Shawn M. Arent, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Loree Gymnasium, Room 066
70 Lipman Drive
Douglass Campus
732-932-9525 x28
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Shawn M. Arent, Ph.D., C.S.C.S.

Dr. Shawn Arent joined the faculty in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies at Rutgers University in the fall of 2002.  He completed his doctorate in Exercise Science at Arizona State University with an emphasis in both exercise physiology and sport & exercise psychology.  Dr. Arent also completed his M.S. at Arizona State, received his B.A. from the University of Virginia, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  His research focuses on the relationship between physical activity and stress and the resultant implications for health and performance, with an emphasis on underlying biological and behavioral mechanisms.  He is specifically interested in the potential efficacy of acute and chronic resistance training for improving functional capabilities, mental health states, and the systemic response to stress, which may also serve as important determinants of exercise adherence and the treatment of obesity. His work in the area of exercise, mood, and the systemic stress response earned him the 2003 APA Division 47 dissertation award.  His recent work has also focused on physiological and psychological responses to training-related stressors and their contribution to optimal performance, overtraining, and injury, particularly in adolescents.  He has received research funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Life Fitness Academy, the Center for Obesity Research and Intervention, and nutritional biotechnology companies.

In addition to teaching courses in exercise physiology, exercise biochemistry, exercise testing and prescription, and research methods, Dr. Arent serves as the Director of the Exercise Science Undergraduate Honors Research Program, Director of the Rutgers Human Performance Lab, and the Research Director for the Youth Sport Research Council.  His research has appeared in journals such as Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, International Journal of Soccer & Science, and Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, and he has also written a number of book chapters.  His work has also been recognized by such popular media outlets as Shape Magazine, Men’s Health, Prevention and Self.  Dr. Arent provides performance enhancement advice for youth, high school, collegiate, & professional athletes in a number of sports, including soccer, swimming & diving, football, softball, gymnastics, and cycling and is on the national staff for the U.S. Soccer Federation and is the faculty mentor for Wrestling and Men’s Soccer at Rutgers.

Courses taught:

01:377:370. Exercise Physiology

01:377:454. Advanced Exercise Physiology

01:377:480. Honors Seminar in Exercise Science

01:377:410. Exercise Testing and Prescription