Karla Hanson

Karla Hanson serves as Associate Professor of Exercise & Sports Science in the College of Health, Science & Technology at Concordia University Chicago, where she also holds the position of Clinical Director for the Exercise and Sport Science Laboratory. She has been a faculty member since 2016 and teaches courses including physiology of exercise, sports nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and fitness testing & exercise prescription.

Her educational background includes a PhD from Concordia University Chicago, complemented by both Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from Benedictine University. As a recognized expert, her research focuses on clinical exercise physiology and sports nutrition, with specific emphasis on exercise rehabilitation for chronic diseases and disabilities alongside athletic performance optimization.

Professor Hanson directs laboratory operations at the Exercise and Sport Science Laboratory, conducting research and collaborating with athletic teams on sports evaluations and nutrition programming. Prior to her current role, she gained extensive clinical experience as an exercise physiologist at Rush University Medical Center and Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center.