Faculty

The SRU Exercise Science faculty are dynamic and competitive and put students first. They are dedicated to student success.

Jonathan Anning, Ph.D., CSCS*D

Dr. Anning instructing Jonathan Anning, Ph.D., CSCS*D Associate Professor

Dr. Anning earned a Ph.D. in Exercise Science at The University of Toledo in 2001. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences at Slippery Rock University, he teaches the basic sciences with an emphasis on applying the principles to strength and conditioning. He has also maintained the Exercise Science program strength and conditioning endorsement by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). As a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction (CSCS*D) and fellow of the NSCA, Dr. Anning continuously strives to keep the strength and conditioning curriculum current. Primary research interests include Duchenne muscular dystrophy quality of life maintenance through exercise, safe and effective lifting techniques, and sports performance.

Email address: jonathan.anning@sru.edu

Jeremy Dicus, Ph.D., ATC

Dr. Dicus Jeremy Dicus, Ph.D., ATC Associate Professor

Dr. Jeremy Dicus joined Slippery Rock University in August, 2009 as an instructor in the SRU Athletic Training Program and then instructor in the Exercise Science Program. In August 2012, Dr. Dicus was hired as an Assistant Professor at SRU in the Department of Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences in the Exercise Science Program. Prior to joining SRU, Dr. Dicus earned a BS in athletic training from High Point University and an MS from Ohio University in Recreation and Sport Sciences with a concentration in athletic training. Dr. Dicus continued his training at OU and completed a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in higher education and cognate in athletic training education. Dr. Dicus' research interests lie in the fields of biomechanics and critical thinking pedagogy and assessment. His dissertation examined athletic trainers' perceptions on how well their educational program prepared them to enter the profession. His thesis was titled "Kinetic and Kinematic Differences in Expected and Unexpected Drop Landing Ankle Inversion." Dr. Dicus is eager to continue his research with students in an effort to increase their scholarly involvement and prepare them for entry into their chosen profession. Dr. Dicus is originally from Cape Coral, FL and currently resides in Grove City, PA.

Email address: jeremy.dicus@sru.edu

Nicole Fiscella, Ph.D.

Nicole Fiscella, Ph.D., Instructor

Nicole Fiscella joined the Exercise Science faculty in 2023. She is an SRU alum having earned her B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Adapted Physical Activity. She went on to receive an M.S. in Exercise Physiology from James Madison University continuing her emphasis in adapted physical activity. While pursuing her Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a focus in Adapted Physical Activity from Oregon State University, she concurrently earned her MPH in Health Promotion Health Behavior. Dr. Fiscella’s current line of research focuses on access to physical activity opportunities in the community for individuals with disabilities. She enjoys spending time outdoors disc golfing with her family and playing with her dog Ollie.

Email: nicole.fiscella@sru.edu

Michael Holmstrup, Ph.D.

Dr. Holstrom Michael Holmstrup, Ph.D. CSCS, FACSM; Professor

Dr. Holmstrup completed his undergraduate and master's level training in Exercise Physiology at East Stroudsburg University and his Ph.D. in Science Education/Exercise Science at Syracuse University. He has continually worked with his colleagues to incorporate student-centered critical thinking and hands-on activities into his courses since coming to SRU in 2012. Dr. Holmstrup helped to establish the Exercise Science Research Laboratory which provides opportunities for high-quality undergraduate research experiences in the Exercise Science program. His own research interests in cardiovascular and exercise physiology, safe and effective resistance training practices, and improving fitness assessment have all been enhanced through working with motivated, talented undergraduates at the Rock.

Email address: michael.holmstrup@sru.edu

Seth Jenny, Ph.D.

