Biography
Kelvin Wu, Ph.D., was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan and attended the University of Taipei with plans to become an elementary physical education teacher. After volunteering on a research project, he realized his true passion lay in Exercise Science and worked in the Sport Psychophysiology Lab at the University of Taipei for his master’s degree. He subsequently completed his two-year substitute civilian service, joining the Sport Science Team at the Taiwan National Athletic Training Center, where he assisted Olympic athletes as a sport counselor. Ready for a change of pace, Wu moved to the U.S. and earned his doctoral degree in Neurocognitive Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Following graduation, Wu served as a tenure-track assistant professor at Schreiner University and later as an assistant professor and program coordinator at the University of South Carolina Upstate, where he earned tenure. He is currently the Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at St. Mary’s University. In this leadership role, he has overseen significant programmatic developments, including the creation of new Bachelor of Science tracks in Generalist Studies and Pre-Physical Therapy. He also directed the establishment of the Human Performance Lab, securing a Title V BASE Grant to outfit the facility with state-of-the-art technology supporting student research and community health initiatives.
Wu’s research integrates kinesiology, developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience to examine how health-oriented behaviors modulate neural networks underlying cognition. His current work includes investigations into the acute effects of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), such as CrossFit®, on cognitive control and memory in young adults. He also serves as the Primary Investigator for projects examining the impact of a Mind Training Program on athletic performance and has mentored a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) project exploring the effects of passive heat therapy on cognitive function.
Honors and Awards
- 2025 — Finalist of Undergraduate Poster Presentation at Texas ACSM (Faculty Mentor)
- 2024 — Featured Health Innovator in San Antonio Business Journal
- 2024 — First Place, Poster Presentation at StMU Research Showcase (Faculty Mentor)
- 2019 — USC Upstate, Student Affairs, Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award Nominee
- 2019 — USC Upstate, Annual Award for Faculty Scholarly and/or Creative Pursuits Nominee
- 2018 — USC Upstate, Student Affairs, Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award Nominee
- 2015 — National Interest Waiver Permanent Residence Award (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration)
- 2010 — Excellent Paper Award by the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Certifications/Affiliations
- American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)
- American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED
- Texas American College of Sports Medicine
- ACSM Psychobiology and Behavior Special Interest Group
Chou, C.C. Lin, S.H., Wu, C-T., & Chueh, T-Y. (in press). The effects of cooperative and competitive learning in physical education on visual selective attention in elementary school children. Bulletin of Sport and Exercise Psychology of Taiwan.
Chueh, T-Y., Tsai, Y-J., Wu, J-H., Chu, C-L., Wu, C-T., & Hung, T-M. (2025). Superior motor competence in children with ADHD is associated with optimized neurocognitive development of inhibitory control processing: An ERP study. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 162, 104993. (IF = 2.9, SSCI, Ranking in Education, Special = 2/62, Q1, 97.6%)
Hsieh, W.L., Kao, S.C., Moreau, D., Wu, C.T., & Wang, C.H. (2025). Examining the relationship between response inhibition and Taekwondo performance: The importance of ecological validity. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 78, 102817. (IF = 3.3, SSCI, Ranking in Sport Sciences = 22/133, Q1, 16.2%)
Chueh, T. Y., Wu, J. H., Huang, W.K., Pan, C.C., Chou, C.C., Huang C.J., & Wu, C. T. (2025). The Effects of Single Bouts of Physical Activity on Cognition in Individual with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 38(2), e70026. (IF = 2.1, SSCI, Ranking in REHABILITATION = 40/170, Q1, 76.8%).
Brisebois, M., Kramer, S., Lindsay, K.G., Wu, C.T., & Kamla, J. (2022). Dietary Practices and Supplement Use among CrossFit® Participants. Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, 19(1), 316-335.
