Courtney Szto is an Associate Professor in Physical Cultures and Intersectional Justice at Queen's University. She holds a PhD from Simon Fraser University, MSc from University of Toronto, and BHK from University of British Columbia. Szto's research explores the relationship between physical cultures and intersectional justice, examining how racism, sexism, ableism, and environmental issues manifest in sport. Her award-winning book 'Changing on the Fly: Hockey through the voices of South Asian Canadians' examines hockey's multicultural dimensions. Current projects investigate how historically marginalized groups create community spaces through outdoor activities, bicycle waste streams, and gender equity in hockey. Szto's documentary 'Revolutions' won Best Canadian Short Documentary at the BC Environmental Film Festival for its examination of bicycle waste. She teaches courses on socio-cultural dimensions of sport, race in physical activity, and sport-environment relationships.
Geoff Dover is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at Concordia University, where he has served since 2008 after directing the Graduate Athletic Training program at the University of Florida. A Certified Athletic Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer, his research centers on biopsychosocial mechanisms of pain perception and disability, with emphasis on chronic low back pain and athlete rehabilitation. His academic credentials include: PhD from the University of Florida MS from the University of Florida Diploma in Sports Injury Management from Sheridan College BSc in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph Dr. Dover implements biopsychosocial models to investigate how psychological factors like catastrophizing and fear avoidance interact with functional limitations in chronic pain development. His work identifies risk factors for heightened pain perception and reduced functionality across diverse populations, utilizing innovative tools such as infrared thermography for objective pain assessment and fracture healing monitoring. This research addresses the societal burden of chronic pain through improved clinical outcomes in musculoskeletal disorders. Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on chronic low back pain mechanisms, athlete concussion recovery, and psychological determinants of rehabilitation outcomes. His methodology emphasizes randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and psychometric validation of assessment tools, with practical applications in athletic therapy settings. Key trends include quantifying fear avoidance behaviors, evaluating novel interventions like aquatic exercise, and establishing correlations between pain catastrophizing and physiological responses. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials As a thesis supervisor for MSc and PhD candidates in Health and Exercise Science, Dr. Dover mentors graduate students through the Athletic Therapy Research Laboratory. This facility investigates pain perception variability, recovery trajectories, and functional adaptations in both athletic and general populations, with specialized focus on pain-related fear measures. His lab bridges clinical practice and research through partnerships with Concordia's Perform Centre.
Professor Don Vinson is a Course Leader for the MSc Sports Coaching and holds the academic rank of Professor of Sport Coaching at the University of Worcester's School of Sport and Exercise Science. He balances roles as a teacher, researcher, and practitioner, specializing in sport coaching pedagogy, performance analysis, and leadership. His research focuses on Coach Developer learning, Landscapes of Practice, and evaluating programs like the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (Royal British Legion-funded) and UK Coaching initiatives. Education qualifications include a PhD in Physical Activity and Health (University of Central Lancashire, 2008), a PGCert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Liverpool John Moores University, 2006), and a BSc in Physical Education and Sports Science (University of Hull, 2001). He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and holds a University Teaching Fellowship. Research funding exceeds £160,000, including projects with UK Sport, UK Coaching, and the League Managers’ Association. He reviews for academic journals and served as Associate Editor of the Graduate Journal of Sport, Exercise, and Physical Education Research (2015–2020). Professionally, he advises National Governing Bodies like the Football Association, British Cycling, and England Hockey, where he also serves as Head Coach for the U16 women’s hockey squad and part of the Coach Developer Workforce. His awards include being shortlisted for England Hockey’s Performance Coach of the Year (2011) and multiple teaching fellowships. He leads the Coach Developer and Performance Analyst Research Group and collaborates with organizations such as the International Council for Coach Education (ICCE) and the Cluster for Research into Coaching (CRiC). His work emphasizes creating value in coach development systems and non-linear coaching approaches across grassroots and elite levels.