Seth Jenny, Ph.D., ASCM-EP, CHES, USATF-L2, Associate Professor

Dr. Jenny has been teaching full time in higher education since 2010 and previously taught within the Department of Health, Exercise & Sports Sciences at the University of New Mexico and the Department of Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance at Winthrop University. He has also worked as a U.S. Air Force Exercise Physiologist and K-12 Health and Physical Education teacher. Dr. Jenny is a founding member and serves on the Executive Board of the Esports Research Network, serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports and Deputy Editor of the International Journal of Esports, and is faculty advisor to the SRU Esports Club and SRU Rock Run Club. He is the lead author of the Human Kinetics textbook: Technology for Physical Educators, Health Educators, and Coaches. As an active scholar and researcher, Dr. Jenny has provided over 100 professional presentations and published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles in is prime areas of research: performance and health implications of esports, motion-based video gaming, instructional technology, and distance running. As an athlete, Dr. Jenny captained the SRU cross country (XC) and track and field (T&F) teams, was an Academic All-American steeplechaser, thru-hiked the entire 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail, and holds a marathon personal best of 2:48:30. He co-founded and is the president of the non-profit Grove City Athletics Club (Grove City, PA), where he volunteer coaches elementary XC and T&F.

Email address: seth.jenny@sru.edu

Brock Jensen, Ph.D.

Dr. Jensen Brock Jensen, Ph.D. Professor

Brock Jensen is a Professor, and earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Holmstrup are cofounders of the Exercise Science Research Laboratory (ESRL). A primary goal of the ESRL is to provide exceptional research experiences and mentoring to undergraduate students. The high-quality scientific research opportunities afforded by the ESRL largely pertain, but are not limited, to significant physiological and clinical implications of interarm systolic blood pressure difference measurements at rest, during exercise, and other various stimuli (e.g., cold pressor). As a pedagogist, his interests include the explicit use of critical-thinking theory and strategies to improve reasoning and enhance problem solving abilities. While professionally he enjoys innovative teaching opportunities and research collaborations with faculty and students, personally he loves spending time being active outdoors with his wife and daughters.

Email address: brock.jensen@sru.edu

Beth Larouere, Ph.D.

Dr. Larouere Beth Larouere, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Beth Larouere earned a B.S. and M.S. in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University and a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Larouere joined the Slippery Rock University Exercise Science Faculty in August 2009. Dr. Larouere has a vast background working in the health and wellness field including personal training, corporate wellness, and nine years working as a clinical exercise physiologist in Cardiac Rehabilitation. Dr. Larouere is an ACSM-Certified Exercise Physiologist. Her research interests include investigating time spent in sedentary behaviors as well as the benefits of physical activity and exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors. She enjoys being involved in student/faculty research projects.

Email address: beth.larouere@sru.edu

Jeffrey Lynn, Ph.D.

Dr. Lynn Jeffrey Lynn, Ph.D., Professor

Dr. Lynn earned a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology at Kent State University in 2001. He then spent 2 years as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. In 2003, he moved to Slippery Rock University where he is a Professor in the Department of Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences. Dr. Lynn's current line of research involves the exercise physiology of ultra-marathon runners. Recent investigations have examined the endocrine control of hydration and sodium balance in men and women running 135 miles in temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit at the Badwater Ultramarathon. He also maintains an active research agenda on several student/faculty projects.

Email address: jeffrey.lynn@sru.edu

Patricia Pierce, Ph.D., FACSM, CSCS

Dr. Pierce Patricia Pierce, Ph.D., FACSM, CSCS Professor

Dr. Pierce started her career at Slippery Rock University in 1994. She has developed and taught several courses in the Exercise Science curriculum and currently serves as the ERS department chairperson. Her educational background includes a BSEd in Physical Education from SRU and a MS and PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been involved in the health and fitness field for over 20 years and holds several certifications including ACSM-HFI and NSCA-CSCS. Dr. Pierce is professionally active presenting, publishing and serving on national and regional committees.

