Bren Harrison

Bren Harrison is an Exercise Physiologist and Biomechanist and serves as Assistant Director in the School of Health Professions at the University of Bridgeport, where she is also a full-time faculty member in the undergraduate Health Sciences program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Science from Kennesaw State University, her Master of Science in Human Performance from Southern Connecticut State University, and her Doctor of Health Sciences from the University of Bridgeport.

Dr. Harrison began her career at the University of Bridgeport as an adjunct faculty member in 2014 and transitioned to a full-time faculty role in 2019. She teaches a diverse range of courses, including Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Strength and Conditioning, Fitness Assessment, Fitness Program Design, Grant Proposal Writing, and Health Sciences Research. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as the Pre-Professional Coordinator, Human Performance Lab Coordinator, and faculty advisor for Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC).

Her work is centered on student mentorship, applied education, and the development of performance programs for athletes, with a particular emphasis on watersport populations. Dr. Harrison’s research focuses on gait analysis, upper extremity biomechanics in elite stand-up paddleboard (SUP) athletes, endurance performance in extreme and wilderness environments, and outdoor experiential learning in remote wilderness settings. Her areas of interest include rock climbing, surfing, adventure racing, mountain biking, and kayaking.

Dr. Harrison is also a member and President of Chapter 216 of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Bridgeport and a recipient of the J. Philip Smith Award for outstanding teaching and service at Southern Connecticut State University. She is actively involved in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the New England Chapter of ACSM.

Originally from Georgia, Dr. Harrison is a first-generation, non-traditional student who began her academic journey after working in another field. She relocated to Connecticut in 2007 to pursue her graduate studies and now resides in Cheshire with her partner, Deb, their 16-year-old twins, Tristan and Avery, and their lively household of pets - including British Shorthairs Zephy and Loki, Pembroke Welsh Corgis Fitz and Josie, and Brutus, a retired therapy dog who visits campus during finals week.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Harrison is an avid athlete who enjoys marathon running, mixed martial arts, cycling, yoga, Pilates, and boxing. She frequently travels to Assateague Island for surfing and values time spent outdoors as an essential balance to her academic and professional pursuits.