Sandra Hunter, Ph.D., FACSM

Sandra Hunter, Ph.D., FACSM
Sandra Hunter, Ph.D., FACSMMarquette University

Cramer Hall, 230N

MilwaukeeWI53201United States of America(414) 288-6673Dr. Hunter's Neurophysiology Lab
Curriculum Vitae

Professor

Exercise Science

Dr. Hunter is a professor in the Exercise Science Program, in the Department of Physical Therapy and a Director of the Athletic and Human Performance Research Center (AHPRC) at Marquette University. In April 2020, she helped initiated the Marquette COVID-19 Research Initiative and serves as chair of the steering committee. As director of the AHPRC at Marquette, Dr. Hunter oversees programs of innovative research on human performance of all ages and abilities that is conducted by Marquette researchers, athletics and external partners. 

Dr. Hunter is Director of her own laboratory (Neuromuscular Physiology of Human Movement laboratory) that conducts studies to understand the mechanisms for differences in motor control, exercise fatigue and performance between males and females, with aging and in people with diabetes. Her laboratory has been funded by the National Institutes of Health since 2004 along with other granting bodies to conduct studies on aging, fatigue, sex differences, women’s health, diabetes (>$10 million). Dr. Hunter actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, along with postdoctoral research associates to become the next generation of scientists to conduct cutting-edge research. Dr. Hunter has over 120 peer review papers in impactful journals and she serves as associate editor for two journals:  Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise and Exercise and Sport Science Reviews. Dr. Hunter most recent R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health with a $3 million grant (2015-2025) examines fatigability of limb muscle in old adults and the protective effects of exercise. She regularly receives national and international media attention for her research.

Dr. Hunter has been honored with the several Marquette University awards for teaching and research, with the in 2020 for Outstanding Researcher in the College of Health Sciences, Marquette University. Find links to Dr. Hunter’s CV and publications (pubmed.org).

Education

  • 1998, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney, Australia
    Exercise & Sport Science
  • 1992, Graduate Diploma, University of Wollongong, Australia
    Human Movement Science
  • 1985, Bachelor of Education, University of Sydney, Australia

Courses Taught

  • EXPH 4195: Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory
  • CTRH 6001: Applied and Rehabilitative Systems Physiology
  • CTRH 6450: Fatigue in Health and Disease
  • CTRH 6391: Topics in CTRH: Techniques and Research in the Neural Control of Movement

Research Interests

  • Sex and age differences in muscle fatigability and endurance performance
  • The impact of stress on neuromuscular function and muscle fatigue
  • The neural control of muscle fatigue and task failure with advanced age
  • Adaptations of neuromuscular aging: control of muscle force and motor unit variability

Professional Affiliations

  • American College of Sports Medicine
  • American Physiological Society
  • Society for Neuroscience
  • European College of Sports Science

Honors and Awards

2015
Appointed associate editor of Exercise and Sports Science Reviews

2014
Marquette University Excellence in Teaching Award

2014
Way Klingler Research in Science Fellowship, Marquette University

2014
Appointed associate editor of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise

2013
National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute Musculoskeletal Workgroup: Decadal Study workgroup that generated a report on “The Impact of Sex and Gender on Adaptation to Space.”

2013
College of Health Sciences Edward Carroll Teacher of the Year Award, Marquette University

2008
Dr. Judith Stitt Women’s Faculty Scholarship: Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation

2007
Way Klingler Young Scholar Award, Marquette University

2005
Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM)