Education
- PhD, Baylor University, Waco, TX.
- M.S. in Exercise Physiology, Sheffield Hallam University
- B.Sc. in Physical Education and Sport and Exercise Science, University of Thessaloniki
Biography
Dr. Zacharias Papadakis, an accomplished Associate Professor of Exercise, Physiology & Wellness at Barry University, has forged an impactful journey in the realm of Exercise Science. His academic voyage commenced with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1998, laying the groundwork for his distinguished career.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Dr. Papadakis pursued further education, culminating in a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Sheffield Hallam University, England, in 2008. This educational pursuit deepened his understanding of the human body's intricate responses to physical activity and exercise. His scholarly journey continued in the United States, where he earned a Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion from Baylor University, Texas, in 2018.
Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Papadakis established and directed a private exercise sport and science laboratory, catering to individuals seeking a scientific approach to sports and exercise training. Before joining Barry University in 2018, he served as a Lecturer/Assistant Professor at Rice University in Houston, TX.
Armed with extensive expertise, Dr. Papadakis has made significant contributions to the field of Exercise Science as the Director of the Human Performance Laboratory and the Exercise Physiology Undergraduate Program Coordinator at Barry University. His impact extends beyond traditional academia, as evidenced by his innovative teaching methods. These methods earned him a prestigious teaching grant during his tenure at Rice University in Houston, Texas in 2017. Dr. Papadakis has a diverse teaching portfolio covering subjects such as exercise physiology, laboratory practices, strength and conditioning, exercise epidemiology, human performance, sports nutrition, statistics, research methods, and the Exercise is Medicine initiative at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He actively shapes the next generation of exercise scientists.
In his pursuit of knowledge advancement, Dr. Papadakis explores how the human body responds to continuous moderate-intensity exercise, high-intensity interval exercise, and various stimuli such as psychological, nutritional, and pharmaceutical factors. His research investigates the influence of these responses on cardiometabolic processes in humans from the perspective of Network Physiology of Exercise and Lifestyle Medicine. His scholarly contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, such as Outstanding Faculty Award and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM); appointments in regional chapters of the ACSM, such as the Greater New ACSM and in the Council on Undergraduate Research; and editorial/reviewer/authoring roles in prestigious journals, such as his latest publication in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology with impact factor of 8.3 titled as “Clinical exercising insights: unveiling blood pressure’s prophetic role in anticipating future hypertension development”.
In his current role at Barry University, Dr. Papadakis remains at the forefront of Exercise Science and Wellness, driving innovation, inspiring students, and making enduring contributions to the field. His recent achievement includes the Gold Award recognition of Barry's campus from the ACSM for the Exercise is Medicine on Campus initiative, showcasing his commitment to promoting physical activity and health within the university community.
Beyond academia, he maintains an active lifestyle rooted in his past as a semi-professional basketball player and track and field athlete, engaging in activities such as weightlifting, outdoor running, basketball, and beach volleyball. He enjoys his family time with his wife Lacy and their daughter Anastasia Maria-Giolanta.