Our Staff
Carol Ewing Garber is Professor of Movement Sciences and Education and Chair of the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also serves as the Director of the Graduate Program in Applied (Exercise) Physiology. She is also the Director of the newly launched EXerT Clinic, in which she and her student team are providing fitness testing and exercise training advice to athletes and to the community at large. She served as a Fulbright Specialist in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Balamand in Beirut, Lebanon, and she was previously on the faculty at Northeastern University and Brown University School of Medicine. Professor Garber is a past President of the American College of Sports Medicine and she is the 2019 Citation Awardee of that organization. She also has served in leadership roles in the American Heart Association and in several regional and statewide organizations. She received her BS, MA, and PhD from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Garber is a clinical exercise physiologist, and her research falls under the broad umbrella of the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. She has worked with diverse populations across the lifespan in clinical, community and laboratory settings. Her current work involves the development and testing of a theory- and scientific evidence based creative movement program in low-resourced urban toddlers and their parents and a home-based creative movement program for young children with congenital heart disease. Under her direction, her lab team has been developing new measurement tools for assessing physical activity and movement quality in young children and their parents. In addition to being a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, she is a fellow of the American Heart Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine. She is the author of over 80 original peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters, including the ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. In her spare time, Dr. Garber sings with the Cecilia Chorus of NYC where she can be seen on stage at Carnegie Hall, and she is an avid Pilates practitioner, urban bicyclist and wilderness backpacker.
Carol Ewing Garber is Professor of Movement Sciences and Education and Chair of the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also serves as the Director of the Graduate Program in Applied (Exercise) Physiology. She is also the Director of the newly launched EXerT Clinic, in which she and her student team are providing fitness testing and exercise training advice to athletes and to the community at large. She served as a Fulbright Specialist in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Balamand in Beirut, Lebanon, and she was previously on the faculty at Northeastern University and Brown University School of Medicine. Professor Garber is a past President of the American College of Sports Medicine and she is the 2019 Citation Awardee of that organization. She also has served in leadership roles in the American Heart Association and in several regional and statewide organizations. She received her BS, MA, and PhD from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Garber is a clinical exercise physiologist, and her research falls under the broad umbrella of the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. She has worked with diverse populations across the lifespan in clinical, community and laboratory settings. Her current work involves the development and testing of a theory- and scientific evidence based creative movement program in low-resourced urban toddlers and their parents and a home-based creative movement program for young children with congenital heart disease. Under her direction, her lab team has been developing new measurement tools for assessing physical activity and movement quality in young children and their parents. In addition to being a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, she is a fellow of the American Heart Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine. She is the author of over 80 original peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters, including the ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. In her spare time, Dr. Garber sings with the Cecilia Chorus of NYC where she can be seen on stage at Carnegie Hall, and she is an avid Pilates practitioner, urban bicyclist and wilderness backpacker.
Ashley is an engineer turned exercise physiologist, having spent the first decade of her career as a design and consulting engineer and sustainability manager. She went back to school to obtain a Masters degree in Applied Physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University and is currently pursuing doctoral work in the same program. In addition to her exercise testing work at the Teachers College applied physiology lab and EXerT Clinic, she also works at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center as a Research Coordinator for an observational exercise study evaluating oxidative capacity in neuromuscular disease using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Her research interests include oxygen uptake kinetics, exercise and physical activity in children, and how exercise and physical activity affect neurophysiology and behavior. She is also an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, former triathlete and college rower, and mother to two young boys.
Ashley is an engineer turned exercise physiologist, having spent the first decade of her career as a design and consulting engineer and sustainability manager. She went back to school to obtain a Masters degree in Applied Physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University and is currently pursuing doctoral work in the same program. In addition to her exercise testing work at the Teachers College applied physiology lab and EXerT Clinic, she also works at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center as a Research Coordinator for an observational exercise study evaluating oxidative capacity in neuromuscular disease using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Her research interests include oxygen uptake kinetics, exercise and physical activity in children, and how exercise and physical activity affect neurophysiology and behavior. She is also an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, former triathlete and college rower, and mother to two young boys.
