James (Chia-Hao) Shih, PhD

Sarah is the Assistant Director of Aquatics and Risk Management with Recreational Sports. She has worked in all aspects of aquatics over the years. Sarah has been a Red Cross Instructor since 2001 and has trained over 1,000 lifeguards. Most recently was in secondary education before starting her current role in June of 2022. She grew up in Minnesota but has been a Michigan fan her whole life. She enjoys swimming, playing tennis, reading, camping, and escaping to the mountains as often as possible. 

Laura joined the University of Michigan in 2004 after a 15-plus year journalism career at the Macomb Daily, Flint Journal, and Crain’s Detroit Business. Her stories have been recognized by the Society of Business Editors and Writers and the Michigan Press Association. She has covered various beats, including small businesses in Washtenaw and Livingston counties, the life science industry, and crime and courts. Laura has a B.A. in journalism from Michigan State University.

Chris Williams is an Associate Athletic Trainer for the Men’s Basketball and Men’s Golf with the U-M Athletics Department. He joined Michigan Athletics in 2021 and has a professional interest in functional rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.  Chris has a Master’s of Education from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor’s of Science of Athletic Training. Chris enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Marco is currently a clinical research coordinator for Oncology Phase 1 clinical trials at Michigan Medicine. He is a former college football player that is applying to medical school with interests in concussion research and care. Through his experience as a college athlete, he is interested in learning more about the efforts put forth towards research and improving patient outcomes associated with traumatic brain injuries. In his hometown of Southeast Michigan, Marco serves as a medical assistant volunteer for professional MMA and Boxing fights to provide ringside care to fighters who suffer traumatic injuries like concussions.

Steve joined Michigan Athletics as an associate athletic trainer in 2019, supporting the football program. His professional interests include foot and ankle instability and athletic training documentation.

Ryan is a physical therapist with the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Ryan has post-professional clinical residency training in orthopedics, and is experienced in working with patients of all ages and backgrounds with a commitment to providing individualized care and the demonstrated ability to develop positive patient outcomes using a variety of advanced therapy techniques.

Pierre Nesbit joined Michigan Athletics in 2017 after serving as an assistant athletic trainer for the Minnesota Timberwolves for two years. His professional interests are in emergency preparedness, strength, and conditioning.

Phil is the Papadopoulos Family Director of Athletic Training for Michigan Football. He was an intern athletic trainer with the New York Jets before joining U-M in 2000. Phil has professional interests in concussion, movement assessment, and functional rehabilitation.

Mr. Paul Schmidt is the head athletic training/ rehabilitation specialist with Michigan Athletics. He has been with U-M since 1986, and his professional interest focuses on functional rehabilitation.