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

Wedig IJ, Durocher JJ, McDaniel J, and Elmer SJ. Blood Flow Restriction as a Potential Therapy to Restore Physical Function Following COVID-19 Infection. Frontiers in Physiology 14:1235172, 2023.

Durocher JJ, Phelan HL, Toorongian CA, Vyas AP, and Morin BE. Effect of Single-Session Meditation on Aortic Pulsatility and Anxiety in Moderately Anxious Adults. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine 37(2): 32-36, 2023.

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

Greenlund IM, Bigalke JA, Tikkanen AL, Durocher JJ, Smoot CA, and Carter JR. Evening Binge Alcohol Disrupts Cardiovagal Tone and Baroreflex Function During Polysomnographic Sleep. Sleep 44(11): 1-9, 2021.

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.”