Kinesiology Newsletter - December 2019

Introduction from the Chair

Another successful quarter is wrapping up in Seattle, and we are all looking forward to having some rest and relaxation. The holiday season is a time for reflection and our department has a lot to be thankful for, including committed faculty and staff who constantly raise the bar on what can be achieved and hardworking students who emulate that philosophy with energy and enthusiasm. Read on to see some of the great work being done across teaching, engagement and scholarship!

New Graduate Program

The Kinesiology Department has been busy promoting the new Master of Science in Kinesiology that begins in fall 2020. When asked about the program, Dr. Sarah Shultz says “Our graduate program focuses on evidence-based practice: students completing a research-based thesis will use cutting edge technology to translate research to real world practice while our clinically applied track allows graduate students to critically consider current research in their practicum experiences. Our learning experience moves beyond the classroom, with diverse opportunities to better understand the needs of the community.”

Dr. Shultz and Dr. Erica Rauff promoted the program through visits to universities on the West Coast, including the University of Puget Sound, Willamette University, George Fox University, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, and California Lutheran University. They also met with students at Seattle U’s Grad Open House in October and through online information sessions later in the quarter. It was exciting for the department to meet prospective students and learn about their interests in the diverse field of kinesiology, and we look forward to our upcoming on-campus information session on January 14. If you would like to learn more about the graduate program, please contact us by email. 

Get Up and Move Campaign

The Kinesiology Department was not just busy promoting the new graduate program – we have been busy with our Get Up and Move Campaign as well! We kicked off the campaign on October 1 with our challenge to complete the national exercise guidelines of at least 150 minutes of physical activity. Our group of participants included all department faculty and staff along with four student volunteers. We are happy to report that we far exceeded our goal with a combined total of 4,448 minutes!

After our daily physical activity challenge was complete, we didn’t want to stop moving. We joined Upower’s Dodge for a Cause tournament as a team and had the chance to use our dodgeball skills! We enjoyed the opportunity to support a local organization through two of our favorite things – physical activity and community engagement.

We also recently held a public lecture at the Seattle Marathon Health and Fitness Expo in partnership with Swedish Sports Medicine to support the Get Up and Move Campaign. Dr. Shultz moderated a discussion about the impact of exercise science on human performance with an expert panel including Ray Browning, PHD (CEO, BiOMOTUM), Lauren Vernese, DO (Swedish Rehabilitation & Performance Medicine), Cristine Agresta, PhD (Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington), and Jessalyn O’Donnell, RD (Performance Dietitian/Nutritionist, Athletics Canada/Canadian Sport Institute).

Keep in mind that the Get Up and Move Campaign is ongoing, and you are welcome to pledge your support at any time. Donations support the launch of the new master’s program, and initially focus on getting a Mobile Equipment Laboratory (MEL) ‘up and moving’: purchasing of the infrastructure (RV/Box Truck/or similar) and necessary research equipment. Other program needs include student and faculty research funds, internship/fellowship assistantship sponsorships, and scholarship opportunities.

Student Engagement In and Out of the Classroom

Our students have continued the tradition of being active both in and outside the classroom this quarter.

• Dr. Shultz’s Biomechanics Class completed the department’s first Dance Off this quarter. Their skills and creativity were on display as they showed off dances they choreographed to highlight their assigned muscle group. Special thanks to SU alum Kiyon Ross, Arts Leadership, 2015, Company Manager for Pacific Northwest Ballet, for being a guest evaluator!
• The Human Performance Lab (HPL) hosted its second annual student engagement event funded by the provosts office. At the event, HPL interns and staff presented on the sport science research and service work they are engaging in after the associate head coach, Nate Daligcon, provided the attending students with a strategic overview of the game against Air Force. Students in attendance got the opportunity to ask questions, see some developing data science dashboards, engage with the men’s soccer athletes and enjoy the game with a complimentary soccer scarf.
• The Exercise Is Medicine On Campus Student group has officially gained club status this year. On November 9, several students volunteered at the Veteran's Day 5k held at Seattle University. As a partnership between Exercise is Medicine and Wellness & Health Promotion, our students provided suggestions for pre and post race stretches, handouts that discussed the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being, and made sure runners stayed hydrated.
• The Kinesiology Department purchased tickets for more than 30 students, faculty, and staff to attend the first round of NCAA tournament play, as SU women’s soccer team competed against UW at Husky Stadium on November 16. They cheered on the team together decked out in SU red!
• Dr. Shultz’s Biomechanics class also completed the department’s second Biomechanics Fair. SU students demonstrated biomechanics principles for high school students through fun activities like throwing, boxing, and balancing exercises. There was lots of energy in the Athletic Performance Center the high school students showed great eagerness to learn and apply the knowledge! We look forward to continuing this in future quarters.

Alumni Involvement

We want to hear what alumni are doing! If you want to share information about your current employment or education, or volunteer to get involved with the department, please contact us by email.