Faculty Spotlight: Dr. David Bellar

David Bellar is an assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology. He obtained his B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from John Carroll University, a M.Ed. from John Carroll University, and a Ph.D. with a focus in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University. Dr. Bellar’s interests are in understanding how nutrients can affect post exercise muscle performance, hormonal profile, and inflammation/immune function, which are inspired by his career as a Track and Field coach.  His work with the Ragin' Cajuns Track and Field team exposes him on a daily basis to athletes recovering from training.

Dr. Bellar is currently working on two funded projects that are taking place in the Exercise Metabolism/ Human Performance Lab complex. One of the projects is funded by CherryFlex and examines the effects of tart cherries on post-exercise oxidative stress and immune function, and the other is funded by ChemiNutra, which explores the effects of Alpha-GPC supplementation on explosive power and IGF-1 hormone levels.

Dr. Bellar is also currently pursuing funding to examine both beta glucan and natural antimicrobial in order to determine if they can alter post-exercise immunoglobulin levels and reduce oxidative stress. In his future research plans, he would like to examine the impact of chronic consumption of nutrients on post-exercise oxidative stress and inflammation.