John David Kiesel

John David Kiesel, D.P.T., is an Associate Professor in the College of Health and Human Services, Department of Applied Medicine & Rehabilitation at Indiana State University. A board-certified orthopaedic specialist and certified strength & conditioning specialist, he integrates pain neuroscience education, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and community service into his multifaceted academic role.

Education & Certifications

• D.P.T., Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 2007 (Physical Therapy)
• B.S., Indiana University, 2004 (Kinesiology, Psychology minor)
• Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist, ABPTS (2009-2029)
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, NSCA (2006-2023)
• Therapeutic Pain Specialist, ISPI (2017-present)
• Additional certifications in addiction/substance-use disorders and naloxone administration.

Research Interests

Dr. Kiesel’s scholarly work centers on biopsychosocial approaches to pain management, safe fall-landing strategies across the lifespan, and interprofessional education to combat the opioid crisis. His investigations explore how pain neuroscience education reshapes attitudes among health-professions students, how targeted motor-training reduces fall-related injuries in geriatric and athletic populations, and how therapeutic alliance influences rehabilitation outcomes.

Across more than 25 peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters since 2019, a clear trajectory emerges: translating contemporary pain-science into actionable curricula for physical therapists, physician assistants, and athletic trainers; deploying community-based interventions to reduce opioid reliance; and developing evidence-based fall-prevention programs.

Scientific Awards & Honors

• Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award, Level 2 – College of Health and Human Services (2022-23)
• Nominee, Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award (2024)

Grants & Funding

• Co-Principal Investigator, Subaru Community Engagement Capital Equipment Grant ($11,058, 2024-present)
• Co-Principal Investigator, HRSA Grant ($1.5 M, 2021-2025) – interprofessional opioid-education initiatives
• Principal Investigator, ISU Experiential Learning & Community Engagement Grant ($931.70, 2020)

Clinical & Community Engagement

Dr. Kiesel directs student-led pro-bono clinics, supervises Special Olympics FUNfitness screenings, and mentors DPT students in service-learning initiatives. He also serves on university governance bodies including the Graduate Council, Faculty Senate, and IRB, and provides clinical care on a PRN basis at ISU Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation.