Michelle Cleary

Michelle Cleary is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Chapman University’s Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. She specializes in sports medicine, focusing on sport safety, exertional heat illness, and exertional rhabdomyolysis, with expertise in hydration assessment and thermal physiology.

Her research includes:

• Heat-related muscle injuries
• Sport safety protocols
• Hydration and thermal regulation in athletes
• Clinical pharmacology applications in athletic training

Dr. Cleary has published extensively in journals such as the Journal of Athletic Training and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, with recent work centered on pharmacological interventions in sports health. She is a certified athletic trainer, CPR/first aid instructor, and strength and conditioning coach, with clinical experience across high school, Division I, and international/olympic settings.

She has taught at multiple institutions, including Temple University Medical School and the University of Hawaii, and joined Chapman University in 2012. Her courses cover human anatomy, physical rehabilitation, and athletic training curricula. She is an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and National Athletic Trainers Association.