Michael Danduran

Michael Danduran, PhD, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Marquette University, with over 25 years of clinical expertise in pediatric cardiopulmonary exercise testing at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. He serves as Senior Exercise Physiologist at the Herma Heart Center and directs student internship programs there. His research focuses on congenital heart disease rehabilitation, particularly in Fontan patients, and long-term effects of infections like COVID-19 on exercise capacity.

Education:

• PhD (pending 2024): Clinical and Translational Rehabilitation Health Science, Marquette University
• M.S. (1995): Exercise Physiology, Minnesota State University
• B.S. (1993): Sports Medicine, Colorado State University

Research Interests: Dr. Danduran investigates pediatric exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing in congenital heart disease, and post-infectious exercise rehabilitation (e.g., post-COVID-19). He pioneered Fontan-specific exercise protocols and evaluates home-based cardiac rehab programs for children. His work integrates clinical practice with translational research, using technologies like near-infrared spectroscopy to assess hemodynamic responses.

Recent Research Trends: His publications (2021–2025) emphasize post-COVID-19 exercise physiology, pediatric cardiac rehab efficacy, and Fontan circulation pathophysiology. He explores how chronic diseases and infections impair exercise capacity, with a focus on developing evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.

Grants & Advising: While specific grants aren't listed, his work at the Herma Heart Center and Marquette suggests involvement in clinical trials and institutional initiatives. He advises student internships but no named advisees are publicly documented.

Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Herma Heart Center's pediatric cardiology team and Marquette's Exercise Physiology lab, focusing on translational research linking clinical testing to patient outcomes.