Matt Barenie
Education
PhD, Human Performance - Exercise Physiology, Indiana University, 2022
MS, Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint Louis University, 2016
BS, Dietetics, Indiana University, 2015
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching the minds of our future society is a profound responsibility that I embrace
wholeheartedly. Being challenging yet fair, passionate, and just as eager to learn
as the students
is something I strive to bring to the classroom every day. I also strive to recognize
that each
course is unique and heavily influenced by the needs of its students and the exponential
rate of
discovery in human health. I vow to challenge my students and encourage them to think
and
express themselves critically, openly, and passionately. Furthermore, I promise that
every
student who walks through my door, no matter what their situation, will always receive
nothing
but my best efforts.
Research
Dr. Barenie's research focuses on optimizing human physiology and enhancing muscle
recovery
and performance through various dietary supplements, modalities, and nutritional approaches.
As
a registered dietitian, he is interested in any research studying health, human performance,
and/or
nutrition. Dr. Barenie specializes in utilizing various research technologies and
methodologies
within the University of South Alabama laboratories, including SphygmoCor, ELISA technique,
HUMAC Norm dynamometer, linear position transducers, nerve stimulation via Magstim,
and
numerous other technologies and methods.
Outreach
Dr. Barenie is actively involved with numerous professional organizations and is a
reviewer for
many exercise science-related journals.
Biography
Dr. Barenie grew up in Saint John, Indiana, and attended Purdue Northwest as a student-athlete
in golf for his first years of college. At first, he was a business major, but then
he decided to
transfer to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Dr. Barenie's passion
for nutrition,
exercise, and health grew exponentially during his time at Indiana University, and
he ultimately
earned an undergraduate degree in dietetics. Not yet satisfied, he earned his master's
degree in
nutrition and dietetics and completed his dietetic internship at Saint Louis University.
After
graduating from Saint Louis University, he secured multiple registered dietitian jobs
in varied
settings. Dr. Barenie realized he wanted to pursue more in the health field, so he
returned to
Indiana University to complete his PhD in Human Performance-Exercise Physiology. During
his PhD, he took extensive coursework, taught exercise physiology labs, and published
numerous
manuscripts related to exercise and nutrition. Before coming to the University of
South Alabama,
he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
He
led an R01 research project on physical activity and green schoolyards in elementary
school
children. He is thrilled to be a faculty member at South to teach, mentor, and participate
in the
Exercise and Nutrition Research Group. Dr. Barenie lives with his wife and three young
dachshunds in the Mobile, AL area. Outside work, Dr. Barenie and his wife enjoy spoiling
their
dogs, CrossFit, and exploring the area for entertainment, food, and sunshine.
Courses
KIN 479/579 Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
KIN 484 Applications in Sport Conditioning
KIN 363 Sports Nutrition