معرفی
Rachel Luehrs serves as Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Program Director for the Exercise Science program at North Central College, while also mentoring the Health and Exercise Association (HEXA) student organization and holding NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.
Her academic credentials include:
- Ph.D. in Health and Human Physiology from The University of Iowa (2020)
- M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (2014)
- Dual B.S. degrees in Exercise Science and Human Performance and Fitness from St. Ambrose University (2013)
Dr. Luehrs' research centers on cardiovascular-respiratory-cognitive interactions, specifically investigating arterial stiffness, blood pressure dynamics, and cognitive performance in contexts like cigarette smoking history and chronic respiratory diseases. Her work bridges clinical exercise physiology with public health implications for mental wellness through physical activity.
Analysis of her 2018-2021 publications reveals consistent interdisciplinary patterns across cardiology, respiratory medicine, and neuroscience. Key recurring themes include arterial stiffness as a biomarker linking vascular health to cognitive outcomes in COPD/sleep apnea patients, longitudinal smoking effects on hemodynamic regulation, and pregnancy-related cardiovascular adaptations. This cohesive body of work demonstrates methodological diversity spanning epidemiological cohort studies, clinical CT imaging, and autonomic nervous system assessments.