Cynthia Toms, Ph.D., is a Professor of Global Studies and Kinesiology at Westmont College, Santa Barbara. She specializes in Global Health, Social Models of Health, and Food Security, with a focus on integrating community engagement and global development. Her roles include directing Westmont's Global Health in Uganda Semester program and co-advising the global studies fellows program. During 2022-2023, she held a Sabbatical Fellowship at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine, researching food security and social determinants of health. Dr. Toms has held previous academic positions at the University of Notre Dame, Uganda Studies Program, and institutions in China. Her research collaborations include the Food Bank of Santa Barbara and community-driven initiatives in Santa Barbara’s Westside. She serves on boards for Child Family Health International, Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation, and The Community-based Global Learning Collaborative. Her research interests span food security, global health/development, and intercultural engagement. Notable awards include the Dissertation of the Year (2012) from CIES and IARSLCE, 2019 Teacher of the Year, and induction into Messiah University's Athletic Hall of Honor (2018). She volunteers with local equestrian organizations and is an active member of the US Pony Club. Dr. Toms resides in Santa Barbara with her family. Her work emphasizes transformative education through global partnerships, blending academic rigor with community service. Key themes in her publications include service-learning methodologies, intercultural competency, and the intersection of faith/spirituality with education and health.
Barbara Meyer serves as Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Sport Psychology & Performance Excellence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she specializes in athletic training and performance psychology applications. Her work bridges research and practice to enhance human performance across elite sports, tactical populations, and occupational settings through evidence-based interventions. Dr. Meyer's educational credentials include: PhD in Health Education, Counseling Psychology, and Human Performance from Michigan State University (1991) MA in Health Education, Counseling Psychology, and Human Performance from Michigan State University (1988) BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1986) Her research program focuses on two interconnected domains: rest and recovery mechanisms in high-performance populations (athletes, coaches, tactical workers), and integrated teamwork dynamics in human performance systems. This work addresses real-world challenges through a holistic systems approach, with practical applications developed in collaboration with professional sports organizations, military units, and corporate entities across freestyle skiing, ice hockey, basketball, and emergency response fields. Analysis of Dr. Meyer's 2019-2025 publications reveals consistent thematic concentration on psychological recovery processes, mental health screening in athletic environments, and performance optimization strategies. Her work increasingly examines cross-population applications - particularly the transfer of sport psychology principles to tactical occupations like firefighting - while maintaining methodological diversity through psychometric validation, qualitative phenomenological studies, and mixed-methods field research. No major scientific awards or fellowships are documented in the provided materials. Dr. Meyer mentors graduate students through courses including PRPP 552 (Psychology of Personal Excellence), PRPP 854 (Professional Studies in Sport & Performance Psychology), and doctoral dissertation supervision. Her research program appears supported by institutional resources through the Laboratory for Sport Psychology & Performance Excellence, with practical partnerships facilitating applied research in real-world performance settings. The Laboratory for Sport Psychology & Performance Excellence functions as her primary research hub, coordinating studies on athlete recovery, coach-athlete dynamics, and occupational stress management. This lab maintains active collaborations with sports organizations, military units, and emergency services to implement and evaluate performance psychology interventions in authentic high-stakes environments.
Michael Boyle serves as an Associate Professor (Lecturer) in the Department of Operations and Information Systems at the David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah. With over two decades of industry experience in analytics, business intelligence, and information technology across multiple sectors, he integrates practical expertise with academic instruction, specializing in data-driven applications for organizational decision-making. His academic background includes: Master of Science from DePaul University Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo Boyle's research centers on Sports Analytics and Business Analytics, investigating how data science optimizes performance in professional sports leagues and corporate environments. His work examines team composition diversity in hockey, analytics competency development, and big data implementation, while also covering foundational areas like data warehousing, business intelligence systems, and information technology infrastructure. This dual focus bridges theoretical research with real-world industry applications. His publication history reveals a concentrated emphasis on sports analytics, with studies analyzing physical and cultural diversity impacts in the NHL and frameworks for building analytics capabilities in sports organizations. These works demonstrate consistent exploration of how quantitative methods transform sports management and business strategy through empirical evidence. No scientific awards or major honors are documented in the available information. Boyle actively mentors students through competition advising for the Adobe Digital Analytics Competition and Google Online Marketing Challenge, while supervising master's research in data-intensive courses. His guidance extends to certification programs and industry engagement initiatives, fostering practical skills development for analytics careers.
