Staff Bios

Dr. James Brown, Ph.D.

Program Director
Indiana University-Bloomington

Dr. Brown is an applied physiologist with a background in cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular aspects of work and exercise physiology. His research focuses on ambulatory measurement of human physiology, especially within the first responder population.  Dr. Brown has conducted mulitple federally-funded studies in the fire service and is dedicated to the reduction of firefighter line of duty deaths.  Jim joined the faculty at Indiana University in the fall of 2007 to establish the IU Firefighter Health & Safety Research Program.

Dr. Brown's Education:
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance (Indiana University)
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (Indiana University)
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (Indiana University)

Dr. Joel Stager Professor, PhD

Senior Program Advisor
Director Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming
Indiana University-Bloomington

with interests in:
- Human stress physiology
- oxygen transport
- human development and aging
- competitive swimming

Joel's Education:
Ph.D. in Medical Science at Indiana University, 1980
B.S. in Biology at University of Miami

Mr. Darrell Mendenhall, M.S.

Research Associate, Department of Kinesiology
Indiana University-Bloomington

Darrell is part of the study's primary fire ground data collection team. Outside the firehouse, Darrell manages the study budget and is the primary liaison between the study Director and primary fire service organizations. Finally, Darrell will supervise the publication and distribution of study related findings within the fire service.

Darrell brings nearly twenty years of experience in the health & wellness industry to the program, the last eight, in the fire service. Darrell is a peer fitness trainer program instructor for the IAFF peer fitness program and was involved in the development of the Indianapolis Fire Department's incumbent work capacity test program.

Darrell's Education:
Associate of Science in Recreation (Vincennes University)
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Physical Education (Indiana University)
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (Indiana University)

Dr. David Alun Tanner, PhD.

Research Associate, Department of Kinesiology
Indiana University, Bloomington

Dave will develop and maintain the study database and serve as the study's data reduction and analysis specialist. An experience researcher and statistician, Dave served as a statistician for the Heritage Study, a nationwide research consortium on health, risk factors, exercise training, and genetics.

Dave is a veteran athlete. He has competed in Hawaii's IronMan triathlon, as well as Race Across America, and Ride Across Indiana, bicycle events. During the past several years, Dave has also served as a swimming coach at Bloomington High School North.

Tanner holds five degrees from Indiana University:

Bachelors in Mathematics and Physics (1972)
Masters in Computer Science (1983)
Masters in Exercise Science (1995)
Doctorate in Human Performance (2001)

Jonathan Stickford, M.S.

Research Associate, Dept. of Kinesiology
Indiana University-Bloomington

Mr. Stickford is a doctoral student at Indiana University and a member of the study's fire ground data collection team. He is assigned to IFD Station 10, C-shift. Jonathan's primary role is the collection of fire ground data and organization of study-related documentation. Following data collection, Jonathan's focus will shift to data analysis/interpretation and he will assist the Principle Investigator in the preparation of the study's final report.

Jonathan's Education:
Bachelor of Science in Fitness (Indiana University)
Master of Science in Ergonomics (Indiana University)
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (Indiana University)

Mr. Nathan Eckert, B.S., C.S.C.S.

Mr. Eckert is a data collection specialist for the study. Nate backs up the primary fire ground data collection team and serves as the study's primary lab technician. In the lab, Nate is responsible for the collection and evaluation of stress hormones.

Nate gained valuable research experience working as a technician on Indiana University's recent study evaluating chocolate milk as an ergogenic aid. Currently, he is working on his Masters thesis project where he is evaluating the use of compression garments in sport.

Nate has worked as a personal trainer and fitness evaluator for Indiana University over the past four years. During that time, he has worked with professional athletes, models, fighters, and athletes from various other areas of sport.

Nate's Education:
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Indiana University)
Currently pursuing Master's degrees in Exercise Physiology and Applied Sport Science at Indiana University.

Kelly Jo Baute, M.S. 

Communications Specialist
Indiana University-Bloomington

Kelly Jo Baute is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a group fitness instructor.  She has worked in the fitness industry developing and implementing fitness programs for public health and wellness. Kelly currently works for the Department of Kinesiology within the Fitness Specialist program as a lecturer and academic advisor.  Kelly’s area of study is physical activity programs that promote successful aging, ergonomic and environmental factors that affect health and translation and dissemination of research for public health communications.  As the program’s Communication Specialist, Kelly serves as a production assistant, writer, and on-screen personality for all study-related video projects.

Kelly’s Education:
Master of Science in Applied Sports Science (Indiana University)
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Indiana University)

Mr. Greg Simmons, M.S., C.S.C.S.

Fitness Programming Supervisor

Greg serves as the project's fitness programming specialist. He will develop and demonstrate fitness evaluation techniques, and firefighter-specific exercise programs.

Greg holds the rank of Adjunct Instructor at Indiana University's School of Health, Physical Education & Recreation. His teaching duties include, Advanced Theories of Conditioning, Theories of Resistance Exercise Training, and Personal Fitness.

Greg's primary interests are in the field of strength and conditioning. He operates a personal training business where he focuses on athletic development for youth in the Bloomington community. This includes areas of resistance training, explosive weight training, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, plyometric training, as well as speed and agility training. Greg is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association.

Greg's Education:
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Indiana University)
Master of Science in Applied Sports Science (Indiana University)

James Redd, B.S.

Lieutenant, Rescue Squad 10
Indianapolis Fire Department

Lt. Redd is a 13-year veteran of the Indianapolis Fire Department, assigned to the Rescue Squad at Station 10. Jim serves as a firefighting and thermal imaging consultant for the study. His primary role is assisting the Principal Investigator in the merging of scientific protocols with IFD standard operating procedures. Lt. Redd is a certified Fire Instructor and teaches Flashover for IFD and the FDIC-Indy conference. As an IFD shift training officer (STO), Jim helps provide continuing education for IFD personnel. Lt. Redd is also an AFPA-certified personal trainer and is a competitive bodybuilder. Off-duty, Jim spends most of his time training or with his 5-year old son.

Jim Redd's Education:
Associates of Science in Fire Science (Hocking Technical College, 2006)
Bachelor of Science in Biology (University of Indianapolis, 1994)