Areas of Expertise
Event management, volunteer management, project-based learning, service learning
Background
Dr. VanSickle was named Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) Sport Management Faculty of the Year and University of Indianapolis School of Education Teacher of the Year. She is the lead author on 18 articles and abstracts published in national and state journals and has delivered over 25 presentations at state, national and international conferences. She has also consulted with area sports organizations including the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, NCAA, Indy Parks and Recreation and Special Olympics Indiana, and has served on planning committees for Super Bowl XLVI, NCAA Final Fours and NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
Research Interests
Sponsorship, volunteer motivations (events), service learning, gender equity
Education
- EdD, Sport Management, University of Kentucky
- MS, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Morehead State University
- BS, Secondary Education, Union College
Fun facts
I hiked to the top of Half Dome (and back) in Yosemite National Park, in one day! I have played basketball competitively in 5 different countries.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The people. Everyone is friendly, helpful and cares about the students.
Areas 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 Interests
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 Physiology, University of Kentucky
- MS, Sports Medicine, University of Oregon
- BS, Geography, Arizona State University
Fun fact
Dr. Berger has been an actor since age 10 and, even though he has very little talent, was in a 1998 Warner Bros. film about the life of Steve Prefontaine. Because the movie was produced (in part) by Tom Cruise, he lists the Golden Globe actor as a former supervisor on his résumé.
Favorite thing about UIndy
Access to Indianapolis - a wonderful, friendly city!
Areas of Expertise
Human performance and exercise programming
Background
Dr. Cayot helped operate a sports performance program and a clinical exercise program within a regional health systems in Toledo, Ohio. His primary research interests include the application of strength and conditioning principles to improve human performance, blood flow restriction in exercise and training, alternative exercise techniques, and exercise programming.
Education
- PhD, Exercise Science, University of Toledo
- BS (Honors), Exercise Science, University of Toledo
Fun fact
I was the first person in my family to attend college.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The friendly, supportive, close-knit community that UIndy offers to faculty, staff, and students.
Areas of Expertise
Gerontology, health management and policy, emergency response
Background
Dr. Cecil has extensive grant-funded experience working with aging and vulnerable populations. She is interested in mitigating risk to vulnerable populations in many environments, including the workplace, care facilities, and during and after emergency situations. Dr. Cecil sees public health methods as a way to bridge a system of resources to reduce risk of harm to vulnerable adults.
Education
- DrPH, Gerontology and Health Services Management, University of Kentucky
- MPH, Health Behavior, University of Kentucky
- BA, Religion and French, Transylvania University
Fun fact
I enjoy just about anything outside: hiking, walking our dogs, "pajama walks" with our kids, shopping, or reading.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The commitment to student success in all aspects of student life
Areas of Expertise
Sport facility operations and management, sociocultural foundations of sport, professional and curriculum development in sport management
Background
Dr. Diacin has a professional background in sport facility and operation management. Responsibilities have included the management of programming, personnel and revenues with multi-purpose sport and recreation facilities. Academic-related accomplishments include six publications as either lead or second author in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals as well as 12 presentations at state, national and international conferences.
Research Interests
Parental involvement in youth sports, experiential learning and internship development in sport management, constraints upon family sport and recreation consumption
Education
- PhD, Exercise and Sport Science, University of Tennessee
- MEd, Sport Management, Bowling Green State University
- BS, Sport Management, Bowling Green State University
Fun fact
I know how to drive a Zamboni (and fortunately have never run anyone over)!
Favorite thing about UIndy
I like the small class sizes and community atmosphere that exists on campus.
Areas 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 Interests
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
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
Fun fact
I study and train in an old martial art that is most closely associated with Japanese ninja.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The level of commitment the faculty have toward one another and to the students
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
College athletics; brand management; Name, image, and likeness (NIL)
BACKGROUND
David Lovell is in his second year teaching at UIndy after having recently served as an Associate Director of Championships and Alliances at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). His responsibilities included strategic brand building and developing comprehensive fan experience strategies for all 90 NCAA Championships. In addition, he earned his doctorate in Sport Management at Indiana University.
Prior to his work at the NCAA, Lovell served for five years as Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. His work was primarily focused on generating revenue and increasing attendance for football, men's and women's basketball, and baseball. He served as the licensing representative for Hurricane Athletics and managed the contracts of key equipment suppliers and pouring rights partners. Lovell also served as an adjunct lecturer and taught an undergraduate sports marketing class at the University of Miami.
