READY EAP The READY EAP project is led by a team of experts in athletic training, who are researchers, educators, and clinicians dedicated to turning evidence-based practice into practical, ready-to-use resources.
About Us
Samantha Scarneo-Miller, PhD, ATC
Dr. Samantha Scarneo-Miller, PhD, ATC serves as the principal Investigator of the READY EAP Project. A nationally recognized expert in emergency preparedness and athlete safety, Dr. Scarneo-Miller brings a wealth of experience in athletic training, public health, and implementation science. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based best practices into actionable strategies that improve emergency action plan adoption and execution across all levels of sport. With a deep commitment to reducing preventable deaths and injuries in athletic settings, she leads the READY EAP Project with the goal of building safer environments through research-driven innovation, education, and collaboration.
Susan Yeargin, PhD, ATC
Youth, Amateur and Club Sports Group Lead
Dr. Susan Yeargin is a Co-Investigator on the READY EAP Project and an Associate Professor of Athletic Training at the University of South Carolina. With over 20 years of research experience in exertional heat illnesses, thermoregulation, and hydration behaviors, she brings extensive expertise to the project. Dr. Yeargin also serves on the Korey Stringer Institute’s Medical Advisory Board, contributing to national efforts in athlete safety and emergency preparedness.
Rebecca Stearns, PhD, ATC
High School Sports Group Lead
Dr. Rebecca Stearns is a Co-Investigator on the READY EAP Project leading the High School group. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) at the University of Connecticut. A nationally recognized leader in sport safety and emergency planning, Dr. Stearns brings extensive experience in policy development and implementation aimed at preventing sudden death in athletes. Her role at KSI and her research expertise ensure the READY EAP Project delivers practical, evidence-based solutions to enhance emergency preparedness in athletic settings.
Alicia Lacy, PhD, ATC
Division I, Power 4 Group Lead
Dr. Alicia Lacy is a Co-Investigator on the READY EAP Project and an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training at the University of Maine. Her research focuses on emergency preparedness, organizational professional conflict, and unlearning in athletic health care. She also has a strong background in qualitative research methodology. Dr. Lacy’s expertise supports the project’s mission to develop practical, inclusive strategies that enhance emergency action plan implementation across diverse athletic settings.
Rebecca Lopez, PhD, ATC
Collegiate Athletics – Division I, II, III, NAIA, JuCo Group Lead
Dr. Rebecca Lopez is a Co-Investigator on the READY EAP Project and a Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of South Florida. An expert in exertional heat illness, health disparities, and emergency care in sport, Dr. Lopez brings a strong commitment to equity and evidence-based practice. Her work enhances the project’s efforts to promote effective and inclusive emergency preparedness across athletic populations.
Christianne Eason, PhD, ATC
Professional Sports Group Lead
Dr. Christianne Eason is a Co-Investigator on the READY EAP Project and the President of Sport Safety and Education at the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI). With a background in athletic training and a focus on improving working conditions and health outcomes for sports medicine professionals, Dr. Eason brings valuable expertise in organizational policy, workforce advocacy, and athlete safety. Her contributions help ensure the READY EAP Project addresses both systemic and situational factors that impact emergency preparedness in sport.
Zachary Winkelmann, PhD, ATC
NonSideline Group Lead
Dr. Zachary Winkelmann is a Co-Investigator on the READY EAP Project and a Clinical Associate Professor of Athletic Training at the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on clinical education, patient-centered care, and the development of professional competencies in athletic training. Dr. Winkelmann’s expertise supports the READY EAP Project’s educational components, helping to ensure that emergency action plans are not only implemented but understood and effectively practiced by all stakeholders.
Team of Experts
The READY EAP Project was shaped by the insights of nearly 65 expert contributors who are clinicians with extensive experience working in or closely with the specific athletic or clinical settings represented in the project. These professionals brought firsthand knowledge of the challenges, nuances, and real-world demands of emergency preparedness across diverse environments. Their expertise ensured that the tools, strategies, and recommendations developed through the READY EAP Project are grounded in practical application, making them both relevant and impactful for athletic trainers and organizations nationwide.