Shane T. Jensen is Professor of Statistics and Data Science at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where he has held a faculty position since 2004. His research integrates advanced statistical methodologies with real-world applications in urban environments and sports analytics, leveraging Bayesian multi-level modeling and spatial statistics to address complex societal challenges. Education: PhD, Harvard University, 2004 AM, Harvard University, 2001 MS, McGill University, 1999 BS, McGill University, 1997 Professor Jensen's research program exhibits strong interdisciplinary connections between statistical theory and practical implementation. His urban analytics work investigates how spatial interventions like vacant lot greening impact property values and crime patterns through rigorous spatial econometric modeling, while his sports statistics research has pioneered new evaluation frameworks in baseball (OpenWAR) and hockey analytics. The consistent application of Bayesian hierarchical methods across these domains demonstrates methodological cohesion despite topical diversity. Recent publications reveal a pronounced trend toward collaborative, data-driven solutions for urban challenges, with increasing focus on reproducibility (evidenced by the 2023 JASA Award) and translational impact. His sports analytics output maintains strong connections to professional applications through SABR recognition and frequent media engagement. Awards and Honors: Savage Award for best thesis, International Society for Bayesian Analysis (2005) David W. Hauck Award for Outstanding Teaching (2009) Sports in Statistics Award, American Statistical Association (2011) JASA Reproducibility Award (2023) Wharton Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award (2021) Wharton Teaching Excellence Awards (2019, 2020) SABR Analytics Conference Research Award (2016) Professor Jensen maintains active research partnerships with Dylan Small on urban safety projects, as highlighted in Wharton Stories coverage of their big data approach to neighborhood safety. His frequent appearances on Knowledge at Wharton through 2025 discussing tennis, baseball, and basketball analytics demonstrate ongoing engagement with both academic and public audiences.
David Barrett serves as a Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University's School of Sport and Physical Activity within the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, where he has contributed to the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) for over 16 years. Specializing in GIS and spatial data analysis, he partners with national sport organizations across the UK and Ireland—including the Gaelic Athletic Association, Sport England, and UK rugby governing bodies—to enhance research capacity on participation trends, volunteering dynamics, talent pathways, and economic impact assessments. Barrett's research centers on the critical relationship between volunteer workforces and sport participation, particularly examining how voluntary sports clubs sustain participation opportunities amid socioeconomic pressures. His expertise in transforming organizational 'business as usual' data into strategic insights informs studies on cost-of-living impacts, pandemic recovery in grassroots sport, and the socioeconomic value of Gaelic Games. Methodologically, he integrates spatial database management, large-scale surveys, and qualitative stakeholder analysis to address complex sector challenges. Recent publication trends reveal Barrett's focus on external shock resilience (Covid-19, cost-of-living crises), talent pathway inclusion across UK/Irish nations, and the economic-social valuation of sport. His work consistently bridges academic rigor with practical application for sport governing bodies, emphasizing spatial analytics and longitudinal data to track participation shifts and organizational adaptation. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS) Barrett has led major commissioned research for Sport England, UK Sport, and the GAA—including facility audits across four UK/Irish football associations and the landmark Gaelic Games economic valuation study. His advisory role extends to local authorities and professional clubs like Celtic FC, where he translates data into strategic frameworks for sport development. As an active hockey volunteer and contributor to The Hockey Paper, he maintains direct engagement with community sport dynamics. Based at SIRC, Barrett collaborates within Sheffield Hallam's sport research ecosystem, leveraging partnerships with national governing bodies to advance evidence-based policy. His current projects examine outdoor learning infrastructure and Camogie participation baselines, continuing SIRC's tradition of impactful sport sector consultancy.
