FIU experts are available to discuss athletic performance, brain health, and major global sporting events

Marcelo Bigliassi

Assistant Professor; Director, Kinesiology Graduate Program
Teaching and Learning
College of Arts, Sciences & Education

Marcelo Bigliassi can discuss how the brain and body respond to exercise - including what motivates people to push harder, how music and mental strategies affect performance, and how stress, fatigue and resilience shape physical output. His research uses tools such as EEG, fMRI, and heart-rate variability to understand how the mind influences movement and overall health. 

Phone: 786-863-6478
Email: marcelo.bigliassi@fiu.edu 

Jason R. Kostrna 

Associate Professor
Teaching and Learning
College of Arts, Sciences & Education

Jason Kostrna is a sports psychology expert who can discuss how mental strategies and interventions influence physical performance, motivation, and emotional resilience in athletes. His research focuses on the cognitive and emotional factors that shape physical activity and success in sports. He can speak on topics such as mental performance training, applied psychology in competitive settings, and methods for improving focus, motivation, and emotional regulation. 

Office: 305-919-4074
Email: jkostrna@fiu.edu

Trey Watson 

Director, Bachelor's Program in PE/Exercise Science and Sports Fitness
Teaching and Learning
College of Arts, Sciences & Education

Trey Watson is a sports and exercise science expert who can discuss sprint and game-speed performance, load management, and injury prevention in team sports. His work focuses on high-intensity energy systems, fatigue analysis, and practical strategies for nutrition and recovery. He can speak on topics such as velocity-based training, GPS and force-plate monitoring, pre-habilitation protocols, and reducing the risk of hamstring and knee injuries, including ACL tears.

Office: 305-919-4172
Email: lawatson@fiu.edu

Alfred Simpson Jr.

Clinical Assistant Professor
Teaching and Learning
College of Arts, Sciences & Education

Alfred Simpson’s work centers on the complex relationship between bioenergetics and human physical output. His research and teaching focus specifically on anaerobic capacity and the development of precise performance metrics to evaluate athletic potential. He specializes in comprehensive performance assessment and the design of targeted exercise prescriptions to optimize physiological health and efficiency.

Office: 305-919-5972
Email: alsimpso@fiu.edu 

Christian Poellabauer

Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences
College of Engineering and Computing

Christian Poellabauer is a leading expert in mobile sensing, smart health technologies, and AI-driven analytics with direct applications in athletics, concussion detection, and athlete wellness. His research on concussions at Notre Dame was funded by the NFL, and his Ph.D. students continue to advance related work today. He directs FIU’s MOSAIC Lab, which develops cutting-edge solutions using smartphones, wearables, and virtual assistants to diagnose concussions, track recovery, and monitor neurological and mental health conditions in real time.

Office: 305-348-1545
Email: cpoellab@fiu.edu

Oleksii Shandra

Assistant Professor
Biomedical Engineering Department
College of Engineering and Computing

Oleksii Shandra is a biomedical engineer and neuroscience researcher who can discuss the mechanisms of seizures, sleep neurophysiology, and the connection between brain injury, sleep, and epilepsy. He explores structural, functional, and metabolic processes involved in seizure generation and termination. He can speak on topics including post-traumatic epilepsy, the effects of concussions combined with sleep deprivation, and the implications for contact sports and brain health. 

Phone: 305-348-0240
Email: oshandra@fiu.edu

Dr. Keith Hechtman 

Professor
Orthopedics
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Dr. Keith Hechtman is a dual board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care specializing in both sports medicine and arthroscopy of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle. He is the head team physician for Florida International University and assistant team physician for the Florida Panthers hockey team providing care for athletes while advancing clinical education in the field.

Office: 305-348-9280
Email: khechtma@fiu.edu

Lauren Butler 

Clinical Assistant Professor
Physical Therapy
Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Lauren Butler’s work centers on the youth athlete, with a primary focus on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation and return-to-sport decision-making. Her expertise emphasizes evidence-based approaches to injury prevention and safe sports participation in pediatric and adolescent populations. She also investigates movement quality, physical literacy, and sports specialization, with the goal of improving long-term athletic development. She is well positioned to speak on ACL rehabilitation, return-to-sport decision making, injury prevention, and broader topics in youth athlete development. 

Email: lbutler@fiu.edu

Nadine Mikati 

Assistant Teaching Professor; Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
Dietetics & Nutrition
Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work

Nadine Mikati is a registered dietitian who can discuss how athletes can fuel smarter to enhance performance, boost recovery, and reduce injury risk. Her expertise includes optimizing game-day performance, endurance, and recovery through strategic nutrition and hydration; understanding how diet influences strength, injury prevention, sleep, and overall readiness; and guiding athletes on how to stay properly fueled during travel with practical, science-backed approaches they can apply both on and off the field. 

Office: 305-348-7303
Email: nmikati@fiu.edu 

Alyssa Fernandes

Clinical Coordinator
Dietetic Internship Program
Dietetics & Nutrition
Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work

Alyssa Fernandes is a registered dietitian who can discuss how nutrition supports athletic performance, recovery and overall health. She has experience working with high school and collegiate athletes in both private practice and training environments, including as a dietitian at IMG Academy. Her work includes assessing athletes’ individual nutrition needs using evidence-based approaches and translating them into practical fueling, hydration, and recovery strategies. 

