Brad 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 & heat), dehydration, mechanics, and blood flow regulation (to name a few areas of study) on human performance outcomes. Dr. Wilkins has a broad understanding of human physiology, with specific work in human cardiovascular control, muscle bioenergetics, and their interaction, which ultimately dictates oxygen supply & demand balance or imbalance. Fundamentally, Brad utilizes an integrative approach to understanding how different physiological determinants may interact to limit performance when humans are under extreme environmental and exercise stress.

Brad received his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and trained as a post-doctoral fellow at both the U of O and the Mayo Clinic. An accomplished scientist at Nike over a ten-year period, Brad 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. Dr. Wilkins joined the faculty at Gonzaga University in 2020, reestablishing his dedication to instilling the importance of scientific exploration, curiosity, critical thinking, and creative problem solving to young scientists, medical professionals, business leaders, and citizens of the world. With the goal of continuing with this purpose, along with elevating the reach of his research, Dr. Wilkins joined the faculty at the University of Oregon in 2023.