Danielle Sterner is a postdoctoral scholar at UCF’s College of Nursing, working with Jean Davis on a behavioral clinical research program focused on improving physical activity and health outcomes during pregnancy. In her role, Sterner supports clinical trial operations, wearable device data management, participant engagement, data analysis, manuscript preparation and grant development. Sterner is passionate about bridging science, healthcare and executing patient-centered research to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Her doctoral research focused on the physiological and perceptual mechanisms underlying fatigue, exercise tolerance, and muscle function. This work led to the development of the Physical Working Capacity at Pain Intensity Threshold, a novel non-invasive approach for assessing exercise intensity thresholds and localized muscular function. Across her academic and clinical research career, Sterner has contributed to National Institutes of Health- and industry-sponsored clinical trials. 

Education

• PhD, University of Central Florida
• MSN, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• BA, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Advanced Quantitative Methodologies in Educational and Human Sciences Gradate Certificate, University of Central Florida

Selected Editorial Activities

• Reviewer, International Society of Sport Nutrition
• Reviewer, Frontiers in Physiology
• Reviewer, International Journal of Exercise Science

Selected Awards & Honors

• UCF College of Health Professions and Science Outstanding Graduate Creative Work Award, 2025
• UCF Alpha Eta Society for Health Professions Student Research Award, 2024
• NSCA Foundation Jerry Martin, Challenge, and Women’s Scholarship, 2021
• NSCA Foundation Assistantship Grant, 2020

Selected Professional Activities

• President, UCF Kinesiology Graduate Student Association, 2023
• Lead Coordinator, Exhibition at Orlando Science Center SPARK STEM Fest, 2023