Search

Alert

MAY 14

COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 vaccines now available to all groups in PA. Let LVC know when you are fully vaccinated. Students are required to fill out the Symptom Tracker every day.

Know Our Faculty

Home
Academics
Undergraduate…
Exercise Science
Our Faculty
You, Here & Now

Dr. Lori Thomas
Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Professional Philosophy Statement

With a "lift as you climb" philosophy, I strive to bring students to a level of professionalism and excitement that mirrors my own dedication to my profession. Decreasing sedentary time and increasing physical activity within a natural environment and creatively stimulating change are my primary research areas, as well as engaging with obese and/or low SES populations.

 

Academic Areas of Expertise:

  • Physical Activity
  • Obesity
  • Epidemiology
  • Low Socioeconomic Populations 

Courses Taught at LVC

EXSC 101/102 Anatomy and Physiology

EXSC 202 Training and Conditioning

EXSC 211 Intro to Human Movement

EXSC 216 Exercise Physiology

EXSC 314 Physical (In)Activity and Health

EXSC 430 Nutritional Aspects of Sport and Disordered Eating

EXSC 451 Research Methods

EXSC 460/461/462 Practicum

IME - Comprehensive Leadership and Professional Development Exercise and Performance Testing

IME - Intercultural Awareness Health Program for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness 

IME - Leadership & Professionalism President of Exercise Science Club 

Research Topics

  • Physical Activity in under-represented populations
  • Health Literacy
  • Obesity and Weight Management
  • Professional Communication in a Practical Setting

Scholarly Work

Publications

Thomas LA, Marx JM, Lupold M, Kinneman A, McGlory H, Miller TY. BMI influence on quality of life following physical activity program for women in homeless shelters. (Thematic poster) American College of Sports Medicine. Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA. 2020.

Braun D, Portzer LA. Laboratory Manual for Training and Conditioning: Unpublished manuscript, Lebanon Valley College, Lebanon, Pa.  

Rogers RJ, Lang W, Gibbs BB, Davis KK, Burke LE, Kovacs SJ, Portzer LA, Jakicic JM. Applying a technology-based system for weight loss intervention in adults with obesity. Obesity Science and Practice. doi: 10.1002/osp4.18 

Portzer LA, Rogers RJ, Barone Gibbs B, Hergenroeder AL, Rickman AD, Jakicic JM. Energy Expenditure and Enjoyment of Active Television Viewing. International Journal of Exercise Science. 9(1): 64-76, 2016.  

Portzer LA, Jeyabalan A, Gibbs BB, Jakicic JM, Roberts JM, Weissberger TL. Pregnancy and changes in physical activity in overweight and obese, low socio-economic status, African American and Caucasian women. (poster) The Obesity Society. Annual meeting, San Antonio, TX. 2012. 

Portzer LA, Jeyabalan A, Gibbs BB, Jakicic JM, Roberts JM, Weissberger TL. Pregnancy and changes in physical activity in overweight and obese, low socio-economic status, African American and Caucasian women. (poster) Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation honors.  Annual Research Day, Pittsburgh, PA. 2012. 

Verba SD, Justice BD, Portzer LA, Ingel R, Jakicic JM. The effect of weight loss and exercise on cardiovascular structure and function in class II and III obese women. American College of Sports Medicine. National Conference, San Francisco, CA. 2012. 

Mishler AE, Barone Gibbs B. Goodpaster B. Nagle E. Portzer L. Coppock J. Jakicic JM. The effect of 10- versus 30- minutes of acute aerobic exercise on insulin and glucose in obese adults. American College of Sports medicine. National Conference, San Francisco, CA. 2012. 

J.M. Jakicic, D.O. Garcia, R.J. Rogers, J.H. Coppock, A.M. Moody, J.A. Nagle, L.M. Wisniewski, L.A. Portzer. Physical Activity among Overweight and Obese Young Adults: Association with Fitness and BMI. The Obesity Society. Annual meeting, Atlanta, GA. 2013. 

Leadership Positions

  • American Heart Association Mission Committee
  • IME Faculty Supervisor
  • EXSC Practicum Coordinator
  • Exercise Science Club Faculty Founding Advisor
  • STEM-UP Network member

Additional Links

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lorithomasphd

LVC Research Program: https://www.lvc.edu/news/details/students-conduct-educational-fitness-program-at-area-women-s-shelters/

Contact Info

Email Address

lthomas@lvc.edu

Location

AHPP 217

Phone Number

717-867-6873