Zachary Bevilacqua
Visiting Assistant Professor
Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition
College of Health Sciences and Technology
Office Location
Zachary Bevilacqua
Visiting Assistant Professor
Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition
College of Health Sciences and Technology
Education
BS, Brockport College; MS, University of Buffalo; PhD, Indiana University
Bio
Dr. Bevilacqua was born in Rochester, NY, where he obtained his Bachelors degree in Athletic Training, and subsequently practiced as an Athletic Trainer for 5 years. He moved on to the University at Buffalo, where he received his Masters in Exercise Science and began his inquiry into head trauma research. While pursuing his Doctorate at Indiana University, Zachary published and co-authored a collective nine concussion research publications. He also designed and taught the first-ever Neurotrauma course within the Indiana University Post-Professional Athletic Training Program. Currently, his research focuses on the safe re-integration of college students back to full academic participation following concussion; known as Return to Learn. Zachary joins the RIT Exercise Science faculty this year and is thrilled to bring his unique expertise back to his hometown.
Currently Teaching
EXSC-206
Fitness Prescription
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide instruction to prepare students for certification as a Personal Trainer. It examines the role exercise plays in both the enhancement of health and fitness as well as the improvement of athletic performance. Students will develop a basic understanding of how the human body functions while physically active. Case studies are utilized to assist in the development of practical skills.
EXSC-430
Theory of Athletic Injuries
3 Credits
Even the very best athletes experience injury and being able to recognize and respond to those conditions is a crucial skill for those who will work with athletes. Students will learn the signs and symptoms of injury and the process of first response as well as how to support athletes through rehab. Successful students will learn how to incorporate injury reduction techniques into the training programs they develop for the athletes they serve.
EXSC-480
Training High Performance Athletes
3 Credits
Aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, speed, power, agility, nutrition, and rest are all crucial to the success of athletes and for trainers the need to appropriately coordinate all these factors is a significant challenge. This course explores the interrelationship of the multifactorial principles of athletic performance. Using case studies, modeling, flow sheets and scheduling plans students develop techniques that will lead athletes to success in their training routines.
EXSC-589
Topics in Exercise Science
3 Credits
Topics in Exercise Science engages learners to explore topics in exercise science that are either novel findings, of current concern, hold media interest, or require a unique presentation platform. Course content and delivery methods will vary for each course offering, but will include development of professional presentation skills, interpretation of evidence-based resources, and translation to future health and fitness practice.
EXSC-590
Exercise Science Research
3 Credits
Gathering and analyzing data in order to establish the need and effectiveness of athletic training interventions is the focus of this course. Students will learn sport specific protocols and become familiar with analytical software as well as develop proficiency in the application of data in the design and implementation of training programs.
EXSC-599
Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course provides the opportunity for independent investigation, under faculty supervision, on a subject matter either not included in existing courses or further investigation of a topic of interest presented in another course. A student-driven, faculty-mentored proposal is drafted that describes the plan of work, deliverables expected, evaluation criteria, and possible credit load.
EXSC-689
Topics in Exercise Science
3 Credits
Topics in Exercise Science engages graduate students to explore topics in exercise science that are either novel findings, of current concern, hold media interest, or require a unique presentation platform. Course content and delivery methods will vary for each course offering, but will include development of professional presentation skills, interpretation of evidence-based resources, and translation to future health and fitness practice.
EXSC-690
Exercise Science Research
3 Credits
This course will build on the knowledge of statistics and epidemiology and provide the student with an introduction to research methodology and design. The course will enable the exercise science student to read and interpret relevant literature and evaluate the findings. The course will introduce different research methods and outcomes assessments and will require the exercise science student to create a formal research project. Projects may be in the form of: exercise science curriculum development, activity-related community service project, in-depth case review, meta-analysis of specific exercise application to a disease or syndrome, or original research.
WSHN-790
Health & Well-being Management Thesis
1 - 6 Credits
Application of writing and research skills and principles in an independent investigation of a focused problem under direction of thesis adviser. Components include review of literature, definition of research aims, data collection and analysis, interpretation and discussion of findings, preparation of written paper following specified guidelines and standards, and oral defense of thesis. Enrollment for 6 credits in one semester or as necessary over multiple semesters for a total of 6 credits.
WSHN-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
This course provides students additional semester to complete their thesis research, document and defense.
WSHN-797
Health & Well-being Management Project
3 Credits
Application of writing and research skills and principles in an independent investigation
of a focused problem under direction of a project adviser. Preparation of a Project
Report following specified guidelines and standards, and oral presentation of the key
report components.
In the News
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October 7, 2022
![graphic with Zachary Bevilacqua, Visiting Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences and Technology]()
Concussions and college students—When is it safe to return to the classroom?
Zachary Bevilacqua, visiting assistant professor of exercise science in RIT’s Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, is exploring the prognostic use of oculomotor testing to assess a concussed student’s readiness to return to academics.
