Meet The Team

Janette (MS, CSCS, CF-LV1) is a dedicated researcher deeply passionate about improving physical and mental health, especially in the digital age and through sports. She honed her skills during her master's studies at the University of Virginia, specializing in developing personalized physical health programs for children and adolescents. Currently, Janette is pursuing a dual PhD in neuroscience and human performance at Indiana University, where her research focuses on sport-based interventions in adolescents.

Jacob Otile, (The Local Boy from Apac~Uganda), is a Medical Doctor holding Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery, along with a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Community Health, all acquired in Uganda. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public health Epidemiology at Indiana University Bloomington, He is particularly focused on health disparities with current primary area of interest in utilizing sports interventions to combat obesity among children and adolescents.

My name is Megan Kwaiser and I am a sophomore research assistant on the Hoosier Sport team. I am majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Youth Development. After I earn my bachelor’s degree, I plan to continue my education to work towards my doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

Julia Brunnemer is a first year PhD student and graduate research assistant at IU Bloomington School of Public Health in the department of Health and Wellness Design. Julia's research interests lie around workplace health promotion, organizational capacity, and peer mentorship. Helping others discover more about what brings them joy and well-being is Julia's larger passion. Julia holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in public health from the University of Indianapolis and IU Bloomington, respectfully. When she is not researching and learning, Julia can be found hiking with friends and trying new foods!

I am an undergraduate studying Exercise Science and Nutrition.  I plan to pursue a Master's in Kinesiology after my undergraduate studies and have a passion for all things fitness and wellness.

I am a second-year master's student in Epidemiology from Avon, IN. I previously graduated from Indiana University with my Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology.

Aidrik is an undergraduate studying at IU Bloomington’s School of Public Health, majoring in exercise science with a double minor in fitness instruction and small business and entrepreneurship. Aidrik enjoys exercise, math and science, teaching, and nutrition.

Kyle A. Kercher, PhD, ACSM-EP, CSCS, CHWC, PMP is an Assistant Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington where he leads the Hoosier Sport research team. His research and leadership focus on developing, testing, and implementing biobehavioral interventions, physical activity assessment, and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in children from under-resourced communities.

Fernández Solá is a Puerto Rican student currently pursuing her first year of a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Indiana University-Bloomington. Her long-term career interests consist of combining her academic studies and current research skills with her sport experience to help build sport-based youth development programs in schools. The goal of these programs is to harness the power of sport to increase children’s physical activity levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in under resourced communities. Outside of academics, she also pursues a high-level track and field career, forming part of Puerto Rico’s Olympic Committee and Indiana University’s varsity team. One of Fernández Solá’s primary athletic goals is to make the national team and compete in the long jump for Puerto Rico at the 2024 Olympic Games. She is currently serving as a research assistant and site leader with the Hoosier Sport Research Team, led by Dr. Kyle Kercher. 

Dr. Vanessa Martinez Kercher is an assistant professor
at the Indiana School of Public Health-
Bloomington, where her research focuses on
the implementation of behavior change strategies
and psychometric assessment related to
improving psychological, behavioral, and physical
health outcomes in clinical populations,
corporate settings, and underrepresented faculty
and students.

Dr. Cassandra Coble is a Clinical Associate Professor in Sport Marketing & Management at Indiana University – Bloomington. She received her Ph.D. in Sport Management from the University of Connecticut, her M.S. in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University, and her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida.

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The professional accomplishments I am most proud of are the ones manifested through the lives and careers of my former students, interns, clients and mentees. Being a witness to their development- both personally and professionally- is the greatest honor.

In 2021 Janelle began pursuing her Doctor of Chiropractic degree as well as a masters in Sports Science and Rehabilitation at Logan University. Her research interests include identifying how a spinal manipulation can impact interoceptive signaling and analyzing neuromuscular functions pre and post chiropractic care (including modalities outside of the spinal adjustment) to determine long- and short-term effects on an individual’s central nervous system.

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