Douglas J. Casa, Ph.D., ATC, FACSM, FNATA

Doug Casa is Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Director, Athletic Training Education in the Neagy School of Education, and Research Associate at the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Connecticut, and the Chief Operating Officer of the Korey Stringer Institute, which works toward preventing sudden death in sport through education, advocacy, public policy, research, media outreach, and publications.

A prolific author and researcher, Dr. Casa is the author or co-author of more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, including numerous sports medicine (ACSM, NATA) position statements related to heat illness and hydration, and has presented more than 350 times on subjects related to exertional heat stroke, heat-related illnesses, preventing sudden death in sport, and hydration. He currently serves as Chair of the Inter-Association Task Force on Preventing Sudden Death.

The editor of the recently published book, Preventing Sudden Death in Sport and Physical Activity, published by Jones & Bartlett in cooperation with the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr. Casa also serves as associate editor of the Journal of Athletic Training, and is on the editorial board of Current Sports Medicine Reports, the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Among his numerous honors, Dr. Casa has received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, the NATA’s Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Educator Award, and the NATA President’s Challenge Award, and has been named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

As a clinician, Dr. Casa has successfully treated more than 167 cases of exertional heat stroke (with 0 fatalities).  In October 2010 the Department of Kinesiology doctoral program at the University of Connecticut was ranked number 1 in the country by the National Academy of Kinesiology.  Additionally, in September 2010 the National Research Council ranked the faculty in the Department of Kinesiology number one for research productivity.

Dr. Casa’s numerous media appearances include the NBC “Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” and on ESPN, CNN, PBS, and he is quoted frequently in such publications and newspapers as Sports Illustrated, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

A graduate of Allegheny College, Dr. Casa received his Masters of Science degree from the University of Florida, and his doctorate in Exercise Physiology from the University of Connecticut.