Module 3: Sports Chiropractic Leadership and Professionalism - Research

Michele Maiers, DC, MPH, PhD, is the Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) in Minneapolis, Minn. In her role, Dr. Maiers leverages high quality research to inform healthcare policy and innovation initiatives on local, regional, and national levels. Her research utilizes mixed methods to inform a rich understanding of non-drug treatment options for spine-related pain, especially among older adults.

Dr. Maiers graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic and went on to earn a Master of Public Health degree in administration from the University of Minnesota, and a PhD in clinical research and biomechanics form the University of Southern Denmark.

She is the past president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Dr. Maiers has previously held leadership positions in the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) and the Chiropractic Health Care section of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Dr. Dean Smith, DC, PhD is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health at Miami University. His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in human biology, a master’s degree in exercise science, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and a PhD in brain and cognitive science with a focus on motor behavior and postural control.

Dr. Smith teaches courses in functional anatomy, motor skills, exercise and health, and musculoskeletal disorders. His research examines the effects of chiropractic care and exercise on human performance. He is the recipient of the 2018 American Chiropractic Association Researcher of the Year award and the 2021 Ohio State Chiropractic Association Chiropractor of the Year award.