Education

• PhD, Exercise Physiology, University of Kentucky

• MS, Sports Medicine, University of Oregon

• BS, Geography, Arizona State University

Area(s) Of Expertise

Metabolism, body composition, weight management, resistance training

Background

Dr. Berger grew up in Canton, Ohio, wanting to be a commercial pilot but ended up becoming an exercise physiologist instead. Although he is back in flight school and maintains an interest in healthy air travel, he thoroughly enjoys the study and practice of exercise physiology. He is a certified member and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-EP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS), and he volunteers his time with the American Red Cross as First Aid instructor. 

Research Interest(s)

Some of the questions Dr. Berger pursues involve the impact of physical activity on energy expenditure and personal health. In particular, Dr. Berger wants to know how resistance training and nutrition can be employed to increase muscle mass, affect metabolic rate, and improve weight management in athletes of every ability. Dr. Berger also maintains an interest in men’s health.

Education

• PhD, Exercise Science, University of Toledo

• BS (Honors), Exercise Science, University of Toledo

Area(s) Of Expertise

Cardiopulmonary physiology as it pertains to human performance

Background

Trent Cayot grew up in Ohio and completed both his undergraduate (BS) and graduate (PhD) degrees at the University of Toledo (Toledo, Ohio). While in Toledo, Cayot helped operate a sports performance program (eXcel Sports Performance), clinical exercise programs (Script 4 Fitness; Executive Health Physicals), and a tactical (firefighter) assessment program within a regional hospital system (ProMedica). Prior to coming to the University of Indianapolis, Cayot taught for two years in higher education in Columbus, Ohio. Cayot had the sincere pleasure of previously serving as President of the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (MWACSM).

Research Interest(s)

Cayot's primary research interests include better understanding the potential impacts that musculoskeletal injuries, chronic diseases/pathologies, and exercise/therapeutic interventions (including blood flow restriction exercise/training) have on cardiopulmonary, microvascular, and mitochondrial functions. See the research Cayot has been a part of by clicking here.

Education

• Post-Doctoral Work, PRICE, University of Florida

• PhD, Human Performance, Indiana University

• MS, Exercise Science, Indiana University

• MS, Applied Sport Science, Indiana University

• BS, Fitness Specialist, Indiana University

Area(s) Of Expertise

Human performance, neuroscience, acute and chronic pain, exercise

Background

Dr. Eckert has spent the majority of his academic career working towards understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms associated with nocioception and acute/chronic pain. To facilitate this work, he completed his post-doctoral education at the Prestigious Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE) under a National Institutes of Health training grant focused on understanding the mechanisms associated with pain modulation. Dr. Eckert has published and presented at numerous national and international conferences on these topics with his current work focusing on elucidating the spinal and superspinal mechanisms responsible for pain modulation in response to exercise.

Research Interest(s)

Neurophysiological mechanisms associated with acute and chronic pain, neurophysiological connections between the motor and pain systems, development and assessment of current rehabilitation and reintegration techniques used for pain populations. Dr. Eckert's research here. 

Education

• PhD, Interdepartmental Nutrition, Purdue University

• MA, Science Writing, John Hopkins University

• RDN, Registered Dietitian, Iowa State University

Area(s) Of Expertise

Healthy cooking emphasizing environmentally sustainable techniques, weight management, sports nutrition, and cardiovascular nutrition

Background

Katherine received her doctorate from the interdepartmental nutrition program at Purdue University with an emphasis on molecular nutrition and food science. She has a master's degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University and is also a registered dietitian nutritionist. Her nutrition expertise includes healthy cooking emphasizing environmentally sustainable techniques, weight management, and sports and cardiovascular nutrition. To round out her health expertise, Katherine has been a certified personal trainer for thirty years and is also an advanced yoga instructor. 

Research Interest(s)

Facilitating healthy behaviors through healthy environments, weight management, sports nutrition, and healthy cooking.

Education

• PhD, Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University

• MS, Kinesiology, Indiana University

• BS, Kinesiology, Indiana University

Area(s) Of Expertise

Sport, Exercise, and Health behavior; Health and Wellness coaching;

Multi-Dimensional Wellness

Background

Mindy Hartman Mayol, PhD, FACSM, EP, is currently an Associate Professor in the College of Health Sciences’ Department of Kinesiology, Health & Sport Sciences at the University of Indianapolis teaching in both the Bachelor and Master of Exercise Science programs as well as the Bachelor and Master of Public Health programs. Mayol received her PhD in the Health & Rehabilitation Sciences program at Indiana University Indianapolis with a Functional Participation/Limitation concentration and minor in Public Health: Social and Behavioral Sciences. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and her Master’s degree in Applied Sport Science from Indiana University Bloomington.

Mayol is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist. She was awarded the 2022 Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award, 2021 UIndy Inspire Award, and the 2014 UIndy Faculty Achievement Award. Mayol published the 4th edition of her textbook, Wellness: The Total Package (2024) focusing on multi-dimensional wellness for the emerging adult population.

Research Interest(s)

Motivation and behavioral factors in tactical operators; sport motivation and behavioral return to play factors, and multi-dimensional wellness in collegiate student-athletes. See Dr. Mayol's research here. 

Education

• MS, Exercise Physiology, University of Louisville

• BS, Exercise, University of Louisville

Area(s) Of Expertise

Sports performance assessment, exercise programming

Background

Odaffer is the former strength and conditioning coach of the Indiana Fever, IUPUI college athletics, and professional golfers. He has a wide range of experience in the health and fitness industry.

Research Interest(s)

Musculoskeletal factors affecting performance in athletic populations; biomechanics of rotational sports. 

Education

• PhD, Exercise Science, University of Toledo

• MA, Motor Behavior, Kent State University

• BS, Physical Education, Baldwin-Wallace College

Area(s) Of Expertise

Motor control and endurance performance

Background

Before earning his PhD in exercise science, Dr. Robinson worked in the first Nautilus fitness facility in the Cleveland, Ohio area and coached high school swimming and tennis. In college, he was a student assistant coach for volleyball and track and later was an adjunct professor at three colleges and universities. He is an avid runner who still enjoys competing in trail races. 

Research Interest(s)

Coordination and control of human movement, endurance performance. See Dr. Robinson's research here.