2026 Kent State Fitness and Sports Science Symposium Conference Program
Invited speakers and conference program
-
Jon Stavres, Ph.D., Miami University - Distinguished Alumni Lecture
Jon Stavres, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University and completed his postdoctoral training at the Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute. Stavres’ research focuses on the physiological mechanisms that regulate blood pressure and blood flow during rest and exercise in humans, with a particular emphasis in resting and exercise-induced autonomic function in cardiometabolic disorders. His research program has been supported by over $300,000 in NIH funding, and his collaborative projects have been supported by over $1m in external funding. Prior to joining Miami University, Stavres served on the faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he mentored numerous students who have contributed to more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
-
Kealey Wohlgemuth, Ph.D., University of Cincinnati - Keynote Lecture
Wohlgemuth completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her doctoral degree at Texas Tech University in Exercise Physiology and is currently an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Cincinnati. In addition, Wohlgemuth is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS, *D) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as a Certified Sports Nutritionist through the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN). Her research interests include neuromuscular performance, skeletal muscle imaging, and resistance training within special populations, including aging adults and tactical athletes.
-
Bob Lemieux, Kent State University - Career Exploration Lecture
Coach Lemieux is the Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Performance at Kent State University for the last 10 years, and has worked at Kent State University in the Strength and Conditioning program for the last 25 years. He graduated from Kent State University with his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management with additional post-graduate work in nutrition. Lemieux received his Master Strength and Conditioning Coach accreditation from the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa) in 2014 and is an approved mentor through the CSCCa, and has held certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), USA Weightlifting and the Titleist Performance Institute as a Golf Fitness Instructor.
-
Meghan Magee, Ph.D., Kent State University - Current Research Lecture
Magee joined the Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology faculty at Kent State in the Fall of 2023. She received her undergraduate degree and Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Bloomsburg University, and her Doctorate degree in Kinesiology from George Mason University. During her doctoral training, Magee’s research focused on body composition, sports nutrition, and metabolism. As a member of the faculty at Kent State, she has expanded on her previous research and apply her skill set to various populations including athletes, aging adults, women, and obese patients.