Dr. Cris Stickley On Athletic Training, Research Insights, and the PhD Journey

Join Andrew in this informative episode of the HNL Movement Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Cris Stickley, an advisor, mentor, colleague, and great friend throughout Andrew’s PhD program. Dr. Stickley shares his unique journey, starting with a transition from engineering to athletic training during college, fueled by his upbringing on a farm where manual labor help him to develop and learn many life lessons. Reflecting on his early experiences, Dr. Stickley discusses the developmental windows in life that shape our physical capabilities throughout adulthood, underscoring the lifelong benefits of early physical activity and cardiovascular development.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Stickley delves into pivotal moments in his career, from competitive volleyball in Ohio's church leagues to earning his spot in the athletic training internship program at Ohio State University. He discusses the immersive old-school mentality that enriched his professional career. Moving on to his tenure as a graduate assistant at Fresno State University and later as the head athletic trainer at Northern Kentucky University, Dr. Stickley shares invaluable insights gained from working with diverse sports teams and collaborating with renowned figures in athletic training.

The conversation evolves into Dr. Stickley's journey to Hawaii, where he pursued his passion for biomechanics and became the first kinesiology PhD graduate at the University of Hawaii. From evolving the biomechanics lab from the ground up to teaching complex subjects like cadaver anatomy, Dr. Stickley reflects on the transformative PhD experience and its profound impact on his career and clinical practice. This episode offers listeners a profound glimpse into the intersection of research and clinical practice, essential for optimizing athletic performance and human movement. Enjoy this episode!