Directory listing

JoEllen Sefton

JoEllen Sefton, Ph.D., ATC, LAT

  • Professor
  • Director - Warrior Research Center
  • Director - Neuromechanics Research Laboratory


Phone: 334-844-1694
Campus Mail: 301 Wire Rd
Office Location: Room 291, Kinesiology Building
Download Vita

Academic Areas

Kinesiology

Short Bio

JoEllen Sefton, Ph.D, ATC, LAT is the Director Auburn University’s Warrior Research Center (WRC) which serves as a point of collaboration and a catalyst for change between researchers, the military and tactical athletes to develop and implement new knowledge in human factors. Her research focuses on reducing injury and improving health, wellness and performance in our military, firefighters, and law enforcement. Sefton collaborates with academia, military research laboratories, Tactical Athlete units, small businesses, industry and government agencies. She developed and organizes the biennial WRC Tactical Athlete Summit, an international event that brings together researchers and tactical athletes to share problems and provide solutions.

Professional & Educational Experience

  • Ph. D., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2007.
    Major: Interdisciplinary Biology & Sports MedicineDissertation/Thesis Title: Sensorimotor Measures in Chronic Ankle Instability
  • M.S., Central Connecticut State University, 2003.
    Major: Exercise Science
    Dissertation/Thesis Title: Examination of Factors that Influence Knowledge of and Reporting of Head Injuries in College Football
  • Central Connecticut State University, 2001. Major: Athletic Training
  • Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, 1995.
    Major: Medical Massage Therapy
    Supporting Areas of Emphasis: sports massage
  • B.S., Ohio University, 1981.
    Major: Zoology
    Dissertation/Thesis Title: Field Study of Fishing Spider Behavior

Professional Experience

  • Auburn University, Auburn Alabama. School of Kinesiology, Professor (2018)
  • Auburn University, Auburn Alabama. School of Kinesiology, Associate Professor (2011 – 2018)
  • Auburn University, Auburn Alabama. School of Kinesiology, Assistant Professor (2007 – 2011)
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Doctoral Fellow/Instructor. (2005 - 2007)

Research Interests

  • Tactical Athletes

  • Human performance

  • Injury preventions and rehabilitation

  • Performance optimization

  • Wellness

  • Adaptations to and training in extreme environments

  • Massage therapy