Exercise Science Program Faculty
The faculty members and instructors in the Exercise Science program at KU are dedicated to providing robust learning opportunities. You will learn from professionals who have real-world experiences in various exercise science settings.

Joseph P. Weir, Ph.D. is currently the Chair of the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Kansas. Dr. Weir received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. From 1993-1995, he was a faculty member in the Applied Physiology program... more


Dawn Emerson, Ph.D., ATC is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director of the Athletic Training Program. Dr. Emerson started at the University of Kansas in 2015. She is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and a member of the American College of Sports... more

Andrew Fry is currently a professor in the Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences at the University of Kansas. After obtaining his B.S in Physical Education at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he was a captain of the wrestling team, he owned and operated a commercial fitness... more

Philip Gallagher is an associate professor and program director of Exercise Science, in the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences (HSES). He is also the director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory. Dr. Gallagher joined the faculty in 2004 after completing doctoral studies in Human... more

Ashley A. Herda, Ph.D. is currently the Academic Program Associate at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park. Dr. Herda teaches courses for the undergraduate Exercise Science program. Dr. Herda was born and raised in Florida and completed her Bachelor of Science in Exercise... more

Trent J. Herda, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and is currently the Director of the Neuromechanics Laboratory and the Hawk Fitness Academy. Dr. Herda completed his doctoral work in exercise physiology at the University of Oklahoma under the mentorship of Dr. Joel Cramer. Dr. Herda received... more

Jordan M. Taylor, Ph.D. (Hon.), CSCS is currently an academic program associate and lecturer at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park, KS. Dr. Taylor instructs courses for the undergraduate Exercise Science program. He is originally from Dodge City, KS where he began his... more