Associate Professor James Navalta joined the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences in the fall of 2012. Navalta teaches anatomical kinesiology and applied exercise physiology within the undergraduate program and evaluation of physical work capacity and advanced exercise physiology within the graduate program.

Navalta’s research focuses on the physiological responses to outdoor exercise (such as hiking and trail running) and the validity and reliability of wearable technology. Navalta earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and biology from Brigham Young University – Hawaii, his master’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and his doctoral degree in exercise physiology from Purdue University. His previous teaching experience was at Southern Arkansas University and Western Kentucky University. He is the co-founder and executive editor of the International Journal of Exercise Science. He is also on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Digital Health; Technologies; and Exercise, Sport, and Movement.