Office: 305-348-1892
Email: alysfern@fiu.edu

Badr Badraoui 

Assistant Professor
Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Badr Badraoui is a hospitality and tourism expert who can discuss demand forecasting, economic impact modeling, and ADR and RevPAR compression analysis for the FIFA World Cup 2026. He specializes in hospitality market intelligence, including occupancy shifts, short-term rental interactions, and pricing volatility.

Phone:803-269-8458
Email: badr.badraoui@fiu.edu 

Travis Cloyd

Director, DREAMS Program
College of Communication, Architecture, + The Arts

Travis Cloyd can discuss the future of emerging media, next-generation storytelling, and how new technologies are reshaping education, entertainment, and global enterprise innovation. He leads work at the intersection of immersive content, digital evolution, and experiential media. He can speak on topics including the integration of AI, virtual production, and immersive environments into enterprise systems.  

Office: 305-348-1984
Email: tcloyd@fiu.edu 

Nicholas P. Smith 

Associate Teaching Professor
Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology
College of Arts, Sciences & Education

Nicholas Smith is a sports management expert who can speak on how major sporting events are planned, staffed, and safely executed. He can discuss how legal frameworks protect athletes and organizations, how operational plans are developed for high-pressure environments, and how effective volunteer management drives the success of major championships.

Office: 305-348-2767
Email: nicholas.smith@fiu.edu 

John Stuart

Professor; 3D Printing Lab Director; Associate Dean of Architecture
College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts

John Stuart can discuss community-driven design, the intersection of technology and the built environment, and innovative approaches to public space. He leads collaborative research projects exploring complexity, identity, technology, and his recent work includes guiding the creation of a 3D-printed prosthetic hand featured in a groundbreaking FIU therapy program. He can speak on topics such as architectural research and the use of emerging technologies in design. 

Sharifa Wilkinson

Assistant Teaching Professor and Events Lead
Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Sharifa Wilkinson is an expert in sport event management who can discuss the legacy and long-term community impacts of major sporting events, as well as their economic, social, and cultural outcomes. As Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Lead for Events at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, she focuses on strategic planning for sustainable event management.  

Office: 305-919-4528
Email: swilkins@fiu.edu 

Suzanne Bagnera

Program Director of Executive Education
Assistant Professor
Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Bagnera can speak to hospitality readiness for mega events, visitor experience strategy, hotel and restaurant operations during demand surges, workforce training, service standards, tourism impact, and the opportunities major events create for careers and economic development.

Phone:305-919-4775
Email: sbagnera@fiu.edu

Deanne Butchey

Teaching Professor
Finance
College of Business 

Deanne Butchey is a teaching professor of finance at FIU Business with expertise in corporate finance, behavioral finance, FinTech and data analytics. Her background spans academia, governance and industry, including previous roles at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse First Boston. She brings a broad perspective on markets, business and institutional strategy. She is available to discuss the economic impact of FIFA on South Florida, including spending, business activity and regional growth. 

Office: 305-348-7238
Email: butcheyd@fiu.edu

Eli Beracha

Director, Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate
Professor
Real estate
College of Business

Eli Beracha is director of the Hollo School of Real Estate at FIU Business and a professor with expertise in housing markets, real estate investment and market analysis. His research focuses on how economic forces and shifting demand affect property values and real estate trends. He is available to discuss how FIFA could influence South Florida real estate, including development, investor interest, housing demand and the broader market outlook. 

Office: 305-779-7906
Email: eberacha@fiu.edu

Lesley Visser 

Faculty-in-residence; Entrepreneur-in-residence
Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media
College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts

Lesley Visser is a Hall of Fame sportscaster and pioneering force in sports journalism who can discuss the evolution of sports media, the future of sports storytelling, and the expanding role of women in the industry. Visser is the only sportscaster to work on network broadcast teams for every major sports championship, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, Olympics, and more. She can speak on topics including on-air reporting, play-by-play storytelling, navigating the modern broadcast environment, and what it takes to build a lasting career in sports media.

Darryl L. Baker

Professor & Director of Athletic Bands
Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts

Darryl Baker can discuss game-day performance, athletic band leadership, fan engagement, band logistics for collegiate athletics, and building high-energy ensembles that support athletic programs. He brings extensive experience leading bands in high-pressure athletic environments.

Jason Calloway 

Associate Teaching Professor, cello; Amernet String Quartet, Artist-in-Residence Ensemble
Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts

Jason Calloway can discuss instrumental endurance, physical conditioning for musicians, injury prevention, repetitive-motion performance, and sustainable performance practices. As a member of the Amernet String Quartet, he brings extensive experience performing under physically demanding conditions and offers insight into stamina building and muscular efficiency. 

Office: 305-348-1699
Email: jcallowa@fiu.edu 

Javier Mendoza 

Associate Professor; Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts

Javier Mendoza can discuss orchestral performance psychology, leadership under pressure, mental resilience, performance readiness, and the physical and cognitive demands of high-stakes, large-ensemble rehearsals and performances. With extensive international conducting experience, he offers insight into sustaining focus and endurance across demanding preparation cycles.

Office: 305-348-2896
Email: javier.mendoza@fiu.edu 

Kyle Vincent Connor 

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor & Area Coordinator of Musical Theatre
Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts

Kyle Connor can discuss vocal stamina, breathing techniques and breath control, respiratory efficiency, vocal health, and the physical and mental preparation required for high-intensity live performance. His expertise spans voice pedagogy, actor training, and conditioning methods that support sustained performance and recovery.