Grace Horan
Dobbs Ferry,NY
Summary
Clinical exercise professional with strong track record of improving patient outcomes through evidence-based exercise programs. Skilled in cardiovascular and metabolic assessments, exercise prescription, and patient education. Known for effective team collaboration and adaptability in dynamic healthcare environments. Reliable and driven to achieve optimal health and fitness results for all clients.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Hospital for Special Surgery
08.2024 - Current
- Design and implement personalized training programs for clients with orthopedic conditions, focusing on mobility, strength, and injury prevention.
- Conduct metabolic testing for endurance athletes to optimize training zones, improve performance, and enhance recovery strategies.
- Perform running mechanics analysis to identify inefficiencies, reduce injury risk, and improve running economy for athletes of all levels.
- Prescribe individualized exercise programs to prevent injury and enhance return-to-sport performance for individuals recovering from knee injuries, focusing on strength, mobility, and biomechanics.
STUDENT RESEARCHER
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Studied fat utilization in healthy college-aged females.
- Studied use of sodium bicarbonate lotion on muscular performance during anaerobic exercise.
- Expertise with technology such as a metabolic cart and Alter-G treadmill.
EXERCISE SCIENCE GRADUATE ASSISTANT
07.2023 - 08.2024
- Supervision of the Adult Fitness Program, a phase three cardiac rehabilitation program, including patients with conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke survivors, metabolic disorders, and other pulmonary disorders.
- Evaluation of new and current cardiac rehabilitation participants, including the operation of 12 lead graded exercise tests.
- Collaborated within a team to conduct fitness assessments and physiological tests such as VO2 max tests, body composition analysis, and strength measurements.
- Overseeing and assisting in undergraduate exercise physiology labs.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Schweiger Dermatology Group
Smithtown, NY
05.2021 - 06.2024
- Assisted dermatologists in performing various dermatology procedures.
- Recorded accurate patient medical histories, updated electronic health records, and ensured patient privacy and confidentiality.
- Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills, providing compassionate care, and establishing rapport with patients of diverse backgrounds.
DANCE TEACHER
Cortland Performing Arts Center
Cortland, NY
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Proficient in teaching various dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, modern, and acrobatics.
- Skilled in creating original dance routines and choreographing performances for individuals and groups, ages 5-18.
TEACHER ASSISTANT
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Assisted students in understanding anatomical structures and identifying anatomical landmarks.
- Held open-lab sessions in which one-on-one assistance was given to students, addressing questions, and concerns related to understanding anatomical structures.
Education
Master of Science - Exercise Science
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY05-2024
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
SUNY College At Cortland
Cortland, NY05-2023
Skills
- Indirect calorimetry (VO₂, VCO₂, substrate utilization)
- Lactate testing and threshold assessment
- Body composition analysis (BOD POD)
- Running mechanics analysis
- Cardiovascular fitness testing (graded exercise testing)
- Parvo Medics metabolic cart
Testing & Assessment
Technology & Equipment
- VALD ForceDecks
- Noraxon motion capture and pressure insoles
- Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill
- Endurance training prescription
- Return-to-run progression design
- Strength and mobility integration for injury prevention
- Individualized program design for orthopedic and endurance populations
Programming & Coaching
Certification
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP) – American College of Sports Medicine
- RRCA Level 1 Adult Distance Running Coach – Road Runners Club of America
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support – American Health Training
- Basic Life Support – American Health Training
Presentations
- “How to Optimize Your Training: Training Tips That Make a Difference.” HSS x NYRR Runner's Health Symposium, 2025.
- “Priming the Engine: Cardiovascular Considerations for Athletes.” HSS Annual Sports Medicine Symposium, 2025.
- “Metabolic Testing and Cardiovascular Considerations.” HSS Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center, 2025.
- “Applications of Wearable Technology on Return-to-Run Programming.” 107th Annual Alumni Association Meeting, 2025.
- “Effect of Topical Sodium Bicarbonate on Anaerobic Performance Using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer.” ACSM National Convention, 2025.
Media Contributions
- Horan, G. Quoted in "Should You Cold Plunge Before or After Your Workout?" GQ, 2024
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “8 Workouts That Will Help You Get More Zone 2 Cardio.” SELF, 2026.
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “The Runner’s World Guide to VO₂ Max.” Runner’s World, 2026.
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “Want to Get Faster? Here’s How Long It Actually Takes.” Outside Run, 2025.
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “What Experts REALLY Think of Red Light Therapy and Oxygen Chambers.” Outside Run, 2025.
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “Fitness vs. Health vs. Performance: How Runners Can Train for Each.” Runner’s World, 2025.
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “Does Walking Build Muscle? Trainers Weigh In.” Women’s Health, 2025.
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “Elliptical Benefits: Everything You Need to Know About the Low-Impact Cardio Equipment.” Women’s Health, 2024.
- Horan, G. Quoted in: “How Many Calories Do You Burn Running One Mile?” Runner’s World, 2024.
EXTRA CIRCULAR ACTIVITIES
DANCE
- 15+ years of experience as a competitive dancer at Dance Elektra Performing Arts. Experience in Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern, Contemporary, and Tap. National teen solo titlist at Fierce Dance Challenge 2017.
Timeline
CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Hospital for Special Surgery
08.2024 - Current
EXERCISE SCIENCE GRADUATE ASSISTANT
07.2023 - 08.2024
STUDENT RESEARCHER
08.2022 - 08.2024
TEACHER ASSISTANT
01.2022 - 12.2022
DANCE TEACHER
Cortland Performing Arts Center
09.2021 - 05.2023
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Schweiger Dermatology Group
05.2021 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
SUNY College At Cortland
Master of Science - Exercise Science
Adelphi University