John J. Durocher, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, CSCS

Nils K. Nelson Endowed Professor of Integrative Human Health

Introduction

Durocher focuses on teaching, research and service in biological sciences, health sciences and integrative human health. He is also the director of the multidisciplinary Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences Center.

Research Overview

Durocher’s research focuses on exercise and other lifestyle interventions that can improve human health and performance. Currently funded projects are focusing on how meditation and different types of exercise effect blood pressure, sympathetic nerve activity, arterial stiffness and anxiety. Additionally, his funded projects include public health outreach and offering free health screenings.

I was a non-traditional college student with five part-time jobs. My goal is to help students to be persistent and resilient, in addition to learning content. The greatest success for me as a professor is to help students reach their career goals, and to teach valuable life skills during the process.

Select Publications

Thivierge GS, Greenlund IM, Bigalke JA, Smoot CA, Carter JR, and Durocher JJ. Cardiovascular and Aortic Wave Reflection Responses to Evening Binge Alcohol Consumption. Submitted to American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology online ahead of print on August 1, 2025 (manuscript H-00466-2025).

Ladwig MA, Mutai E, Thivierge GS, and Durocher JJ. Service-Learning for Trainees Through Health Education and Screening for Cardiometabolic Risk. Advances in Physiology Education, online ahead of print on July 21, 2025 (Manuscript # ADV-00062-2025).

Durocher JJ and Mutai E. Sleep Tight with Vitamin D’s Might. Editorial Focus in American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 328: R557-R558, 2025.

Bigalke JA, Greenlund IM, Solis-Montenegro TX, Durocher JJ, Joyner MJ, and Carter JR. Binge Alcohol Consumption Elevates Sympathetic Transduction to Blood Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Hypertension 81(10): 2140-2151, 2024.

Durocher JJ, Toorongian CA, and Thivierge GS. An Experiential Learning Course for Cardiovascular and Sleep Technology. Advances in Physiology Education 46: 544-548, 2022.

Teaching Focus

• Integrative Human Health
• Human Physiology
• Occupational Safety & Health

Quote

“I was very lucky to have outstanding undergraduate and graduate teachers and advisors. I aim to provide similar opportunities for my students in the classroom, in the laboratory and with outreach projects.”

Improving Community Health

John Durocher is committed to providing his students with an enriching and engaging learning experience.

Meet Professor Durocher