Jessica James

Jessica is a Ph.D. student in the Exercise and Rehabilitation Science program at Marquette University and has been a member of Dr. Hunter’s Lab since 2022.  Jessica was raised in Central Washington in the small town of Sunnyside where she grew up on a dairy farm and graduated Valedictorian of her class.

Jessica started her educational path at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. While at EWU, Jessica earned her B.S. in Exercise Science, earning a 4.0 GPA with Summa Cum Laude honors while simultaneously competing at the NCAA Division I level in track and field as a 400-meter hurdler and heptathlete.

Jessica’s education continued at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. While at BYU, Jessica earned her M.S. in Exercise Science. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jayson Gifford, she investigated the impact of physical activity and inactivity, age, and cardiovascular function during exercise. Her master’s thesis observed the power-duration relationship in relation to sex differences and the menstrual cycle.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Hunter, Jessica investigates the role of sex hormones on athletic performance and physical function across the life span.

When not conducting research in the lab, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors, playing piano, doing hot yoga, crossing things off her bucket list and spending time with her husband and family.