Brad Wilkins, assistant professor at the University of Oregon, will be the featured speaker for the 5^th Annual Mike and Terry Metzler Distinguished Lecture, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. in Georgia State University’s Centennial Hall Auditorium (100 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta). The lecture will also be available to watch that day via WebEx. 

He will give a presentation entitled, “Exploring Human Physiological Limits.”

Wilkins received his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and trained as a post-doctoral fellow at both the University of Oregon and the Mayo Clinic. An accomplished scientist at Nike over a 10-year period, he held several scientific and leadership positions, including directing Next Generation Research teams and leading the scientific team for Nike’s attempt at a sub-two-hour marathon. He joined the faculty at Gonzaga University in 2020, reestablishing his dedication to instilling the importance of scientific exploration, curiosity, critical thinking and creative problem solving to young scientists, medical professionals, business leaders and citizens of the world. Wilkins joined the faculty at the University of Oregon in 2023 with the goal of continuing with this purpose, along with elevating the reach of his research.

Wilkins is a leading expert in exercise and sport physiology, with a passion for dissecting the physiological limits of human performance. His current research explores the impact of factors such as gut microbes, sex hormones, environment (altitude and heat), dehydration, mechanics and blood flow regulation on human performance outcomes. He has a broad understanding of human physiology, with specific work in human cardiovascular control, muscle bioenergetics and their interaction, which ultimately dictates oxygen supply and demand balance or imbalance. Fundamentally, Wilkins utilizes an integrative approach to understanding how different physiological determinants may interact to limit performance when humans are under extreme environmental and exercise stress.

The purpose of the Metzler Distinguished Lecture, founded by Georgia State retired faculty members Mike and Terry Metzler, is to feature scholarship, research, policy and programs that promote physical activity for healthy living.

To RSVP to attend, visit https://bit.ly/MetzlerLecture2024RSVP.