Email address: patricia.pierce@sru.edu

Amy Rickman, Ph.D., RD, LDN, FACSM

Amy Rickman, Ph.D., RD, LDN, FACSM Associate Professor

Dr. Rickman is currently an Associate Professor in the Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences Department at Slippery Rock University. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Activity (2002-2015), and the Assistant Director of the Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center (2004-2015) at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Rickman holds a doctorate degree in Exercise Physiology and is also a Registered Dietitian, completing her undergraduate coursework in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition. The combination of these areas of education allowed her the opportunity to work with a variety of short and long-term intervention trials. Dr. Rickman's career in clinical research began in 1995, when she was hired by Dr. Rena Wing. While working for Dr. Wing, Dr. Rickman obtained experience in numerous specialized areas with a number of NIH Clinical Research Trials in the area of diabetes treatment and prevention, pregnancy, amenorrhea, premenopausal women, and obesity prevention and treatment.

Dr. Rickman has served as a Principal Investigator and a Co-Investigator on several NIH-funded clinical trials at the Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Rickman holds professional memberships in the following organizations: American College of Sports Medicine (fellow) and The Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Email address: amy.rickman@sru.edu

Joy Urda, Ph.D.

Joy Urda, Ph.D., Associate Professor Dr. Urda earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, specializing in Exercise Science, and a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport, specializing in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, both from Slippery Rock University. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Promotion and Wellness from Rocky Mountain University in Provo, Utah. Dr. Urda comes to Slippery Rock with more than 10 years of experience in health and wellness.

Dr. Urda has served as Program Director and Exercise Physiologist for the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease, Exercise Physiologist for cardiac rehab and nuclear and regular cardiac stress tests, and as Exercise Physiologist for Highmark Education programs.

Additionally, Dr. Urda has developed and implemented many community based exercise programs and informational lectures related to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, weight loss, cancer, and childhood obesity. Dr. Urda currently serves on the SRU President's Commission on Wellness and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, International Association for Worksite Health Promotion, and National Wellness Institute. Dr. Urda is very happy to join the Exercise Science program.

Her research interests include the effects of lifestyle modification, sedentary behavior, and exercise and cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors. Dr. Urda currently lives in Hermitage with her husband Steve, daughter Ava, and son Matthew.

Email address: joyan.urda@sru.edu

Steven Verba, Ph.D.

Dr. Verba Steven Verba, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Steve Verba joined the Exercise Science faculty in August 2011. He earned his undergraduate degree from SRU Exercise Science, after which he earned both his MS in Health, Physical Activity, and Chronic Disease and PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh.

His doctoral training focused on behavioral strategies to prevent and treat obesity. Specifically, he examined the effect of weight loss on subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease such as left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic stiffness.

His current interests include the scholarship of teaching and learning, community-engaged learning, and examining health behaviors of those living in rural settings.

Dr. Verba enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fly fishing, road cycling, golfing, and hunting. He lives in Slippery Rock with his wife and children.

Email address: steven.verba@sru.edu

Mingchia Yeh, Ph.D.

Mingchia Yeh, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, Assistant Professor

Dr. Mingchia Yeh holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University, after completing his B.S. in Athletic Training and Health and M.S. in Physical Education and Sports Science. Dr. Yeh also obtained a B.S. in Information Management, and he is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist.

Dr. Yeh has joined Slippery Rock University since 2023. Previously, he was a postdoctoral fellow at two research institutions in Taiwan, Graduate Institute of Sports Equipment Technology at University of Taipei and National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research at National Health Research Institutes. Dr. Yeh's research interests encompass a wide range of areas, including human performance, exercise science, nutrient supplementation, and sports technology. He enjoys engaging in research projects with his students, colleagues, and collaborators.

Dr. Yeh has been actively involved in the field of education since 2007, teaching in both K-12 and higher education systems. He also served as an Athletic Trainer at National Sports Training Center in Taiwan from 2003 to 2005. Driven by interactions with students and athletes, he has found his passion in teaching. Personally, Dr. Yeh likes to spend time with his family, maintain an active lifestyle, and explore new sports.

Email address: mingchia.yeh@sru.edu

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