Konstantin Rehlinghaus is a researcher at the Institute of Sport Didactics and Physical Education at German Sport University Cologne. His work bridges physical education, digital media integration, and curriculum development, with a focus on media pedagogy and hockey instruction. Research: Specializes in digitalization trends in school sports, AI applications in teaching, and hockey education. Teaching: Involved in bachelor's and master's programs, offering seminars on inclusion in sports, hockey, and practical training. Publications: Recent works include a monograph on field hockey and studies on AI in lesson planning. Awards: Recipient of the 2016 TutorInnenpreis for educational excellence. Activities: Regularly participates in conferences, organizes symposia, and delivers guest lectures on media competence and AI in education.
Musa ŞAHİN is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Coaching Education within the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Karabük University. He has held this position since 2021, previously serving as a Research Assistant at the same institution since 2015. His academic journey includes a PhD in Physical Education and Sports from Gazi University (2017-2021), a Master's degree in Physical Education and Sports from Selçuk University (2011-2015), and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education Teaching from Selçuk University (2006-2010). His research focuses on five primary areas: Exercise Programming, Healthy Aging and Exercise, Ergogenic Aid and Doping, Exercise and Sports Physiology, and Training Science. Dr. ŞAHİN has established himself as a specialist in analyzing physiological responses to various training modalities across different sports disciplines and populations. His work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications in sports performance enhancement, health promotion, and athletic development. His publication record shows a strong emphasis on practical sports science applications, with recent work examining plyometric training effects in boxers, warm-up protocols for football players, and Zumba exercise programs for sedentary populations. His research frequently investigates the relationship between specific training methods and performance outcomes across various sports including wrestling, soccer, tennis, and combat sports. The articles demonstrate consistent focus on physiological measurements, performance metrics, and practical training applications. Dr. ŞAHİN serves as the primary thesis advisor for three graduate students: Aleyna Habibe Demir (2025), Melisa Aydoğan (2025), and Mustafa Jamal Mahmood Akmakjı (2024). He has taught numerous courses including Coaching Education Research and Project I, Wrestling II, Artistic Gymnastics, Athletics I, Physical Fitness, and Exercise and Nutrition. His community engagement includes projects such as 'Nefsin Sana Değil, Sen Nefsine Hükmet' (2023), 'Başarılı Bir Gelecek İçin Sağlılı Yaşamayı Seç' (2022-2023), and 'Güçlü Kızlar Güçlü Türkiyem' (2020-2021), demonstrating his commitment to applying sports science knowledge to broader societal contexts.
Patrick Lambrix is a Professor and Head of the Division for Database and Information Techniques at Linköping University's Department of Computer and Information Science (IDA). He holds a MSc in Mathematics and Computer Science from KU Leuven and a PhD from Linköping University. His expertise spans semantic web technologies, ontology engineering, and sports analytics. He leads the Database and Web Information Systems group and co-founded the Sports Analytics research group at IDA. Research interests include knowledge engineering applications in materials science and life sciences, ontology alignment, and performance metrics in sports. He coordinates the Master in Computer Science program and serves as Director of Studies. Notable contributions include award-winning systems in ontology debugging and completion, and organizing the Linköping Hockey Analytics Conference (LINHAC). Education: MSc (Mathematics & Computer Science, KU Leuven, 1988/1990), PhD (Linköping University, 1996) Leadership Roles: Head of ADIT Division, Director of Studies, WASP program participant Research Groups: Database & Web Info Systems, Semantic Web, Sports Analytics Publications focus on ontology engineering advancements and sports analytics innovations, with recent work on hockey performance metrics and ontology alignment methodologies. His teams collaborate with industry and sports organizations to apply semantic technologies in real-world scenarios.
