Biography and education
Dr. Trevor Cottrell joins Texas State University as a Professor of Instruction in Physiology, bringing over two decades of academic leadership and industry experience. He previously served for 21 years as Professor and Program Coordinator of Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy, and Osteopathy at Sheridan College.
His academic background includes a BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, an MA in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University, a PhD in Physiology from the University of Arizona, and postdoctoral research in neurophysiology at Queen’s University. Dr. Cottrell’s expertise spans the full spectrum of human physiology from cellular biochemistry to applied human performance, with a specialization in cell communication, growth control, and adaptation to training. With more than 30 years of experience in elite athlete performance coaching, and healthcare management, he integrates real-world insights into his teaching to prepare students for success in their future careers.
His academic background includes a BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, an MA in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University, a PhD in Physiology from the University of Arizona, and postdoctoral research in neurophysiology at Queen’s University. Dr. Cottrell’s expertise spans the full spectrum of human physiology from cellular biochemistry to applied human performance, with a specialization in cell communication, growth control, and adaptation to training. With more than 30 years of experience in elite athlete performance coaching, and healthcare management, he integrates real-world insights into his teaching to prepare students for success in their future careers.
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Featured grants
- Cottrell, Graham Trevor (Co-Principal), Percent Contribution: %50, Pedrozo, Hugo Antonio (Co-Principal), Percent Contribution: %50. The use of virtual reality to teach undergraduate anatomy at Texas State University, Unity 3D Grant for Educators, Texas State University, Institutional (Higher Ed), $1500. (Submitted: November 11, 2025, Funded: January 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026). Grant.
- Cottrell, Graham Trevor (Supporting), Percent Contribution: %10, Saro, Farra (Principal), Percent Contribution: %80, Holloway, Tanya (Supporting), Percent Contribution: %10. Influence of a BCAA and carbohydrate sport drink on cycling time-trial performance., Sheridan College, Institutional (Higher Ed), $10000. (Submitted: October 2019, Funded: January 2020 - January 2021). Grant.
- Cottrell, Graham Trevor (Supporting). Effect of BioSteel on cognitive function and mood in children., Sheridan College, Institutional (Higher Ed), $10000. (Submitted: October 2018, Funded: January 1, 2019). Grant.
- Cottrell, Graham Trevor (Principal). Cellular mechanisms and systemic effects of Prokineticin 2 in the subfornical organ, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Federal, $35000. (Submitted: November 2003, Funded: June 2004 - June 2006). Grant.
- Cottrell, Graham Trevor (Principal). Mechanisms of Orexin-mediated regulation of cardiovascular control in the nucleus tractus solitarius, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Federal, $35000. (Submitted: June 2002, Funded: September 2002 - August 2003). Grant.
Featured scholarly/creative works
- Lamontagne, E., & Cottrell, G. T. (2021). A Comparison of the effects of static stretching alone to static stretching plus slow deep breathing on hip flexion range of motion. SRCA Student Awards. Retrieved from https://source.sheridancollege.ca/srca_sa/3
- Cottrell, G. T. (2020). What are the Limitations of Youth Resistance Training? Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association. Retrieved from http://canadianstrengthca.com/what-are-the-limitations-of-youth-resistance-training/
- Cottrell, G. T. (2020, June). Return to Training Guidelines for Collegiate Athletes Following the COVID-19 Shut Down. Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association. Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association. Retrieved from http://canadianstrengthca.com/part-2-return-to-training-guidelines-for-collegiate-athletes-following-the-covid-19-shut-down/
- Cottrell, G. T. (2019, January). A Brief Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Olympic Weightlifting and Plyometric Training. Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association. Retrieved from http://canadianstrengthca.com/a-brief-review-of-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-olympic-weightlifting-and-plyometric-training/
- Wakefield, C. B., & Cottrell, G. T. (2015). Changes in hip flexor passive compliance do not account for improvement in vertical jump performance after hip flexor static stretching. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(6), 1601–1608. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2015/06000/changes_in_hip_flexor_passive_compliance_do_not.19.aspx
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Teaching Excellence Award, National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. November 1, 2008 - Present
- Award / Honor Recipient: Brain Star Award, CIHR Institute of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction. December 1, 2004 - Present
- Award / Honor Recipient: Student Research Achievement Award, Biophysical Society. February 1, 2002 - Present
Featured service activities
- Undergraduate Advisor
Texas State University Olympic Weightlifting Club
- Undergraduate Advisor
Texas State University Powerlifting Club
- Chair
Weightlifting Canada
- Officer
Board of Directors, Weightlifting Canada
- President
Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association
- Officer
Board of Directors, Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association