Certificates in
Health Sciences

Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM-EP, PN-1, FACSM is the Dean of the College of Graduate Health Studies at AT Still University. Dr. Hastie received her doctor of education from George Fox University (2013), her master of science in exercise and sport science with an emphasis in biomechanics from the University of Oregon (2003), and her bachelor of science in exercise science from Gonzaga University (2001). She is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is a certified Exercise Physiologist.

Prior to joining ATSU, she was a Professor of Exercise Science and Program Chair for the Exercise Science Program at Lasell University (Newton, MA). Dr. Hastie also served as the Faculty Fellow for the Fuss Center for Research on Intergenerational Education and Aging and received the deWitt Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from Lasell University. Dr. Hastie served as Faculty Chair of the University’s governance system.

Dr. Hastie has served in several leadership roles at the regional and national level of the ACSM, which include her current roles on the Professional Education Committee at the national level and as the President-Elect for the New England chapter. Her research interests have included exploring the connection between lifelong physical activity and long-term health outcomes, the relationship between exercise training and cognition, and the effects of discrimination experiences on health-related coping behaviors.

Dr. Hastie has extensive experience in online program development, teaching, and assessment. She developed an online Master of Science in Nutrition for Human Performance program and has 18 years of experience in both synchronous and asynchronous teaching formats. She became an educator because she strongly believes in the development of the whole student as a crucial responsibility of higher education institutions.

Dr. Matthews completed his PhD in education at Southern Illinois University with an emphasis in adult and vocational/technical education (workforce education and development). He recently completed a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree at Nova Southeastern University. He also holds graduate degrees in education (post-secondary administration and supervision) and museum studies. His professional medical preparation is in the field of diagnostic imaging. Dr. Matthews is certified in diagnostic radiography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, and magnetic resonance imaging by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Prior to coming to ATSU, he was the program director of the radiography program at Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Matthews has an extensive teaching history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to teaching most courses in the ATSU Health Sciences curriculum, he has taught numerous courses on medical and educational history, his primary research interest. He enjoys qualitative-historical research and has served as a subject matter expert for several state and national organizations and museums on the topic of 19th century American medicine.

Jeffrey L. Alexander, PhD, FAACVPR, ACSM-CEP is a Professor in the Doctor of Health Sciences Program. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Health Promotion and Exercise Physiology, respectively, at Brigham Young University, Provo; and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasis in Exercise & Wellness, at Arizona State University. His principal teaching responsibilities include instruction and facilitation of student research in the health sciences. Dr. Alexander’s research interests focus on improving the health and well-being of older adults. He is a Lead Trainer for the evidence-based program, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls, giving him the opportunity to train individuals to disseminate the program to older community members throughout the United States. Dr. Alexander is a Fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and serves on the Association’s Research Committee. He is an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Health Promotion and has published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals and presented at local and national meetings and conferences.

Kathleen DiCaprio, DO, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Health Sciences in the DHSC program at CGHS. She previously served as an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York.

Dr. DiCaprio has a history of teaching, research and practice in health science fields related to undergraduate, graduate, and medical education; infectious diseases and infection control; public health emergency preparedness; and radiology.

Dr. DiCaprio earned her DO at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and PhD in pathology from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Her research interests involve infectious diseases, radiology, and innovation in higher education.

Dr. Mathieson is Professor and Program Director of Health Sciences in the College of Graduate Health Studies at ATSU, where she has been faculty since 2007. Her scholarly interests include research methodology, biostatistics, research ethics, evidence-based practice, scholarship of teaching and learning, and social determinants of health.

Dr. Mathieson has collaborated with colleagues across diverse disciplines and published both qualitative and quantitative research in areas including obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, public health, pediatrics, education, family practice, and dentistry. She is an expert in research ethics and has served as vice-chair of the ATSU-Arizona Institutional Review Board since 2009.

Dr. Mathieson earned her PhD in sociology at Arizona State University, with emphasis in statistics and sociology of health. This foundation has informed her approach to research and teaching, with a focus on understanding social conditions that affect health and wellbeing.

Dr. Matthews completed his PhD in education at Southern Illinois University with an emphasis in adult and vocational/technical education (workforce education and development). He recently completed a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree at Nova Southeastern University. He also holds graduate degrees in education (post-secondary administration and supervision) and museum studies. His professional medical preparation is in the field of diagnostic imaging. Dr. Matthews is certified in diagnostic radiography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, and magnetic resonance imaging by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Prior to coming to ATSU, he was the program director of the radiography program at Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Matthews has an extensive teaching history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to teaching most courses in the ATSU Health Sciences curriculum, he has taught numerous courses on medical and educational history, his primary research interest. He enjoys qualitative-historical research and has served as a subject matter expert for several state and national organizations and museums on the topic of 19th century American medicine.

Dr. Weemer’s interests center on school-based health promotion, particularly in physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. She studies the social ecological factors that shape health behaviors in children and adolescents—including environmental, social, and policy influences. Her research also focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on enhancing student engagement and improving learning experiences in online health science education.

Dr. Weemer completed her Doctorate of Health Sciences at Indiana State University with a focus on health promotion, physical activity, and wellness. She also holds a Master of Science in Physical Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Teaching Health Education from Northern Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. In addition to her academic training, she is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). Dr. Weemer has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and graduate health science courses across multiple modalities and has contributed to course and curriculum development throughout her career.

Laura Santurri, PhD, MPH, CPH, aPHR, began her time as a part-time instructor in the College of Graduate Health Studies in 2026. She previously served as a tenured associate professor at the University of Indianapolis, where she also held roles in higher education administration, including as a program director, department chair, and interim dean. In addition to her faculty role, she also serves as the executive director of the Interstitial Cystitis Association, a national, nonprofit patient advocacy organization.

Dr. Santurri’s scholarly interests include research methodology, the critical appraisal and translation of scientific research, community-based participatory research methods, leadership/management theory, pain science education, and health advocacy. She is most proud of her publications with students on topics such as self-leadership, perfectionism among health professions students, and the experiences of skilled nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Santurri earned her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary anthropology from the University of Akron, her Master of Public Health from Case Western Reserve University, and her PhD in health education and promotion from Kent State University.