Dr. Julie Stevens is a Full Professor in the Department of Sport Management at Brock University's Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, where she has been a faculty member since 1999. She previously served as Director of the Centre for Sport Capacity from 2010-2024 and now serves as Past Director. Dr. Stevens also served as Special Advisor to the President – Canada Games from 2018-2023, leading academic innovation initiatives for the Brock University-2022 Niagara Canada Summer Games partnership. Dr. Stevens' research focuses on transformation and system integration within sport systems, with over 35 years of scholarly work examining managerial perspectives on change in sport at local, provincial, national, and international levels. Her key research areas include women's hockey (historical, social, cultural, organizational, and global issues), the 'active economy' and value of sport to regional economic development, sport tourism models, and safe sport practices. She takes an interdisciplinary approach that connects sport with other industries and sectors, exploring how sport functions as an economic driver across multiple business domains. Her scholarly work demonstrates a strong trend toward practical application and knowledge mobilization, with increasing focus on the intersection of sport with economic development, tourism, and community building. Recent publications show expansion into the concept of the "active economy" that encompasses sport, recreation, and tourism as interconnected economic drivers, alongside continued deep engagement with hockey research from historical and organizational perspectives. Dr. Stevens has received several notable recognitions including the 2022 Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Research Excellence Award and the 2020 Outstanding Co-op Supervisor Recognition Award at Brock University, and was named a Research Fellow by the North American Society for Sport Management in 2013. She has also been recognized internationally as a Visiting International Scholar at the University of West Indies (2025) and Linnaeus University in Sweden (2013-2014). Dr. Stevens maintains an active research program supported by diverse funding sources including Global Affairs Canada, the Niagara Parks Commission, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, and multiple internal Brock University grants. She is particularly known for the Sport Oral History Archive (SOHA), a digital, open-access collection preserving oral histories related to the Canada Games, Garden City Arena, and Niagara-on-the-Lake Tennis Club. Her work emphasizes practical application of research to support sport organizations and communities, with strong focus on knowledge mobilization and community engagement. Dr. Stevens leads the Sport Oral History Archive initiative and has established herself as a key figure in the Centre for Sport Capacity, which serves as a hub for research, student experiential learning, and practical support to sport organizations. She continues to actively collaborate with international sport organizations including the International Ice Hockey Federation and has worked with the Hungarian Hockey Federation to launch new international competitions.
Michael Kanters is a Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University's College of Natural Resources. He holds a B.A. from the University of Waterloo (1984), M.S. (1985), and Ph.D. (1988) from Indiana University, specializing in Human Performance and Recreation Administration. His teaching focuses on sport management, while his research emphasizes children's physical activity and youth sport policies, particularly shared use of school facilities to promote health equity. Key themes include the environmental impact of youth sports commuting, sport-based life skills programs for underserved populations, and policy strategies for increasing physical activity access in low-income and rural communities. Notable research includes evaluating shared use agreements in North Carolina schools, analyzing commuting patterns in youth sports, and assessing physical activity levels in high school sports. He has secured over $2 million in grants from agencies like the CDC and DHHS, focusing on obesity prevention, park prescription programs, and the Healthy Sport Index. His work often bridges academia with community partnerships to address public health challenges through sport and recreation policies. Grants: $1.5M: Multi-Level Approach to Prevent Obesity in four NC counties (2016–2018) $103K: Prescribing Parks and Recreation for Community Health (2017–2018) $125K: Healthy Sport Index Project with the Aspen Institute (2017–2018) Dr. Kanters has presented at conferences like the Global Summit on Physical Activity of Children and Active Living Research, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. His research groups examine facility utilization, policy simulation, and cost-benefit analyses to optimize community health outcomes through sport and recreation initiatives.