Before joining the staff at Miami, Lovell served for five years in Marketing and Promotions for Indiana University Athletics. His duties included generating revenue and increasing attendance for football, men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, and men's and women's soccer. His responsibilities included visual brand oversight as a licensing representative for IU Athletics.
EDUCATION
- PhD, Sport Management, Indiana University
- MS, Sport Management, Indiana University
- BS, Recreation & Sport Administration, Indiana University
FUN FACT
Dr. Lovell has been published as a researcher and as an artist.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT UINDY
The great people here at UIndy.
Areas 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 Interests
Facilitating healthy behaviors through healthy environments, weight management, sports nutrition, and healthy cooking
Education
- PhD, Interdepartmental Nutrition, Purdue University
- MA, Science Writing, Johns Hopkins University
- RDN, Registered Dietitian, Iowa State University
Fun fact
I love travel of any kind, but especially when it includes camping, hiking, and outdoor cooking.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The welcoming community vibe!
Areas of Expertise
Sport, exercise, and health behavior; coaching psychology, 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 Interests
Motivation and behavioral factors in tactical operators as well as sport motivation, behavioral return to play factors, and multi-dimensional wellness in collegiate student-athletes
Education
- PhD, Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University
- MS, Kinesiology, Indiana University
- BS, Kinesiology, Indiana University
Fun fact
I'm a National Parks Geek!
Favorite thing about UIndy
UIndy offers a tightly-knit, interdisciplinary environment for faculty, staff, students, and the community alike.
Areas of Expertise
Event management and sport marketing
Background
Dr. Mills has co-authored articles in national and international journals related to consumer-based brand equity in professional sports, health clubs, and campus recreational sports. She has also presented her research at the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), Sport Marketing Association (SMA), and Global Sport Business Association (GSBA). Additionally, Dr. Mills has worked and volunteered with several sport organizations around Indianapolis, including Great Lakes Valley Conference, Special Olympics Indiana, Indiana Sports Corporation, NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, and NCAA Yes Clinic. She plans to continue her scholarly work in branding while developing a service and consulting agenda that will bring future partnerships to UIndy and the Sport Management program.
Education
- PhD, Sport Management, Indiana University
- MS, Sport Management, Indiana University
- BS, Sport Management, University of Indianapolis
Fun fact
UIndy is my alma mater and I met my husband, Braxton Mills, here.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The family atmosphere! Go Hounds!
Areas of Expertise
Research methods, data management, epidemiology, firefighter health and wellness
Background
Dr. Muegge is an Epidemiologist with more than 20 years of experience in program evaluation and research. She is interested in research methods and health program planning and evaluation. Carolyn has been a co-investigator on more than $3,000,000 in grant awards studying firefighter health and wellness and has authored more than 100 technical reports, posters, manuscripts, and presentations.
Research Interests
Research methods, data management, first responder health and wellness
Education
- PhD, Epidemiology, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis
- MPH, Epidemiology, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis
- MS, Disease Prevention | Health Promotion, Purdue University
Fun fact
I still like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch!
Favorite thing about UIndy
UIndy is a beautiful and walkable campus.
Areas 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.
Education
- MS, Exercise Physiology, University of Louisville
- BS, Exercise, University of Louisville
Fun fact
I am the first member of my family to earn a 4-year college degree.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The small class sizes create a family atmosphere where students and faculty can communicate directly.
Areas of Expertise
Health and wellness education, corporate wellness/fitness, health disparities, health promotion and disease prevention, administration
Background
I have spent 10 years being connected with UIndy. I was a student-athlete here where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and went on to receive my Master of Public Health while on the track and field team. I also served as a graduate assistant on the team while starting my professional career in corporate wellness working for the National Institute for Fitness and Sports. Following graduate school, I served as the Director of Contact Tracing at UIndy while continuing my coaching career as an Assistant on the track and field team. After the COVID pandemic slowly came to an end, I began working in an administrative setting for the athletics department and served as the compliance director. I have a wide range of experience in all things Kinesiology, Health & Sport Science.
Education
- Masters of Public Health (MPH), University of Indianapolis
- BS, Exercise Science, University of Indianapolis
Fun Fact
Outside of all things health/wellness, I love to sing and serve on the worship team at my church!
Favorite thing about UIndy
The family atmosphere!
Areas 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 Interests
Coordination and control of human movement, endurance performance
Education
- PhD, Exercise Science, University of Toledo
- MA, Motor Behavior, Kent State University
- BS, Physical Education, Baldwin-Wallace College
Fun facts
I just became a grandfather and am loving the new role!
Favorite thing about UIndy
Friendly and supportive faculty and staff