Charmagne, known by her peers as Cha Cha, began her journey in exercise science as a student athletic trainer at her high school. She recently graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and is currently pursuing an advanced master's degree applied physiology. Cha Cha's research interest include using exercise as both a preventative measure and treatment to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. She also works with the SKIP! program, Small Kids In Physical Activity, instructing 2-year old's and their parents to increase physical activity, foster positive parent-child relationships, and combat childhood obesity. In her spare time, she is training to be a functional fitness coach and actively tries to find the best coffee shops in Manhattan.
Charmagne, known by her peers as Cha Cha, began her journey in exercise science as a student athletic trainer at her high school. She recently graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and is currently pursuing an advanced master's degree applied physiology. Cha Cha's research interest include using exercise as both a preventative measure and treatment to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. She also works with the SKIP! program, Small Kids In Physical Activity, instructing 2-year old's and their parents to increase physical activity, foster positive parent-child relationships, and combat childhood obesity. In her spare time, she is training to be a functional fitness coach and actively tries to find the best coffee shops in Manhattan.
Lara is a movement educator, international yoga teacher, lecturer, former professional dancer turned researcher and scholar. Born in South Dakota, she attended UNCSA for high school, and received her BFA in dance and an Associates in Arts Management with a focus on grant writing, both from SUNY Purchase. She performed as a professional dancer as a soloist in companies in Europe and the US for a near decade. Drawn to teaching, she lead a pilot program for the NYCBOE integrating movement into the established reading curriculum for the 5th and 6th grade and brought new yoga curriculum to Children’s Aid Society for toddlers to teens. As an Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, she has lead employee wellness programs at Viacom, Pfizer, Oxygen Media, Morgan Stanley, NYU and Martha Stewart Inc. In 2009, she was invited to develop new programs for the largest wellness company in Japan, Studio Yoggy/Lohas International where she has since traveled twice a year expanding their program nation wide into 26 locations. She was headhunted in 2009 by Memorial Sloan Kettering and mentored under Dr. Barrie Cassileth, becoming the first Manager of the Exercise and Yoga Programs at their Integrative Medicine Service. Studying under Dr. Carol Garber, her research interests focus on the physiological responses to physical activity and yoga for pediatrics, adults and clinical populations. She is a founding member of the Global Consortium on Yoga Therapy and an active member of IAYT, SIO and ACSM organizations.
Lara is a movement educator, international yoga teacher, lecturer, former professional dancer turned researcher and scholar. Born in South Dakota, she attended UNCSA for high school, and received her BFA in dance and an Associates in Arts Management with a focus on grant writing, both from SUNY Purchase. She performed as a professional dancer as a soloist in companies in Europe and the US for a near decade. Drawn to teaching, she lead a pilot program for the NYCBOE integrating movement into the established reading curriculum for the 5th and 6th grade and brought new yoga curriculum to Children’s Aid Society for toddlers to teens. As an Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, she has lead employee wellness programs at Viacom, Pfizer, Oxygen Media, Morgan Stanley, NYU and Martha Stewart Inc. In 2009, she was invited to develop new programs for the largest wellness company in Japan, Studio Yoggy/Lohas International where she has since traveled twice a year expanding their program nation wide into 26 locations. She was headhunted in 2009 by Memorial Sloan Kettering and mentored under Dr. Barrie Cassileth, becoming the first Manager of the Exercise and Yoga Programs at their Integrative Medicine Service. Studying under Dr. Carol Garber, her research interests focus on the physiological responses to physical activity and yoga for pediatrics, adults and clinical populations. She is a founding member of the Global Consortium on Yoga Therapy and an active member of IAYT, SIO and ACSM organizations.
Charul is a first year Ed.M. student from the Applied Physiology Program. Former licensed Architect in India, she began her journey in exercise science when she was herself diagnosed with a chronic disease and got better through lifestyle changes, exercise and nutrition. It has become her passion to study and research about the impact of movement on body physiology and to use exercise as a therapy. She is a certified Health Coach form IHN. She did her clinical nutrition certificate course from ACSM, and is also a certified Yoga instructor. She has organized programs and has been part of many workshops in Indian schools, promoting physical Activity and healthy eating. Her research interests involves exercise and its meditating effects on altering Gut microbiota and reveal its connection with brain function. Besides teaching Yoga, she loves uphill trekking and is also a swimmer, and enjoys taking part in marathons and triathlons.
Charul is a first year Ed.M. student from the Applied Physiology Program. Former licensed Architect in India, she began her journey in exercise science when she was herself diagnosed with a chronic disease and got better through lifestyle changes, exercise and nutrition. It has become her passion to study and research about the impact of movement on body physiology and to use exercise as a therapy. She is a certified Health Coach form IHN. She did her clinical nutrition certificate course from ACSM, and is also a certified Yoga instructor. She has organized programs and has been part of many workshops in Indian schools, promoting physical Activity and healthy eating. Her research interests involves exercise and its meditating effects on altering Gut microbiota and reveal its connection with brain function. Besides teaching Yoga, she loves uphill trekking and is also a swimmer, and enjoys taking part in marathons and triathlons.
Dr. Shirit Kamil-Rosenberg is an alumna of TC in the Applied Physiology program and completed a postdoctoral teaching fellowship at TC. She is a clinical exercise physiologist with an interest in the importance of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in the chronic diseases population. Shirit is currently working in research in clinical exercise physiology at the Palo Alto VA Health Care System related to the importance of physical activity on caregivers as well as database work with cardiorespiratory fitness. She has written and collaborated on papers relating to the importance of physical activity and cardiopulmonary fitness in different populations. She loves to take hikes, walks, and bike rides with her family.
Dr. Shirit Kamil-Rosenberg is an alumna of TC in the Applied Physiology program and completed a postdoctoral teaching fellowship at TC. She is a clinical exercise physiologist with an interest in the importance of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in the chronic diseases population. Shirit is currently working in research in clinical exercise physiology at the Palo Alto VA Health Care System related to the importance of physical activity on caregivers as well as database work with cardiorespiratory fitness. She has written and collaborated on papers relating to the importance of physical activity and cardiopulmonary fitness in different populations. She loves to take hikes, walks, and bike rides with her family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.