University of Oregon’s Brad Wilkins to Deliver 5th Annual Mike and Terry Metzler Distinguished Lecture

ATLANTA—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.

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.

“What are the factors that allow a human to achieve a physical feat that was once thought to be impossible, such as running a marathon in less than two hours? This is the general focus of Dr. Brad Wilkins’ research,” said Associate Professor Brett Wong. “Dr. Wilkins’ work is truly translational in that it uses ‘basic’ physiology of performance to explore ways to remove barriers to human performance. We are fortunate to have Dr. Wilkins give the 2024 Metzler Lecture. This is a unique opportunity for the Georgia State community to learn about the limits of human performance from one of the foremost experts in this field.”

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

To learn more about the lecture and to RSVP, visit https://bit.ly/KHMetzlerLecture.