Brisebois, B., Kamla, J., Wu, C.T., & Goins, J. (2021). Strategies for Implementing High-Intensity Functional Training into High School Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 92(5). (SSCI, IF = 1.797, accept rate = 30 %)
Lin, C.L., Chueh, T.Y., Hsieh. S.S., Tsai, Y.J., Hung, C.C., Huang, C.J., Wu, C.T., & Hung, T.M. (2019). Motor competence Moderates Relationship between Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Resting EEG in Children with ADHD. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 17. (SSCI, IF = 1.797, ranking in Psychiatry, 82/146 =56 %)
Lo, L.-C., Hatfield, B. D., Wu, C.-T., Chang, C.-C., & Hung, T.-M. (2019). Elevated state anxiety alters cerebral cortical dynamics and degrades precision cognitive-motor performance. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 8(1), 21–37. https://doi org.uscupstate.idm.oclc.org/10.1037/spy0000155 (SSCI, IF =2.409, ranking in Psychology, applied=428/82, 51.2%, Q3)
Li, X., Xie, R., Peng, X., Wu, C.T., Guo, L., Rochester, C.A., Hung, T.M. (2019). The relationship between Physical Fitness and Academic Performance in College Students. Journal of Physical Education Research, 6(3), 24-32. (IF =0.519)
Huang, C.J., Huang, C.W., Hung. C.L., Tsai, Y.J., Chang, Y.K., Wu, C.T., & Hung, T.M. (2018). Effects of Acute Exercise on Resting EEG in Children with Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. (SSCI, IF =2.071; Ranking in Psychology: Developmental = 32/70 =45.7%)
Hsieh, S.-S., Huang, C.-J., Wu, C.-T., Chang, Y.-K., & Hung, T.-M. (2018). Acute Exercise Facilitates the N450 Inhibition Marker and P3 Attention Marker during Stroop Test in Young and Older Adults. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7(11). (SCI, IF =5.58, Ranking: 15/154 (9.7%) in Medicine, General, & Internal, Q1)
Drollette, E. S., Pontifex, M. B., Raine, L. B., Scudder, M. R., Moore, R. D., Kao, S-C., Westfall, D. W., Wu, C-T., Kamijo, K., Castelli, D. M., Khan, N. A., Kramer, A., & Hillman, C. H. (2017). Effects of FITKids physical activity randomized controlled trial on conflict monitoring in youth. Psychophysiology, 55(3). (SSCI/SCI, IF = 3.118, Ranking in Psychology, Biological = 3/14 = 21.42%; Ranking in Psychology = 18/74 = 24.32%)
Yu, C-L., Tsai, Y-J., Huang, C-J., Hung, C-L., Wu, C-T., & Hung, T-M. (2016). Effect of moderate intensity acute exercise on spatial working memory in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Physical Education Journal, 49(s), 33- 45. (TSSCI: Taiwan Social Sciences Citation Index, Ranked as a top-class journal by the Research Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences in 2008 and 2015 in Taiwan)
Parks, A. C., Moore, R. D., Wu, C-T., Broglio, S. P., Covassin, T., Hillman, C. H., & Pontifex, M. B. (2015). The association between a history of concussion and variability in behavioral and neuroelectric indices of cognition. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 98(3), 426 – 434. (SCI/SSCI, Impact Factor = 3.311)
Wang, C., Chu, C., Wu, C., Lin, C., & Chang, Y. (2014). A preliminary study of acute exercise effect on Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Bulletin of Sport and Exercise Psychology of Taiwan, 14(2), 15 – 31.
Hillman, C. H., Pontifex, M. B., Castelli, D. M., Khan, N. A., Raine, L. B., Scudder, M. R., Drollette, E. S., Moore, R. D., Wu, C., & Kamijo, K. (2014). Effects of the FITKids randomized controlled trial on executive control and brain function. Pediatrics, 134, 1063 – 1071.
Wu, C., & Hillman, C. H. (2013). Aerobic Fitness and the Attentional Blink in Preadolescent Children. Neuropsychology, 27(6), 642 – 653.
Moore, R. D., Wu, C., Pontifex, M. B., O’Leary, K. C., Scudder, M. R., Raine, L. B., Johnson, C., & Hillman, C. H. (2013). Aerobic fitness and intra-individual variability of neurocognition in preadolescent children. Brain and Cognition, 82, 43 – 57.
Kamijo, K., Pontifex, M. B., O’Leary, K. C., Scudder, M. R., Wu, C., Castelli, D. M., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). The effects of an afterschool physical activity program on working memory in preadolescent children. Developmental Science, 14, 1046 – 1058. (PMCID: 21884320)
Wu, C., Pontifex, M. B., Raine, B. R., Chaddock, L., Voss, M. W., Kramer, A. F., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). Aerobic Fitness and Response Variability in Preadolescent Children Performing a Cognitive Control Task. Neuropsychology, 25, 333-341. (PMCID: 21443340)
Pontifex, M. B., Scudder, M. R., Brown, M., O’Leary, K. C., Wu, C., Themanson, J. R., & Hillman, C. H. (2010). On the number of trials necessary for stabilization of error-related brain activity across the lifespan. Psychophysiology, 47, 767-773. (PMCID: 20230502)
Wu, C., Lo, L., Lin, J., Shih, H., & Hung, C. (2007). The relationship between basketball free throw performance and EEG coherence. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology-Chinese, 5(4), 448-469.