Darya Moosavi is currently a doctoral candidate in Kinesiology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her Bachelors’ Degree in Physical Education and Sport Sciences and then completed her Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. Darya is interested in understanding the underlying physiological mechanisms of skeletal muscle wasting and how exercise may attenuate those effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she conducted research on the relationship between physical activity, muscle mass and muscle strength, and immune markers in Covid-19 survivors.
In addition to her work at the Applied Physiology lab and ExerT clinic at Teachers College, she also works at Columbia University as a squash instructor. Darya is a professional squash coach certified by ASF, with over 15 years of experience in playing and coaching squash. Prior to joining Columbia University, Darya was the Squash Coordinator for StreetSquash, an urban squash program based in New York City, was responsible for coaching and training the Greens Farms Academy High School and Middle School Boys and Girls Squash teams, and was the Athletic Director and Squash Pro for Mission Squash. She created and implemented their first Squash as a Physical Education program for 200 students.
Darya Moosavi is currently a doctoral candidate in Kinesiology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her Bachelors’ Degree in Physical Education and Sport Sciences and then completed her Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. Darya is interested in understanding the underlying physiological mechanisms of skeletal muscle wasting and how exercise may attenuate those effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she conducted research on the relationship between physical activity, muscle mass and muscle strength, and immune markers in Covid-19 survivors.
In addition to her work at the Applied Physiology lab and ExerT clinic at Teachers College, she also works at Columbia University as a squash instructor. Darya is a professional squash coach certified by ASF, with over 15 years of experience in playing and coaching squash. Prior to joining Columbia University, Darya was the Squash Coordinator for StreetSquash, an urban squash program based in New York City, was responsible for coaching and training the Greens Farms Academy High School and Middle School Boys and Girls Squash teams, and was the Athletic Director and Squash Pro for Mission Squash. She created and implemented their first Squash as a Physical Education program for 200 students.
Melissa is a first-year doctoral student in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University and a first-year recipient of the Arthur Zankel Fellowship. Melissa began her academic career at CUNY Lehman college, where she earned her BS in dietetics, food, and nutrition. She then moved on to complete her dietetic internship and MS in nutrition at the University of Saint Joseph. Melissa passed her dietetic registration exam in June 2018 and spent the past year working in an acute care facility. During her professional career, Melissa educated and provided medical nutrition therapy to older adults with a multitude of chronic diseases including diabetes, congestive heart failure, and end stage renal disease. Her research interest involves the combination of nutrition and exercise and their impact on neuromuscular function in chronic diseases. In her free time, Melissa enjoys watching animal documentaries, dabbling into make-up, and lifting weights.
Melissa is a first-year doctoral student in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University and a first-year recipient of the Arthur Zankel Fellowship. Melissa began her academic career at CUNY Lehman college, where she earned her BS in dietetics, food, and nutrition. She then moved on to complete her dietetic internship and MS in nutrition at the University of Saint Joseph. Melissa passed her dietetic registration exam in June 2018 and spent the past year working in an acute care facility. During her professional career, Melissa educated and provided medical nutrition therapy to older adults with a multitude of chronic diseases including diabetes, congestive heart failure, and end stage renal disease. Her research interest involves the combination of nutrition and exercise and their impact on neuromuscular function in chronic diseases. In her free time, Melissa enjoys watching animal documentaries, dabbling into make-up, and lifting weights.
