Master's program in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. She recently had the opportunity to work in the Integrative Physiology Lab with Dr. Fico and her colleagues, where she assists with data collection and contributes to ongoing research projects. Outside of the lab, she works in the cardiac services department at a local hospital, assisting with stress tests and EKG procedures. After graduation, Frederique plans to attend medical school, with a growing interest in neuroscience, cardiology, and emergency medicine.

Undergraduate Students

Matthew Schallipp: Matthew Schallip is an undergraduate senior at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences. Originally from New York City, he moved down to South Florida to begin his college career. Matthew plans to attend medical school after graduating, with a strong interest in the field of sports medicine. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys going to the gym, taking flying lessons, and spending time with friends and family. Matthew hopes to gain more knowledge in vascular exercise physiology while getting to experience the full workflow of hands-on clinical research.

Leila Nau: Leila Nau is an undergraduate Senior at Florida Atlantic University. Growing up Leila was an athlete and did competitive dance. She is very interested in the human body, with a heavy focus on sports. This led her to the Integrative Muscular lab to get a deeper understanding of the human body and analyze data from studies. Beyond school work, Leila likes to dance, teaches a children’s dance class, travel, and volunteers at a pediatric rehabilitation center. Her future plans include going to medical school to become a Sports Medicine Physician.

Dakota Kurt: Dakota Kurt is a first year student major is exercise science and health promotion in specific to pre pt. She is involved in FAU’s LEARN program which helped her find her way into a lab. She helps with data analysis and is excited to learn more about lab protocols and etiquette. After undergraduate school she plans to go to graduate school to become a physical therapist. On the weekends Dakota likes to go to the beach and hang out with her friends!

Jace Cargile: Jace Cargile is an undergraduate Freshman at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in PT. Originally from North Carolina, he moved down to Florida to start my college career. Jace plans to attend DPT school after he graduates, focusing on working with athletes. Outside the classroom, he enjoys going to the beach, going to the gym, playing baseball, watching sports, and hanging out with friends and family.  Jace hopes to understand more about vascular changes before and after exercise, and work hands on in a laboratory setting.

Valeria Libreros: Valeria Libreros is a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. She aspires to become a sports medicine physician, and is working toward her EMT certification to gain hands-on patient care experience in preparation for medical school. She has a strong interest in research, driven by her love of learning and discovering new developments within the medical field. Valeria is a Miami native and enjoys running, strength training, spending time at the beach, and giving back to her community through volunteer work. 

Olivia Page: Olivia Page is majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track, aspiring to become an orthopedic surgeon in the sports medicine field. She intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Exercise Science before attending medical school. Her primary hobbies include sports, where she has earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, cheered competitively for 13 years, and performed competitive weightlifting at the state level. Outside of athletics, she enjoys crocheting, traveling, and giving back to the community. Olivia also incorporated her own nonprofit initiative called Vital Hands Outreach, Inc. and shadowed her first surgery at age 12.

Zack Zanyk: Zack Zanyk is an undergraduate student at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. Originally from Chile, he grew up in Florida and developed a strong interest in health, fitness, and human performance. Zack enjoys spending time at the beach and with his family, and he is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles through education and community engagement. He hopes to continue expanding his knowledge in exercise physiology and health promotion while gaining practical experience in the field.

 Research Assistant Opportunities

Research Assistants get hands-on experience with research-related tasks including data collection with research participants, lab experiments (including biochemical assays, ultrasound, arterial tonometers), maintenance of research lab and equipment, transportation and storage of samples, generation of lab reports, data entry and statistical analysis.

Undergraduate Students are encouraged to present their work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and National Conferences.

Graduate Students are encouraged to present their work at Regional and National Conferences and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. 

Graduate Teaching Assistantships may be available!