Wu, C., & Hung, C. (2007). Effects of skill levels on EEG spectral power and coherence during dart throw. Journal of Physical Education in Higher Education, 9(2), 39-50.
Wu, C., & Hung, C. (2006). The Relationship between Reaction Time and EEG Coherence. Bulletin of Sport and Exercise Psychology of Taiwan, 8, 1-14
Publications
Daniel, J., Rubalcaba, A., Tasby, I., Valadez, B., Wu, C.T., & Guerra G. (2025) The Acute Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on Inhibitory Control. Poster presentation at 2025 StMU Research Showcase
Wu, C-T. & Guerra, G. (2025). Acute Effects of CrossFit on Cognitive Function in CrossFit Athletes. Oral presentation at 2025 StMU Research Showcase
Wu, C.T., Valadez, B., Rubalcaba, A., Daniel, J., Guerra, G., & Tai, Y-L. (2025). Acute CrossFit® Exercise Enhances Cognitive Processing Speed and Stabilizes Response Variability in Trained Individuals. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 17, Article 129.
Melendez, S., Tai, Y-L, Abshire, J., Wu. C.T., & Guerra, G. (2025). A Single Bout of CrossFit® Exercise May Not Significantly Affect Inhibitory Control. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 17, Article 78.
Tai, Y-L., Wu. C.T., & Russell, R.D. (2025). Heart Rate Variability After Different Orders of Upper- and Lower-Body Resistance Exercise in Men. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 17, Article 138
Wu, C.T., Guerra, G., Kao, S.C., Brisebois, M.F., Wang, C.H (2024). Acute Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on Inhibitory Control. Poster presented at the 2024 European College of Sport Science Annual Congress. Glasgow, Scotland. Abstract-ID: 934
Wu, C-T. & Guerra, G. (2024). The Relationship Between High-Intensity Functional Training and Cognitive Function. Oral presentation at 2024 StMU Research Showcase for the Internal Faculty Research Grant session.
Daniel, J., Carrizales, K., Rubalcaba, A., Galindo, A., Wu, C-T. & Guerra, G. (2024). The Acute Effects of High Intensity Functional Training on Inhibitory. Poster presentation at 2024 StMU Research Showcase.
Hsieh, W. L., Kao, S. C., Moreau, D., Wu, C. T., & Wang, C. H. (2023). The Associations of Inhibitory Control with Physical Fitness, Skill Performance, And On-field Performance In Taekwondo: 1805 (2023). ACSM’s Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, USA. (poster). (MOST 110-2628-H-006-004-MY3). https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10799/presentation/3073
Alcala, J.P., Marupudi, S., Russell, R.D., Wu, C., Wheeler, A.J., & Tai, Y-L. (2023). Combination of Upper- and Lower-Body Resistance Exercise on Hemodynamics in Young Women. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 15, Article 119.
Tai, Y-L., Russell, R.D., Marupudi, S., Wheeler, A.J., Alcala, J., & Wu. C. (2023). Different Orders of Combined Upper- and Lower-Body Resistance Exercise on Pulse Wave Reflection. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 15, Article 77.
Brisebois, M., Kramer, S, Kamla, J., Wu, C., Morneault, T., Corpuz, J., Fowler, K., & Lindsay, K. (submitted). Dietary Practices and Sources of Dietary Information among CrossFit® Participants: Preliminary Findings. Poster will be present at the SEACSM 2022 Annual Conference. Greenville, SC.
Kramer, S, Brisebois, M., Kamla, J., Wu, C., Morneault, T., Corpuz, J., Fowler, K., & Lindsay, K. (submitted). Dietary and Sport Supplement Use and Sources of Information among CrossFit® Participants: Preliminary Findings. Poster will be present at the SEACSM 2022 Annual Conference. Greenville, SC.
Wu, C., Li, X., Xie, R., Peng, X., Guo, L., Rochester, C.A., & Hung, T-M. (2019). The Relationship between Physical Fitness and Academic Performance among Students at A Large University in China. Poster presented at the ECSS 2019 Annual Congress. Prague, Czech Republic.
Wu, C., Williams, B.C., & Kamla, J. (2019). The Relationship between Aerobic Fitness and the Attentional Blink in College Students. Oral presentation at the SEACSM 2019 Annual Conference. Greenville, SC.
