A Foundation in Clinical Research

Dr. Middleton began her career in drug discovery as a research pharmacologist at Abbott Laboratories, where she earned the Drug Discovery Innovator Award for developing a new in vivo testing model for cancer studies. She then continued her research at Pfizer as a geneticist, evaluating the safety and metabolisms of new lead compounds. Her passion for research and lifelong learning led to her master’s degree in molecular biology from Northeastern Illinois University, where her thesis resulted in a first author publication and the Award of Merit in Recognition of Outstanding Research. She always wanted to pursue her doctorate, but the timing wasn’t right until her daughter went to college. “I vowed I was going to go back to school and get my PhD, so I did.”

Choosing a Flexible Online PhD in Kinesiology

CSP Global’s flexible online format allows working professionals to balance rigorous academic research with demanding careers. For Dr. Middleton, the program provided the exact structure needed to earn her doctorate while continuing her full-time role.

“Having a solid scientific and clinical background and also being an athlete, I wanted my doctoral studies to focus on kinesiology/exercise science, and Concordia University, St. Paul, had a very respectable online PhD program in Kinesiology which met my criteria.”

Looking back on her experience, she acknowledges that CSP Global was the “right choice” for many reasons: “From day one, the staff, professors, and other support teams at the university have made the academic process a very positive experience. The coursework was challenging and enjoyable, and very applicable to real world professional skills. The professors were experienced, knowledgeable, engaging, and supportive.”

She also became friends with her classmates, who provided a supportive network of mutual learning. “Overall, it was an extremely rewarding academic journey and an amazing four years I will never forget.”

Bridging Kinesiology and Oncology

CSP Global’s online PhD in Kinesiology equips graduates to conduct impactful clinical research, as demonstrated by Dr. Middleton’s dissertation on exercise and cancer-related fatigue, which she will present at the International Society of Exercise Oncology (ISEO) inaugural conference in Heidelberg, Germany in July 2026.

Her dissertation, “The Effects of 12 Weeks of Exercise on Cancer-Related Fatigue Over Time in Cancer Patients,” focused on oncology due to her professional experience and passion for the field. Partnering with Wellness House, a Chicago-based nonprofit that offers no-cost programs and services to improve the lives of people living with cancer, she is “forever grateful for the cancer patients that enrolled in her study.” The results were positive, demonstrating the benefits of exercise on improving cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and overall quality of life.

“Kinesiology can branch into so many different fields and help guide you into numerous professional careers related to the study of movement. While most people assume this major is exclusively for sports medicine careers, I quickly realized there is also a very prominent place for kinesiology in clinically focused careers, such as the one I am in.”

Dr. Deborah Middleton (far right), representing Medscape Education with colleagues at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

For the last 10 years at WebMD/Medscape Education, Dr. Middleton has collaborated with leading clinicians around the world to bring high-quality, evidence-based, continuing medical education to healthcare professionals with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Earning her PhD has opened more doors, including expanding her research to raise awareness on the importance of screening for CRF and educating on exercise as a form of medicine to mitigate debilitating symptoms in cancer patients. She is also giving back by joining the CSP dissertation committee teams, both as a chair and committee member, to “inspire, challenge, and support students” as they embark on their dissertation research. In addition, she is aiming for a USTA Coach certification and NASM’s Certified Sports Nutrition Coach credential.

A Record-Breaking Approach to Life

Outside of work and the classroom, Dr. Middleton accumulated 3,500 jumps in the sport of skydiving, competing at both regional and national levels. Her proudest accomplishment was achieving a world record with 110 other jumpers. She says that “the skydiving community is similar to the academic community in that it is supportive, encouraging, and always requiring discipline, teamwork, and chasing after your goals.” While she has not officially retired her skydiving rig, recently she spends her days playing tennis, golf, weightlifting, and reading.

Dr. Deborah Middleton participating in the 111-way three-point Sequential World Record held at Skydive Chicago.

Advice for Future Kinesiology Scholars

A source of inspiration to her peers and family, Dr. Deborah Middleton offers the following advice: “Follow your dreams, take risks, pursue your career and academic goals even if it is later in life.” She encourages doctoral students to stay curious and persistent. “Stay motivated. Never give up. It is not only about the degree at the end but also about the journey to get there, the things you learn, the people you meet, and the experiences that shape you along the way.”

Write Your Own Success Story

Are you inspired by Dr. Middleton’s journey from drug discovery to clinical kinesiology? Whether you want to pivot your career, conduct groundbreaking research, or finally check that doctorate off your life’s to-do list, CSP Global is here to support you. Discover how our flexible online PhD program in Kinesiology can help you achieve your goals. Take the next step today.