Rate My Professor Helaine Alessio

Helaine Alessio, Ph.D., FACSM, is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health at Miami University, where she served as Chair for 17 years before returning to teaching and research. She earned her Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland in 1986, M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Ithaca College in 1983, and B.S. in Health, Physical Education, and Special Education from Douglass College, Rutgers University in 1981, followed by a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging.

Alessio's research investigates gene expressions and health-related phenotypes such as tumor growth, blood lipids, and oxidative stress in physically active versus sedentary animal models. She collaborates on projects exploring hearing and exercise, oxidative stress and exercise, physical activity promotion, personal and ecological health, and excellence in teaching and student learning. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Cancer Institute, and private foundations, her scholarship includes two books: "Health and Hearing" (2024, co-authored with Kathleen Hutchinson Marron) and "Oxidative Stress in Exercise and Aging" (2006, co-authored with Ann Hagerman); over 70 journal articles and book chapters; and peer-reviewed blogs, infographics, and NPR broadcasts. Ranked in the top 2% of exercise scientists worldwide by Stanford University researchers, a 2021 e-bike paper received the Best Paper Award from the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. Her accolades include the Benjamin Harrison Medallion (2024), Miami University's highest faculty award; Prodesse Quam Conspici Award (2022); and ACSM Midwest Founders’ Award (2009). Past President of the ACSM Midwest Chapter, she has held editorial roles, served on NIH and CDC committees, mentored over 66 students to co-authorships, and teaches courses such as Physiological and Biophysical Aspects of Human Activity and Exercise, Age, and Health.