Wu, C., Williams, B.C., & Kamla, J. (2018). The Relationship between Fitness and Academic Performance in College Students. Poster presented at the SWACSM 2018 Annual Conference. Costa Mesa, CA.
Wu, C., Foli, M. F., Nichols, A. M., Nair, P., & Hillman, C.H. (2016). A Single Bout of Aerobic Exercise Benefits the Attentional Blink. Poster presented at the NASPSPA 2016 Annual Conference. Montreal, Canada.
Wu, C., Herring, J. T., Ford, K., & Hillman, C. H. (2015). The Effect of a Single Bout of Aerobic Exercise on the Attentional Blink. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47, S5.
Saunders, L. & Wu, C. (2014). Effects of Acute Exercise on Attentional Blink. Poster presented at the 117th Annual Conference of the Texas Academy of Science. Galveston: TX.
Moore, R. D., Wu, C., Pontifex, M. B., Broglio, S. P., & Hillman, C. H. (2012). The persistent influence of concussion on neuroelectric function and response variability. Psychophysiology, 49, S88.
Wu, C., Moore, R. D., Pontifex, M. B., Steven, P. B., & Hillman, C. H. (2012). Persistent Influence of Concussion on Response Variability Measures of Cognitive Control. Poster presented at the 24th Annual Convention of Association for Psychological Science, Chicago, IL, USA.
Moore, R. D., Wu, C., Pontifex, M. B., Broglio, S. B., & Hillman, C. H. (2012). The influence of concussion on neuroelectric function, attention and response variability. Poster presented at the 2nd Annual Conference on Concussion in Athletics: Brain to Behavior. State College: PA.
Raine, L. B., Pontifex, M. B., Scudder, M. R., O’Leary, K. C., Wu, C., Drollette, E. S., Castelli, D. M., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). The FIT Kids trial: The beneficial effects of a 9-month physical activity intervention on preadolescent cognition. Psychophysiology.
Wu, C., Kamijo, K., Foreman, R. G., Grider, D. T., Polich, J., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). Effects of aerobic exercise on attentional orienting and processing: P3a and P3b. Psychophysiology.
Pontifex, M. B., Scudder, M. R., O’Leary, K. C., Raine, L. B., Wu, C., Drollette, E. S., Castelli, D. M., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). The beneficial effects of fitness training on neurocognitive function in preadolescent children. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Kamijo, K., Pontifex, M. B., O’Leary, K. C., Scudder, M. R., Wu, C., Castelli, D. M., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). An afterschool physical activity program improves working memory in preadolescent children. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Wu, C., Pontifex, M. B., O’Leary, K. C., Scudder, M. R., Raine, L. B., Johnson, C. R., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). Aerobic Fitness and Intra-individual Variability on Neurocognitive Function in Preadolescent Children. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Kamijo, K., Pontifex, M. B., O’Leary, K. C., Scudder, M. R., Wu, C., Castelli, D. M., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). Aerobic fitness and brain health in preadolescent children. European Journal of Sports Sciences.
Raine, L. B., Kamijo, K., Scudder, M. R., Wu, C., Drollette, E. S., Pontifex, M. B., Castelli, D. M., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). The beneficial effects of an afterschool physical activity program on preadolescent cognition: the FITKids trial. Poster presented to the ACSM conference on physical activity, cognitive function, and academic achievement: Moving students to better performance.
Wu, C., Pontifex, M. B., Scudder, M. R., O’Leary, K. C., Raine, L. B., Drollette, E. S., Castelli, D. M., & Hillman, C. H. (2011). FITKIDS: The effects of an afterschool physical activity program on neurocognitive function in preadolescent children. Poster presented at the 2011 International Conference of Exercise for 3Q – Health Quotient, Emotion Quotient and Intelligence Quotient, Taipei, Taiwan.
Wu, C., Pontifex, M. B., O’Leary, K. C., Scudder, M. R., Raine, L. B., Johnson, C. R., & Hillman, C. H. (2010). Aerobic fitness and intra-individual variability in preadolescent children. Psychophysiology, 47, S43.
Kamijo, K., Wu, C., Polich, J., & Hillman, C. H. (2010). Acute Aerobic Exercise and Spatial Inhibition. Psychophysiology, 47, S42.
Pontifex, M. B., Scudder, M. R., Brown, M., O’Leary, K. C., Wu, C., Themanson, J. R., & Hillman, C. H. (2009). Stabilization of error-related brain activity across the lifespan. Psychophysiology, 46, S37.
