Title: Assistant Professor of Kinesiology & Community Health & Nutritional Sciences
Department: Kinesiology and Community Health; Division of Nutritional Sciences
College: Applied Health Sciences
What classes do you teach?
- KIN 150 – Bioscience of Human Movement
- KIN 452 – Clinical and Applied Exercise Physiology
- KIN 494/453 – Advanced Exercise Prescription
- KIN 386 – Exercise Instruction and the Elderly
- KIN 551 – Circulorespiratory Physiology (graduate level)
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Illinois?
I enjoy creating a partnership for the learning process with the students so that together we optimize the chance for success in the classroom. The students learn the required material and through student feedback I learn how to be a better teacher. I am always on a quest to make my courses better than last time.
Do you have a unique teaching method or project you assign?
My teaching style is grounded in three main philosophies. First, a student has to assume self-responsibility for learning, which I will enable. Second, application of course content creates a lasting and working knowledge. For example, many of my courses use clinical case studies designed to enable the student to apply exercise physiology knowledge to the allied health profession. Third, assignments and exams aim to develop written and verbal communication skills. This is essential as nearly all of our students will pursue careers that work with people (patients, clients, etc.) and often require on the job team work.
Describe your greatest professional accomplishment.
From a family perspective, I am a first-generation college attendee so obtaining my PhD is against the odds. But I would say my greatest accomplishment is successfully balancing a rigorous academic position at a top-tier prestigious institution with my family responsibilities which include a husband, 2 small children and 1 dog. I consider myself a strong role model for women who want to blend a fulfilling academic career with a family and I frequently mentor women on this topic.
What sparked your interest in your field of study?
My enjoyment and interest in movement began early as I was an athlete; however, my family history is rich in lifestyle related diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. My healthiest relative was my Grandmother who walked a minimum of 5 miles per day - she was certainly before her time with regard to the public heath importance of physical activity and exercise. The primary motivation for my field of study is to create and disseminate knowledge that will impact the greater good - with a special interest in body composition and bone, women's health and the elderly.
What's your favorite aspect of life at Illinois?
My favorite part is the high caliber students and colleagues that create an endless stream of ideas and energy.
What book, related to your field, do you recommend reading?
Exercise - Hot Topics by Manu V. Chakravarthy, MD, PhD and Frank W. Booth, PhD. It provides a great summary to convince you to get moving!
Do you have any advice for entering students?
To maximize your college experience, be sure and use your resources. This may include everything from your academic advisor to the health center. Not only do we educate our students very well here at Illinois, we also take care of them during the process!