Biology

Dr. Prasanna Acharya teaches courses in biomechanics, motor development, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, human biology, and senior seminar. His interdisciplinary background in kinesiology and biomedical engineering allows him to integrate principles of biomechanics, human movement, physiology, cognition, and technology into his teaching and research. His research interests focus on human movement, neuromuscular activity, cognition, and human performance. At Illinois College, he has collaborated with undergraduate students on research examining concussion history and cognitive performance, dual-task performance and cognition, and the effects of controlled breathing on cognitive performance. His current research focuses on the relationship between controlled breathing and cognitive performance in college students. His other research interests include upper-limb biomechanics during smartphone use, including the effects of Kinesio taping, and neuromuscular activity during mallet percussion performance.

A central component of his work is involving undergraduate students in research. He mentors students through independent research projects, honors projects, and summer research experiences. His students have presented their work at professional conferences, including the Society for Neuroscience (SFN), North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA), and Illinois State Academy of Science (ISAS). He has presented his research at national and international conferences. He has published research on hand forces during activities of daily living and the effects of yoga on lower-limb muscles. He also collaborates with industry partners, including Vernier Science, on biomechanics and educational applications of human performance technologies.

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