Vanessa Punches, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, CES
Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
- vpunches@stmartin.edu
Ernsdorff 127
Background
Vanessa Punches is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Saint Martin's University. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Athletic Training from Washington State University in 2017 and her Master's of Science in Post-Professional Athletic Training from Texas State University in 2019. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and intends to graduate in March 2026. She also holds a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the NSCA and a Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES) certification through NASM.
Her doctoral research aims to understand the value of mentorship at preventing burnout in a student population. She hopes to use this information to inform policy changes and educational practices that enhance the longevity of individuals in sport and exercise science career paths.
She has worked in a variety of settings as an athletic trainer, including collegiate and professional sports as well as production and manufacturing environments. She has experience supervising students during their clinical education, writing policy for athletic departments, revitalizing strength and conditioning programs that bridge the divide between injury rehabilitation and performance improvement, and conducting ergonomic evaluations for work-related injuries.
Vanessa is originally from Washington and enjoys the fresh air on an occasional sunny day. In her spare time, she likes a good sci-fi or thriller audiobook, baking, or anything involving a fun craft.