J. Anthony Peth
Executive Director, Founder

BIOGRAPHY | CURRICULUM VITAE | LINKS

Although an Ohio native, Tony began his college education at the University of South Carolina in 1991, where he studied Exercise Science for two years. He transferred to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and completed his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition in 1995. He remained at Miami University for one semester as a graduate student and teaching assistant in Exercise Physiology, and then continued his graduate education at the University of Arizona, where he studied physiological sciences, completing his master's degree in 1999. At the University of Arizona, Tony taught courses in human anatomy and physiology and exercise physiology. He also worked as a research assistant in muscle metabolism, where he gained valuable research experience and developed many research skills. Also, during his time at the University Arizona, he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 1996, designed and supervised exercise training programs at the University of Arizona Recreation Center and in the private sector, and volunteered at a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center. Tony was also an active member in the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association and was an avid mountain biker, hiker, and skier.

In early 1999, Tony accepted a fellowship position at the University of California, San Diego for the incoming class of 1999's Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program. Eager to begin his doctoral studies and research, he moved to San Diego early that summer.

On Sunday, August 1, 1999, while completing the final obstacle of a mountain biking, running, and obstacle course event held at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base in San Diego, Tony broke his neck and sustained a spinal cord injury. Specifically, he fractured his fifth cervical vertebra, rendering him quadriplegic. Tony underwent intensive physical rehabilitation, initially at Sharp Memorial Rehabilitation Center in San Diego, and later, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. His progress has been good, and although paralyzed from the chest down, he focuses on strengthening those muscles (some shoulder and arm) that have regained function. Tony is constantly developing new adaptations to his daily living activities and making adjustments to best prepare for the challenges that he will continue to face in the future.

As his physical strength and endurance has increased, he has become able to operate a computer and a manual wheelchair. This has allowed him to attend several courses and also teach courses in anatomy and physiology at Wright State University. In addition, Tony has participated in a functional electrical stimulation research program at Wright State University's Lifespan Health Research Center. Through this he gained valuable experience in this area of research. With his education and through his experiences he wants to help to improve the quality of life of others with disabilities via teaching and increasing spinal cord injury awareness.