Faculty Placeholder

Joseph Giandonato

Adjunct Professor of Kinesiology

Biology

Education

  • PhD, Health Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science, Liberty University
  • MBA, Rosemont College
  • MS, Exercise Science and Health Promotion, California University of Pennsylvania
  • BA, Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength and Conditioning Association 

Areas of Expertise/Interest

  • Exercise and Neurocognition
  • Injury Prevention
  • Workability
  • Employee Wellness
  • Athletic Performance

Biography

Joseph Giandonato teaches kinesiology in Bryn Athyn's Biology program and has previously taught Research Methods, Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, and Anatomy and Physiology at Philadelphia area institutions. Giandonato is employed full-time at the University of Virginia, where he serves as an employee well-being coordinator and assists with the design, delivery, and evaluation of an award-winning employee well-being program, "Hoos Well", impacting a population of 30,000 faculty and staff members and their families. Previously, Giandonato served as the Assistant Director of the Student Activity Center at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he initiated an employee-led wellness committee, oversaw the planning of multiple college events, including annual PCOM Wellness Fest celebrations, and partnered with an in-residence sports agency through whom he supported dozens of professional basketball players with off-season preparation, including performance training and rehabilitation. From 2013 to 2016, Giandonato served as the Manager of Health Promotion at Drexel University, where he partnered with multiple academic departments, student organizations, and human resources to reimagine their award-winning "A Healthier U" campus-wide wellness initiative. During his tenure, Giandonato also oversaw recreational fitness facilities, programs, and services, which garnered local and nationwide recognition. From 2011 to 2013, Giandonato served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fitness Director at Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, PA where he oversaw age-appropriate physical preparation for varsity and junior varsity athletic programs while supporting countless alumni and college-bound athletes. During the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years, Giandonato interned and later served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Saint Joseph's University. In addition to his industry experience, Giandonato is accomplished author, having written book chapters and nearly 500 articles and blog posts appearing on multiple industry and news media outlets. Giandonato also serves as a reviewer for the Building Healthier Academic Communities (BHAC) Journal. accomplishments