James Smoliga

Professor of Physiology, Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University
I am a Professor of Physiology in the Department of Physical Therapy at High Point University in High Point, NC. I have a wide variety of scientific interests, and much of my expertise falls into the catch-all term of "Sports Medicine."

My initial interest in this field was rooted in my background as a competitive distance runner. My love for running led me down a path of exploring the science of how the body works (physiology) and how the body moves (biomechanics). Thus, the core of my expertise is that in preventing and treating sports injuries, and also enhancing sports performance - with an emphasis on endurance sports.

My love for science has inspired me to branch out my research beyond the sports world. I have done quite a bit of research with dietary supplements, and much of that has focused on resveratrol (the "red wine antioxidant"). This led me down the pathway of exploring how to appropriately translate dosage from animals into humans. I have gotten involved in a number of other niche areas of research, such as links between respiratory health and air pollution, as well as the science behind concussion-prevention devices.

In recent years, I have become increasingly interested in scientific communication and the spread of pseudoscience. As a scientist, I feel it is important to function not only as a producer of new research, but also as a diplomat to the public. As such, I aim to effectively and accurately communicate science to mainstream audiences. I want to share the expertise I have developed to educate others and help them make informed decisions.

I earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Cornell University. I then transitioned into the field of human research, and earned a PhD in Sports Medicine and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh. I am also a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.