Alina Swafford is a postdoctoral research coordinator with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Sports Innovation Institute. Swafford received her bachelor's from Ithaca College, master's from the University of Central Florida, and doctorate in Integrated Health Sciences with an area of study in biomechanics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As a former gymnast, Swafford's passion for sports performance, enhancement, and injury prevention drives her research. Swafford leads the sports science lab. In addition, she has published several articles during her academic career. Alina has taken full advantage of her time at UNLV. During her Ph.D., she taught undergraduate and graduate classes and participated in graduate committee boards. In her postdoctoral fellowship, Swafford mentors students and conducts sports performance research with many affiliated companies in the Las Vegas area. Swafford is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association.
John A. Mercer joined the Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition Sciences during the fall 1999 semester and teaches biomechanics courses within the undergraduate and graduate programs. Mercer earned his bachelor’s from Buffalo State University of New York, master’s from the University of North Texas, and doctorate from the University of Oregon. Mercer’s research focuses on human locomotion and sport performance. In particular, Mercer has a focused line of research on biomechanical and physiological responses during locomotion. He also has a research focus on sport performance using wearable technology devices in the field. Mercer established the Biomechanics Laboratory at UNLV in 2002, is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Past-President of the Southwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, and Chair of the University Biomedical Institutional Review Board.
