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Department of Health and Exercise Studies

Brian Zelanko

BZ
Brian Zelanko

Assistant Teaching Professor

Bio

Education

  • Doctor of Health Science and Exercise Leadership (DHSc) — California University of Pennsylvania
  • Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, with a concentration in Rehabilitation Science — California University of Pennsylvania
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science — Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Teaching Emphasis

Additional Information

Dr. Brian Zelanko joined the Department of Health and Exercise Studies at North Carolina State University as an Assistant Teaching Professor in 2026. He brings extensive professional experience in health promotion, exercise science, fitness programming, and wellness across healthcare, corporate wellness, and fitness settings. He emphasizes practical and accessible approaches to fitness and wellness that students can apply both during college and throughout their lives. He is committed to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that help students apply exercise science concepts and develop healthy, sustainable physical activity behaviors.

Prior to joining NC State, Dr. Zelanko served as a Health Promotion Program Manager with HealthFitness at Duke University and Health System, where he developed, coordinated, and implemented a variety of health, fitness and wellness promotion initiatives. He also served as an Exercise Physiologist/Fitness Specialist at the Duke Health and Fitness Center, where he conducted health and fitness assessments, provided exercise counseling, and designed individualized and group exercise programs for individuals with diverse health and fitness needs. In addition, Brian served as a Lead Personal Trainer/Fitness Specialist with HealthFitness at AstraZeneca, where he provided leadership in personal training, fitness, and group exercise programming. His professional experience also includes serving as a Mental Health Worker and Supervisor at Hoffman Homes for Youth.

Additional Certifications

  • NSCA-CPT — Certified Personal Trainer, National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • NASM-CES — Corrective Exercise Specialist, National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • CPR/AED

Groups