ABOUT JOSEPH C. WATSO, PHD

 
 

Director, Cardiovascular & Applied Physiology (CAP) Laboratory
Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences
Florida State University

 
 

Consulting Experience

- National Institutes of Health
- American Physiological Society
- American College of Preventive Medicine
- American Autonomic Society

Research Awards

- American College of Sports Medicine
- American Society for Microbiology
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- University of Delaware
- Salisbury University

Certifications

- Exercise Physiologist, American College of Sports Medicine
- Team Collaboration, Toastmasters International
- Regular Mentor, College Reading & Learning Association

Licenses

- Basic X-ray Machine Operator (Florida Department of Health; BMO106782)

Textbooks

- Exercise for Aging Adults: A Guide for Practitioners (contributing author)

 
 

Joe’s Research Training

As an undergraduate student, I conducted research in the Laboratory for Human Performance in the School of Health Sciences at Salisbury University (2013 to 2015). I studied devices for measuring power production during resistance training and exercise training interventions to optimize metabolism.

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As a graduate student, I conducted research in the Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory at the University of Delaware (2015 to 2019). I studied diet, hydration, cardiovascular function, and exercise physiology in young, older, and competitive athletic populations.

As a postdoctoral fellow, I conducted research in the Thermal and Vascular Physiology Laboratory at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2019-2022). I studied how different pain medications affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems, body temperature regulation in various populations (e.g., adults with well-healed burn injuries), and how aging affects thermal and cardiovascular strain in hot environments.

Joe’s Interview with the American Physiology Society

 
 

More About Joe

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Why is science communication important to Joe?
There is a ton of scientific research related to health, but it is sometimes hidden within subscription-based academic journals. I aim to share the science with you, the reader, hoping to positively influence your understanding of and ability to maintain good health. Diving into the science and trying to understand it all is an excellent learning tool. So, as far as sharing information with others and feeding my curiosity, writing for a public audience turns out to be a win-win.

When did Joe become interested in human physiology (how the body works)?
While running on my high school track team, I became intrigued to learn why some people are fast while others (like myself) are not so lucky despite the same training. As a result, I decided on Exercise Science for my undergraduate major and developed an interest in cardiovascular function and health.

What is in store for the future?
The long-term goal of the CAP Laboratory is to research modifiable health factors to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, I am interested in sharing new, exciting, and informative health science research findings while doing my best to provide actionable takeaways on my own and partner with stakeholders with a vision to improve health.

Check out the ‘outreach’ page to learn about the human body and factors that affect our bodies, such as exercise, nutrition, body temperature regulation, sleep, and more. I am always happy to connect with new people, so send me comments or questions on the ‘contact’ page.