Jeremy is currently a master's student in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University. His primary research interests include preventative medicine and substrate utilization in response to acute and chronic exercise in healthy individuals and individuals who suffer from obesity or metabolic diseases. His publications have been related to areas of exercise metabolism, ergogenic aids, strength and conditioning, and cardiorespiratory fitness. He received his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey. While at The College of New Jersey, Jeremy founded the ACSM's Exercise is Medicine On-Campus chapter that promoted physical activity and an active lifestyle for college-aged students. Additionally, Jeremy served as a student researcher that was responsible for coordinating and executing faculty-supervised research. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys saltwater fishing, training for triathlons, and spending time on the beach with his wife and two dogs. Moving forward, Jeremy intends to pursue a Doctorate of Education in Applied Physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Jeremy is currently a master's student in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University. His primary research interests include preventative medicine and substrate utilization in response to acute and chronic exercise in healthy individuals and individuals who suffer from obesity or metabolic diseases. His publications have been related to areas of exercise metabolism, ergogenic aids, strength and conditioning, and cardiorespiratory fitness. He received his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey. While at The College of New Jersey, Jeremy founded the ACSM's Exercise is Medicine On-Campus chapter that promoted physical activity and an active lifestyle for college-aged students. Additionally, Jeremy served as a student researcher that was responsible for coordinating and executing faculty-supervised research. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys saltwater fishing, training for triathlons, and spending time on the beach with his wife and two dogs. Moving forward, Jeremy intends to pursue a Doctorate of Education in Applied Physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Danielle Kipnis is a Masters student in the Applied Exercise Physiology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her BS in Dance and English from Northwestern University. Danielle teaches yoga throughout NYC and is also the artistic director of a contemporary dance company. She is focusing her research at TC on how movement and a yoga practice can be beneficial for those experiencing physical pain, neurodegenerative disorders, and emotional traumas.
Danielle Kipnis is a Masters student in the Applied Exercise Physiology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her BS in Dance and English from Northwestern University. Danielle teaches yoga throughout NYC and is also the artistic director of a contemporary dance company. She is focusing her research at TC on how movement and a yoga practice can be beneficial for those experiencing physical pain, neurodegenerative disorders, and emotional traumas.
Alex is a first year master’s candidate in the department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at TC. Her interest in the effects of nutrition on athletic performance began as a former collegiate and national team lightweight rower and coach. Originally on the pre-med track, she graduated from Princeton University with a degree in molecular biology before becoming more interested in the impact of physical activity and nutrition on health. She spent the last two years as the assistant lightweight rowing coach at Princeton while also becoming a certified yoga teacher. She looks to integrate healthy movement patterns, nutrition, and exercise to optimize both health and athletic performance. In her free time, she is usually outside somewhere – running, biking, or rowing – or experimenting in the kitchen.
Alex is a first year master’s candidate in the department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at TC. Her interest in the effects of nutrition on athletic performance began as a former collegiate and national team lightweight rower and coach. Originally on the pre-med track, she graduated from Princeton University with a degree in molecular biology before becoming more interested in the impact of physical activity and nutrition on health. She spent the last two years as the assistant lightweight rowing coach at Princeton while also becoming a certified yoga teacher. She looks to integrate healthy movement patterns, nutrition, and exercise to optimize both health and athletic performance. In her free time, she is usually outside somewhere – running, biking, or rowing – or experimenting in the kitchen.
Dave started out as an ACSM certified personal trainer in college before earning his Masters degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. He worked as a research assistant in the Vascular Biology and Autonomic Studies Lab while pursuing his degree. After graduation he went on to work as an exercise physiologist in a Phase 2 cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. He also taught several undergraduate classes at Appalachian State University, including Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Physiological Assessment, and also served as a site supervisor for undergraduate interns. In his time at TC, Dave has also taught Applied Physiology Lab classes. When he is not in the lab, you can find him hiking or training for triathlons.
Dave started out as an ACSM certified personal trainer in college before earning his Masters degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. He worked as a research assistant in the Vascular Biology and Autonomic Studies Lab while pursuing his degree. After graduation he went on to work as an exercise physiologist in a Phase 2 cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. He also taught several undergraduate classes at Appalachian State University, including Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Physiological Assessment, and also served as a site supervisor for undergraduate interns. In his time at TC, Dave has also taught Applied Physiology Lab classes. When he is not in the lab, you can find him hiking or training for triathlons.