Anna Lina Rahlf is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sports Science at Europa-Universität Flensburg, where she has been employed since October 2021. She previously held a postdoctoral researcher position at the University of Hamburg (2020–2021) and was a PhD student and research associate at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2014–2020). Her academic foundation includes a Master’s degree in Human Movement Science from Universität Hamburg (2011–2014). Europa-Universität Flensburg – Assistant Professor (Sports Science), 2021–present University of Hamburg – Postdoctoral Researcher (Institute of Human Movement Science), 2020–2021 Friedrich Schiller University Jena – PhD Student and Research Associate (Sports Science), 2014–2020 Universität Hamburg – Master’s in Human Movement Science, 2011–2014 Her research centers on sports injury prevention, biomechanics, and neuromuscular training, with a focus on youth athletes, running-related injuries, chronic ankle instability, and the impact of physical activity during public health crises. She investigates how factors like sex, biological maturity, footwear, and training duration influence injury risk and functional performance. Her work integrates clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to advance evidence-based practice in sports medicine and rehabilitation. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward methodological rigor in sports injury research, including the development of quality assessment tools (e.g., QA-SIVAS scale), machine learning applications for injury prediction, and high-level synthesis of global data on physical activity during the pandemic. Her studies frequently employ biomechanical analysis, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analytic techniques, positioning her at the intersection of clinical science, data analysis, and preventive sports medicine. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, her contributions to peer review for journals such as Sports Medicine and Sportwissenschaft highlight her engagement with the academic community. Dr. Rahlf has not published a list of advisees, but her collaborative research suggests active mentorship and interdisciplinary teamwork. She has contributed to grant-funded and multicenter studies, particularly in rehabilitation and injury prevention. Though no specific lab or research team is named, her work implies participation in structured research groups focused on human movement science and sports medicine.
Dr. Milly Bell is a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at La Trobe University, where she has been teaching since 2018. She completed her PhD in 2023 focusing on barriers and facilitators of physical activity in knee osteoarthritis. In addition to her academic role, she serves as an Academic Integrity Advisor and Physiotherapy Honours Coordinator at La Trobe University. Clinically, she works as a Senior Physiotherapist at both Cabrini and Epworth Hospitals. Dr. Bell's educational background includes: PhD from La Trobe University (2023) Bachelor of Physiotherapy Advanced Research (Honours) from Monash University (2016) Her primary research interests focus on knee osteoarthritis management, physical activity interventions, back pain treatment, and sports medicine, particularly in field hockey. She specializes in systematic reviews, qualitative research, and randomized controlled trials. Dr. Bell has developed expertise in digital care pathways, as evidenced by her work on the Backtrac project implementing a digital care pathway for emergency department patients with back pain. Her research often bridges clinical practice and academic inquiry, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered approaches and improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practice. Dr. Bell's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory in knee osteoarthritis research, with a particular emphasis on the GLA:D® program and physical activity interventions. She has increasingly focused on digital health solutions, as seen in her BackTrAC project for back pain management in emergency settings. Her work consistently applies mixed methods approaches to understand both quantitative outcomes and patient experiences. A notable trend is her development of the SUMIT (Supported Motivational Interviewing) approach to improve physical activity adherence in osteoarthritis patients. Dr. Bell has successfully secured research funding, including a grant from the Transport Accident Commission for "Healthcare of the future: The development of an innovative co-created perioperative digital care pathway to improve patient surgical outcomes" (2024-2025). As an educator, Dr. Bell has supervised two completed Honours students and currently mentors two additional Honours students. She has been instrumental in curriculum development, designing physiotherapy workshops, lectures, and practical skill resources. Her teaching spans subjects including Research Project Planning, Applied Physiotherapy, Community Practice, and Physiotherapy Essentials. She serves as the Physiotherapy Honours Coordinator at La Trobe University. Dr. Bell leads a field hockey injury surveillance study, which represents the first of its kind in Australia. She also collaborates with Northern Health on implementing digital care pathways for back pain patients in emergency departments through the Backtrac project.
