Gustavo Heidner

Gustavo Heidner is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Montclair State University within the College for Community Health. His research focuses on biomechanics and motor control, particularly the diagnosis/treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and its effects on balance, motor control, and decision-making. He also explores virtual reality applications for motor learning paradigms and high-stress encounters like law enforcement responses. His teaching responsibilities include courses such as PEMJ 321 (Kinesiology) and PEMJ 324 (Basic Motor Learning).

Educational Background:

• BSc in Exercise Science and Physical Education (Pontifical Catholic University of RS)
• MA in Exercise Science: Biomechanics (Indiana State University)
• PhD in Bioenergetics and Exercise Science: Biomechanics and Motor Control (East Carolina University)

Research Interests: Combines biomechanical analysis with neurobehavioral studies to address real-world challenges such as mTBI rehabilitation and decision-making under stress (e.g., law enforcement scenarios). Recent work includes studies on visual-motor control during deadly force encounters and the neural correlates of fatigue vs. concussion.

Key Contributions: Over 20 peer-reviewed publications in areas like gait adaptations, police officer motor response variability, and virtual reality-assisted motor training. Research emphasizes translational applications for public safety and clinical practice.