Dr. Jake Hudgins – a research associate on the OPRL team – was brought on to be both an applied researcher and manager of OPRL’s operations, research compliance, and organizational needs. Finalizing the physical lab space was priority one on Dr. Hudgins’ 2023 agenda. This included the procurement of the lab’s major research equipment and supplies while helping OPRL Director, Dr. Wilkins, navigate the lab’s major renovation. With phase 1 of the renovation complete, Dr. Hudgins has shifted focus to OPRL’s research testing for ongoing studies and helping to build the OPRL’s research team and collaborators.
Dr. Hudgins joined the team after receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky where his research focused on determining the validity of wearable training devices for estimating metabolic workloads during running or for improving strength and power training. With an interest in leveraging the huge amount of data in modern research, he also completed a Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics during his Ph.D.
In addition to being an experienced researcher, Dr. Hudgins also has a background in sport performance coaching. He was an Assistant Performance Coach for the Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and the National Women Soccer League’s Utah Royals soccer teams where he assisted with the design and implementation of physical performance training programs and sport science initiatives. He received his master’s in Strength & Conditioning from the University of Georgia and bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University where he also interned with the strength & conditioning staffs for Olympic Sports and Football, respectively. Over the last decade, Jake has also privately trained hundreds of individuals from youth athletes to masters’ athletes, as well as individuals simply seeking to maintain fitness later in life.
Dr. Hudgins’ combined background in performance coaching and research is a significant asset to the OPRL; while working with athlete participants or translating scientific insights to actionable and tangible strategies for anyone seeking to improve performance.
Outside the lab, he loves training for triathlons and other performance goals while also exploring Oregon’s great food and wine culture with his wife Kristen.