Alex Shafer

Alex Shafer, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Health and Human Performance, CHPS

As a trained exercise physiologist, Dr. Alex Shafer gets the greatest joy from interacting with students in classroom and laboratory experiences, as well as mentoring undergraduate research.

Since joining MSUB in 2015, Shafer has mentored an average of seven undergraduate senior thesis research projects per academic year, focusing on various health/fitness topics. Two of these student projects have been published as journal articles with another article currently under review. Many of his students presented their theses at the 2020 and 2021 National Council of Undergraduate Research national conferences, and at MSUB’s Creativity and Research Symposiums. Shafer and a student co-author also recently submitted an abstract for presentation at the 2023 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting.

In 2019, Shafer joined Drs. Butler, Queen, and Toenjes to collaborate on the Undergraduate Student Research grant from MT-INBRE. This project provides students with funding to conduct original research in their field. Shafer’s involvement has resulted in the funding of 16 HHP student projects.

In 2022, Shafer was a co-recipient of the Walter and Charlotte Pippenger Excellence in Innovation Award for assisting in the construction of the Yellowstone Science and Health Building, specifically the Exercise Physiology and Movement Labs. In collaboration with his colleagues, he was instrumental in outfitting these labs with cutting edge equipment that allows students and faculty to conduct research and engage in meaningful laboratory experience. Shafer also participates in multiple service activities that help promote engagement in the health sciences.

Shafer’s students note that he goes above and beyond to ensure their success. His peers note that his students are engaged in his classes, and his courses are organized and logical. Shafer always strives to stay current in his field and continues to develop his teaching skills. His dedication to his field, MSUB, and his students makes Shafer a well-deserving recipient for the Faculty Excellence Award. One of his nominators shares that “Dr. Shafer has been an asset to our students and our department, and he is very deserving of the Faculty Excellence Award.”