Research at the AHPRC
The Athletic and Human Performance Research Center (AHPRC) fosters collaborative and interdisciplinary research and action to optimize health and human performance across the spectra of age and ability while transforming students into scientists, intentionally guided by 91ºÚÁÏÍø Catholic, Jesuit identity and pillars of faith, excellence, leadership, and service. The AHPRC is a dedicated research space in which 91ºÚÁÏÍø faculty and partners from the healthcare industry can collaborate on new research and cutting-edge innovation in the areas of elite athletic performance, human performance, rehabilitation, fitness data analytics, and other related disciplines. The AHPRC is part of the Office of Research and Innovation.
As researchers, we value integrity, honesty, passion, perseverance, intense curiosity, excellence, diligence, intention, dedication, innovation, and courage.
Annoucements & Upcoming Events:
The Student Research Initiative (SRI) application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year has passed. Please stay tuned for next year's announcement (late summer 2027).
Join us for our Fall Seminar Series! Our first speaker is Dr. Kevin Crombe on Sept 24:

SEPTEMBER 24: Kevin Crombie, PhD, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Kinesiology, University of Alabama; Presentation Title: Physical Activity, Exercise, and Psychotherapy-Relevant Learning and Decision-Making in PTSD: Lab-Based Evidence and Translational Considerations.
NOVEMBER 12: Nao Ito, DPT, PhD, Assistant Professor and Pathway to Independence K99/R00 Scholar, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Presentation Title: Advancing Rehabilitation of Patellar Tendon Injuries Using Innovation Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques.
DECEMBER 3: Amy Bleakley, PhD, Professor of Communication, University of Delaware; Presentation Title: A Communication Science Approach to Understanding and Improving Health Behavior. |
AHPRC in the News:
featured in 91ºÚÁÏÍø Today, August 2026.
| – Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, speaks to sex differences in performance in this excerpt from Christine Yu new book, ‘Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes’ |
| – AHPRC Student Researcher Mira Atkinson speaks with La Gran D Radio in Milwaukee about Long COVID outreach and research in the Hispanic community. . |
| – Dr. Kristof Kipp (EXSC) and his team conduct biomechanical research that can be leveraged to improve performance of USA athletes |
| - Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, talks about the long-haul COVID research happening at the AHPRC. |
| - Washington Post article featuring former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter |
- Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, discusses the interdependence of research and teaching and how this facilitates innovation and discovery
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- Former AHPRC Direcrtor, Dr. Sandra Hunter, and Mike Haischer make an appearance on NPR to talk about their research in mask-wearing in Wisconsin.
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| Former AHPRC director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, makes an appearance on Milwaukee's WUWM radio station to give tips for exercising while wearing a mask. |
- Starting at minute 37 in the video, see the AHPRC featured and hear AHPRC staff discuss sex differences in exercise response.
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| - The AHPRC's Mike Haischer and Casandra Goodrich are featured on 91ºÚÁÏÍø's podcast, talking about their experiences working at the AHPRC. |
| - Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, is interviewed about how space travel affects the human body |
| - Dr. Norah Johnson collaborates with the AHPRC to study how reducing stress on parents might impact the lives of their children. |
| - Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, contributes to the discussion of what makes women strong |
| - an interview with Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, on exercising in cold weather |
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AHPRC Seminar Videos:
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Sex Differences in Public Equity
The Biomechanics and Energetics of Marathon Running
Research-Embedded Training Camps: Doing Science with Elite Athletes
(Only available to those with MU email addresses)