Chris Torres, PhD, CSCS, TSAC-F

Torres Chris Headshot

Phone
614-823-3520

Email
ctorres@otterbein.edu

Assistant Professor
Department of Health & Sport Sciences

Dr. Chris Torres completed his doctoral degree in Exercise Science, with a specialization in physical activity and health behaviors, at The Ohio State University. In addition, he earned his M.A. in Exercise Science from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Community Health from Portland State University.

Over the years, he has aided several NCAA Division II and III varsity teams with weight training and sports performance. He also holds pickleball instructor certifications from the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) and Pickleball Coaching International (PCI).

Dr. Torres has conducted research in physical activity, sedentary activity, and the physical activity guidelines for Americans. Currently, he is looking at performance optimization, developmental training models, emotional resilience, and social belonging, aiming to foster safer participation, long-term motivation, and inclusive community culture that supports both athletic excellence and personal growth within the sports of pickleball and bicycle motocross (BMX).

Education

  • Ph.D. in Exercise Science - The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
  • M.A. in Exercise Science - The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
  • B.S. in Health Studies - Portland State University, Portland, OR
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Certified Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator

Publications

  • Anafi, P., Mprah, W., Jackson, A. M., Jacobson, J. J., Torres, C. M., Crow, B. M., & O’Rourke, K. M, (2018). Implementation of fee-free maternal health-care policy in Ghana: Perspectives of users of antenatal and delivery care services from public health-care facilities in Accra. International Quarterly of Community Health Education.
  • Torres, C.M., Focht B.C., Garver, M.J., Cotter, J.A., & Devor, S.T. (2013). Self-selected and imposed–load resistance exercise: effects on self-efficacy in recreationally trained women. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise. 45(5): S392.
  • Torres, C.M., Focht, B.C., Garver, M.J., Cotter, J.A., & Devor, S.T. (2012). Affective and pain responses to resistance exercise performed at imposed and self-selected loads in trained women. Journal of Strength Training and Conditioning.
  • Torres, C.M., Brodowicz, G.R., Crespo, C.J., Smit, E., & Andersen, R., (2011). The relationship of screen time with serum vitamin D in U.S. youth aged 12-17 years. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 43(5):S510-S511.
  • Torres, C.M., Crespo, C.J., Andersen, R., & Diaz, G.C., (2009). Body mass index and physical activity as predictors of mortality in adult women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 41(5):S109-S110.
  • Crespo, C.J., Torres, C.M., Andersen, R.E., Smit, E., & Diaz, G., (2009). Body mass index and physical activity as predictors of all-cause mortality in White, Black, and Mexican American men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 41(5):S418.
  • Torres, C.M., Crespo, C.J., & Diaz G.C., (2009). Physical activity, body weight, and the link to all-cause mortality: Results from NHANES III mortality follow up. Portland State University McNair Scholars Online Journal, Vol.3.
  • Diaz G.C., Crespo, C.J., & Torres, C.M., (2009). The relationship of acculturation and all-cause mortality among Mexican Americans: Results from NHANES III mortality follow up. Portland State University McNair Scholars Online Journal, Vol. 3.

Affiliations & Awards

Awards:
  • Faculty Guild Reflective Teaching Fellowship
  • SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute Fellowship
  • Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male Fellowship
  • Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship
  • Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
Affiliations:
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CPT, CSCS, TSAC-F)
  • Functional Movement Systems (FMS 1, FMS 2)
  • Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR Professional Pickleball Instructor)
  • Pickleball Coaching International (PCI Level 1 Instructor, Rating Assessor)
  • USA Pickleball (member)
  • USA BMX (member)