UF Sports Peformance Center Staff
Heather Vincent, PhD
Dr. Vincent completed her BS and MS degrees at the University of Massachusetts in Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry. She completed her Doctorate at the University of Florida, where she served as the Director of the UF Lifestyle Appraisal Program. She completed her NIH NCCAM Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Virginia. She has held faculty positions at Stetson University and Uva, and has 15 years of experience with resistance and aerobic exercise adaptations, body composition in health and disease, nutrition and weight management for individuals of all ages. She is currently a research faculty member in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, and had published numerous articles on exercise, nutrition and body composition.
Kevin Vincent, MD, PhD
Dr. Vincent received a BS in Sports Medicine at the University of Connecticut and an MS in Exercise Science at the University of Massachusetts and a Ph.D in Exercise Physiology from the University of Florida. After completing his graduate training, he attended medical school at the University of Florida. He received his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia, where he was elected Chief Resident. He is active with research and has published numerous articles and presented nationally, particularly in the areas of sport nutrition, resistance exercise, and exercise adaptations in healthy and clinical populations. Dr. Vincent’s clinical interest is musculoskeletal medicine with particular emphasis on running, overuse injuries, and participation in strength training.
Michael MacMillan, MD
Dr. MacMillan completed his residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Florida, followed by fellowship at Southern Illinois University. He has numerous experiences with sport performance including North Carolina State University Power Lifting Team Captain, National Strength and Conditioning Association Keynote Lecturer on Eccentric Resistance Training. He has served as the Eccentric Training Consultant for the West Coast Eagles Australian Rules Football, for the University of Florida, and for the University of Central Florida. He is a Consultant to Arthur Jones for MedX Rehabilitation Equipment and the Inventor/Designer of the Negator® Eccentric Rehabilitation System and Maxout® Strength Systems. He is a faculty member in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, and is published in the area of strength adaptations to resistance exercise.
MaryBeth Horodyski, EdD, ATC
Dr. Horodyski completed graduate studies in Applied Physiology, receiving her doctorate from Columbia University and has over 20 years of experience in athletic training and exercise physiology. Currently Dr. Horodyski is the Director of Research for the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at UF. She directs the administrative aspects of the UF Sports Performance Center.
Bryan Conrad, MEng, PhDc
Bryan graduated from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science (Biomechanics minor) with honors and a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering. Since 1999, Bryan has worked as a Biomedical Engineer in the Department of Orthopaedics where he has extensive experience designing and performing biomechanics research projects. Bryan’s current responsibilities include managing the Implant Testing Lab and conducting biomechanical analyses for Sports Performance Center.
DJ Kennedy, MD
David J. (D.J.) Kennedy received his medical degree form the University of Florida, and completed post graduate training at Tulane University. His residency was completed at the University of Washington where he served as Chief Resident. He finished his formal education as the Spine and Sports Fellow at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University McGraw Medical Center. His interests include the non-operative treatment and pre-habilitation of musculoskeletal abnormalities affecting all joints. He serves as a physician during 250km ultra marathons through the world’s deserts with Racing the Planet, and working as a physician or medical director for the world power lifting championships, Chicago Marathon, and the Accenture Triathlon. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Florida.
Katerina Backus, MD
Dr. Backus received a BS from Richmond University and an MD from the University of Maryland. She completed her residency and internship at the University of Florida. She is fellowship trained in Primary Care Sports Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Backus has extensive expertise with sports-related medical care and coverage of athletic events, and has provided vital Team Physician services to secondary and collegiate institutions across the south. She lectures regularly on treating athletic injuries. She currently serves as the Team Physician for Saint Francis Catholic High School and the Medical Director for the Annual Kids 4 Kids Triathlon. Dr. Backus’ clinical interests include diagnosis and treatment of pediatric musculoskeletal injuries, non-operative orthopedic concerns, and sports medicine issues, and appropriate referral of pediatric patients to physical therapy and rehabilitative services. She is currently a faculty member in the UF Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.
Kelley Lamb, BS
Kelley Lamb has an Applied Physiology and Kinesiology degree with a specialization in Fitness and Wellness from the University of Florida. While attending UF, Kelley gained experience in several athletic facilities around Gainesville, including the UF South End Zone with the football team, the Gale Lemerand Center with the track team, and Buchholz High School athletic teams. Through these experiences, she gained an interest in working with athletic injuries and hopes to continue working with athletes of all levels in the future. She is an active collaborator on publications relating to body composition and musculoskeletal health.
Amanda Seay, BS
Amanda Seay has an Applied Physiology and Kinesiology degree with a specialization in Fitness and Wellness from the University of Florida. While attending UF, Amanda gained experience in several athletic facilities around Gainesville, including the, UF Living Well Faculty and Staff Wellness Center, UF RecSports facilities, Munroe Regional Medical Center, and Lake Area Physical Therapy. She has experience working with athletic injuries, exercise testing and wellness education. She plans to continue working with athletes of all fitness levels and ages during her career.
