Nicole M. Cattano

Nicole M. Cattano is an Associate Professor in the Sports Medicine department at West Chester University's College of Health Sciences. With certifications as a Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT) and Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC), her work bridges clinical practice and academic research.

• Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Temple University (2014)
• MPH in Public Health from West Chester University (2004)
• B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from UNC Greensboro (2001)

Her research focuses on post-traumatic osteoarthritis, biochemical markers of injury, and patient-reported outcomes, particularly examining knee injury sequelae and evidence-based athletic training. Recent publications explore biomarker responses to running, synovial fluid dynamics, and longitudinal OA progression.

Notable trends in her research include:

• Systematic reviews on knee injury and OA
• Biomechanical analysis of running forces
• Validation of clinical techniques like saline-assisted aspirations
• Integration of patient quality-of-life metrics

Scientific Awards include:

• WCU Research Day Outstanding Poster (2019)
• Eastern ATA Graduate Student Award (2018, 2015)
• West Chester University Spotlight on Research (2017)
• Multiple Outstanding Advisor Awards (2016-2017)

Cattano has secured grants from WCU, Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society, and Highmark Health Care, supporting studies on cartilage deformation, peer teaching methods, and biomarker responses. She mentors students in research projects, including poster presentations at national conferences.