Research at the AHPRC
The Athletic and Human Performance Research Center (AHPRC) fosters collaborative and interdisciplinary research and action to optimize health and human performance across the spectra of age and ability while transforming students into scientists, intentionally guided by Marquette University’s Catholic, Jesuit identity and pillars of faith, excellence, leadership, and service. The AHPRC is a dedicated research space in which Marquette faculty and partners from the healthcare industry can collaborate on new research and cutting-edge innovation in the areas of elite athletic performance, human performance, rehabilitation, fitness data analytics, and other related disciplines. The AHPRC is part of the Office of Research and Innovation.
As researchers, we value integrity, honesty, passion, perseverance, intense curiosity, excellence, diligence, intention, dedication, innovation, and courage.
Annoucements & Upcoming Events:
- Now accepting Student Research Initiative (SRI) applications! Each applicant must propose a research project and have an active and involved research mentor. Awardees will receive up to $5,000 for the academic year. Application deadline: September 8, 2026.
- The first AHPRC Highlighted Seminar Series Speaker of the Fall semester is scheduled for Thursday, September 24 at noon at the AHPRC: Kevin Crombie, PhD, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Kinesiology, University of Alabama; Presentation Title: Physical Activity, Exercise, and Psychotherapy-Relevant Learning and Decision-Making in PTSD: Lab-Based Evidence and Translational Considerations.
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AHPRC in the News:
featured in Marquette Today, August 2026.
| Can Women Outperform Men in Sports? That’s the Wrong Question to Ask – Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, speaks to sex differences in performance in this excerpt from Christine Yu’s new book, ‘Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes’ |
| Marquette University & the United Community Center work to reach the Hispanic Community in Milwaukee suffering from Long COVID-19 – AHPRC Student Researcher Mira Atkinson speaks with La Gran D Radio in Milwaukee about Long COVID outreach and research in the Hispanic community. English translation. |
| Marquette and the AHPRC host a USA Weightlifting Performance Camp – Dr. Kristof Kipp (EXSC) and his team conduct biomechanical research that can be leveraged to improve performance of USA athletes |
| Man who was Milwaukee County's 1st COVID case part of MU long haul study - Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, talks about the long-haul COVID research happening at the AHPRC. |
| More women gain ground in ultramarathons, and other long-distance races - Washington Post article featuring former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter |
Marquette Stories: Tools of Discovery and Survival: A Faculty Perspective - Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, discusses the interdependence of research and teaching and how this facilitates innovation and discovery
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AHPRC on NPR - Former AHPRC Direcrtor, Dr. Sandra Hunter, and Mike Haischer make an appearance on NPR to talk about their research in mask-wearing in Wisconsin.
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| Tips for Wearing a Mask While Exercising- Former AHPRC director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, makes an appearance on Milwaukee's WUWM radio station to give tips for exercising while wearing a mask. |
AHPRC featured on Swedish television program - Starting at minute 37 in the video, see the AHPRC featured and hear AHPRC staff discuss sex differences in exercise response.
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| Take a Walk in the Park Day: Dr. Hunter gives tips on exercise during time of quarantine, social distancing |
| Marquette’s Hub for Athletic Performance Opens |
| We Are Marquette Podcast: Advancing Human Performance - The AHPRC's Mike Haischer and Casandra Goodrich are featured on Marquette's podcast, talking about their experiences working at the AHPRC. |
| 50th Anniversary Of Apollo 11 Moon Landing Has Wisconsin Scientists Looking Back, Forward - Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, is interviewed about how space travel affects the human body |
| Marquette University research team studies impact of exercise classes for parents of autistic children - Dr. Norah Johnson collaborates with the AHPRC to study how reducing stress on parents might impact the lives of their children. |
| What Makes Women Strong? - Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, contributes to the discussion of what makes women strong |
| Fit For You: Cold Weather Exercise Tips- an interview with Former AHPRC Director, Dr. Sandra Hunter, on exercising in cold weather |
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AHPRC Seminar Videos:
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Sex Differences in Public Equity
The Biomechanics and Energetics of Marathon Running
Research-Embedded Training Camps: Doing Science with Elite Athletes
Dr. Robert Scheidt