Hung, T., Wu, C., & Shih, H. H. (2007). The Relationship between Basketball Free Throw Performance and EEG Coherence. Paper presented at the Joint Congress 2007 SEA Games & ASEAN Para Games Scientific Congress and 5th Bangkok ASPASP International Congress on Sport Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand.
Hung, T., Wu, C., Lin, J., Wang, J., & Tsai, H. (2006). The relationship between stimulus preceding EEG alpha power and reaction time in elite table tennis players. Proceedings book for the 9th ITTF Science Congress, 11-17.
Wu, C., Lin, J., Shih, H., Chen, Y., Hsien, C., Lin, M., & Hung T. (2005). The relationship between resting EEG and reaction time. International Society of Sport Psychology 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology.
Tang, H., Ke, T., Jwo, J., Lin, J., Wang, Y., Wu, C., & Hung, T. (2005). EEG Coherence Pattern and Motor Learning. International Society of Sport Psychology 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology
Shih, H., Lin, J., Ho, N., Wu, C., Chung, L., Lu, C., Yang, J., & Hung, T. (2005). Frontal EEG Asymmetry and Sport Motivation. International Society of Sport Psychology 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology.
Wang, Y., Ke, T., Lin, J., Tang, H., Wu, C., Yang, J., & Hung, T. (2005). Effect of Psychomotor Learning on EEG Activity during Aiming. International Society of Sport Psychology 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology.
Wu, C., Lin, J., Fong, D., Chen, Y., & Hung, T. (2004). An EEG Coherence Study on Basketball Free Throw. Journal of sport & exercise psychology, 26, s202.
Shih, H., Lin, J., Wu, C., Li, C., Chang, C., & Hung, T. (2004). An EEG Psychophysiological Study on the Effects of Physical Activity on Preschool Children’s Cognitive and Emotional Development. Journal of sport & exercise psychology, 26, s170
Hung, C., Lo, L., Lin, J., Chang, C., Wu, C., Lin, S., & Hung, T. (2004). Dimensional Complexity and Dart Throw Performance. Journal of sport & exercise psychology, 26, s95.
Lin, T., Lin, J., Li, C., Chen, Y., Wu, C., & Hung, T. (2004). Does Learning Facilitate Brain Closer to Optimal Mental States? An EEG Study. Journal of sport & exercise psychology, 26, s123.
Conference Papers
Wu, C. “The Application of Psychological Skill Training in Youth Soccer Players” Invited Talk, Hsinchu, Taiwan, June 2025
Wu, C. “Exercise and Brain Health” Faculty Debut Talk, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, September 2022
Wu, C. “The journey from Taiwan to the United States: A transformative experience with diver challenges and exciting opportunities”. Guest Lecturing for Foundation of Exercise and Sport Science, StMU, San Antonio, Texas, 2022
Wu, C. “The Relationship among Fitness, Temporal Attention, and Academic Performance in College Students” Invited Talk, Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, December 2018
Wu, C. “Fitness and Cognitive Function in Preadolescent Children” 23rd Annual Diversity Conference, Spartanburg, SC, March 2017
Wu, C. “Implementing Technology to Exercise in Children with Lower Fitness” 22nd Annual Diversity Conference, Spartanburg, SC, March 2016
Wu, C. “Implementing Online Portfolio Apps.” Summer Fellow Faculty Friday, Loftis Center, Texas, April 2014
Wu, C., & Grillo M. “Undergraduate Research.” Faculty Representative Schreiner Saturday, CCAC, Texas, March 2014
Wu, C. “Exercise, Brain, and Cognition.” Keynote Speaker International Conference of Exercise Science, Taipei, Taiwan, December 2013
Wu, C. “Data Reduction on Neuroelectrical Measurement” Invited Talk Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, December 2013
Wu, C. “Exercise and Brain Health” Faculty Friday Social Event at Schreiner University, Kerrville, TX, November 2013
Wu, C. “Implementing New Teaching and Learning Strategies.” Summer Fellow Faculty In-Service, Kerrville, Texas, August 2013
Wu, C. “Strategies for Effectively Teaching Freshmen.” Summer Fellow Faculty In-Service Presenting to IDST 110 faculty, Kerrville, Texas, August 2013
Wu, C. “Exercise with Technology” Health Fair at Schreiner University, Kerrville, TX, September 2013
Wu, C. “Fitness and the Attentional Blink” Invited Talk Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, October 2011.
Wu, C. “Preparation and Experiences of Study Abroad.” Invited Talk Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, December 2009.