Anamaria Amador is a first year Ed.M. student from the Applied Exercise Physiology program and a second-year recipient of the Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship. As a fellow, she has been able to work with the SKIP! Program and teach movement activities to children and their parents, within an early childhood education setting. She has facilitated the classes in both Spanish and English, serving a diverse community of students. She is originally from Puerto Rico and already earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico with one year as an exchange student at CUNY Hunter College, an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Tisch School of the Arts NYU, and an MA in Clinical Psychology and Education with a concentration in Spirituality Mind Body Practice from Teachers College. Her Integrative Project, Blooming Self: A Dance Curriculumwas selected as exemplary work of the Spiritual Mind Body Summer program. Anamaria has been recently accepted to the Leadership & Diversity Training Program from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Anamaria Amador is a first year Ed.M. student from the Applied Exercise Physiology program and a second-year recipient of the Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship. As a fellow, she has been able to work with the SKIP! Program and teach movement activities to children and their parents, within an early childhood education setting. She has facilitated the classes in both Spanish and English, serving a diverse community of students. She is originally from Puerto Rico and already earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico with one year as an exchange student at CUNY Hunter College, an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Tisch School of the Arts NYU, and an MA in Clinical Psychology and Education with a concentration in Spirituality Mind Body Practice from Teachers College. Her Integrative Project, Blooming Self: A Dance Curriculumwas selected as exemplary work of the Spiritual Mind Body Summer program. Anamaria has been recently accepted to the Leadership & Diversity Training Program from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Lilliana is a first year Ed.M. student in the Applied Physiology Program at Teacher College, Columbia University. Lilliana Romero completed a BA in Elementary and Secondary Physical Education at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and a MA in Kinesiology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (UPRM). She earned a Teaching Assistant position at the UPRM for 3 years, where she was the founder and president of the Graduate Kinesiology Association. After obtaining a Kinesiology degree, she was able to continue as Professor in the Kinesiology Department. Furthermore, she presented and published research posters in the ACSM Annual Meeting related to physical activity and fundamental motors skills, obtaining the “FASEB MARC Program Poster / Oral Presentation Travel Award.” She also had the opportunity to perform an oral presentation of one of these abstracts at the Olympic Committee of Puerto Rico. Her research interests include fundamental motor skills, body composition, and physical activity. Extreme adventures like ziplines and hiking are activities that Lillina enjoys doing in her free time.
Lilliana is a first year Ed.M. student in the Applied Physiology Program at Teacher College, Columbia University. Lilliana Romero completed a BA in Elementary and Secondary Physical Education at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and a MA in Kinesiology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (UPRM). She earned a Teaching Assistant position at the UPRM for 3 years, where she was the founder and president of the Graduate Kinesiology Association. After obtaining a Kinesiology degree, she was able to continue as Professor in the Kinesiology Department. Furthermore, she presented and published research posters in the ACSM Annual Meeting related to physical activity and fundamental motors skills, obtaining the “FASEB MARC Program Poster / Oral Presentation Travel Award.” She also had the opportunity to perform an oral presentation of one of these abstracts at the Olympic Committee of Puerto Rico. Her research interests include fundamental motor skills, body composition, and physical activity. Extreme adventures like ziplines and hiking are activities that Lillina enjoys doing in her free time.
Juan is currently an MA candidate in Applied Exercise Physiology. Juan has been with the EXerT Clinic since February 2020 and his research interests lie in the physiological mechanisms of cognitive and motor development and how exercise can affect these across a prolonged timeframe. He also loves soccer and works as a soccer coach, both in youth development and at the college level. He is very passionate about integrating concepts of exercise physiology, cognitive neuroscience and meditation practices into the craft of coaching. In his free time, aside from playing or watching soccer, Juan enjoys spending time with friends, being outdoors and traveling.
Juan is currently an MA candidate in Applied Exercise Physiology. Juan has been with the EXerT Clinic since February 2020 and his research interests lie in the physiological mechanisms of cognitive and motor development and how exercise can affect these across a prolonged timeframe. He also loves soccer and works as a soccer coach, both in youth development and at the college level. He is very passionate about integrating concepts of exercise physiology, cognitive neuroscience and meditation practices into the craft of coaching. In his free time, aside from playing or watching soccer, Juan enjoys spending time with friends, being outdoors and traveling.