May 21, 2025 | Adelyn Mui Green spaces benefit people and the environment in many ways but not all voters see it that way Public green spaces—parks, forests and conservation areas—increase potential for varied recreational opportunities, improved mental and physical health and better environmental sustainability. However, funding these spaces remains a challenge. Department of Recreation, […]
Author: Sydney Flowers
2025 Sapora Symposium: Honoring a century of legacy at Huff Hall
May 22, 2025 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo Themes of visionary leadership and George Huff were briefly overshadowed by Grimace The theme of the 2025 Sapora Symposium was visionary leadership, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Huff Hall and paying tribute to the legacy of George Huff. Only one thing could potentially overshadow that, and it is purple and […]
Immersive learning: RST faculty guide students out of the classroom and into the real world
May 22, 2025 | Jonathan King RST faculty members design and lead innovative educational practicums that immerse students in experiential learning environments By JONATHAN KING Renata Endres is taking her belief in an applied teaching approach on the road—on Route 66, to be precise. “I believe the most effective way to bridge the gap between the […]
What is the role of racial segregation and park availability in physical activity?
May 22, 2025 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo Two researchers uncover dynamics that challenge the assumption that more parks lead to more activity In cities across the United States, physical activity is often promoted as a cornerstone of public health, yet disparities in access and engagement persist. Despite the well-documented benefits of leisure-time physical activity, many communities […]
At 10 years, Chez Veterans Center honors its family and friends
May 19, 2025 | Ethan Simmons After long journeys to Urbana-Champaign, the Chez family joined each other at the campus center bearing their name, beaming with pride. Thirteen years ago, Ron Chez—a 1962 University of Illinois graduate and Army veteran turned investor and philanthropist—provided a lead gift to build the Chez Veterans Center. Since then, […]
From Mayo Clinic to Urbana-Champaign
May 22, 2025 | Anna Flanagan In addition to their professional experience, Gabrielle Dillon and Jack Senefeld share research interests When Gabrielle Dillon joined the Department of Health and Kinesiology in the College of Applied Health Sciences last fall, she was greeted by a familiar face. She and Jack Senefeld, who had joined HK in fall 2023, had briefly overlapped […]
Study shows smart home technology to be beneficial for aging in place
May 22, 2025 | Jonathan King Mobility disabilities, defined as a “serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs,” affect approximately 21 percent of adults 65 years of age and older Saul Morse believes his wife might not have survived a recent health episode without assistive technology. “Had it not been for our voice-activated digital home assistant, […]
Wolff brings hands-on approach to musculoskeletal anatomy course
May 22, 2025 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo Many students majoring in HK want to pursue careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy and athletic training Whitney Wolff had just completed a semester as an assistant professor at tiny Lakeland University in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, when the opportunity to work at an R1 university arose. Wolff, who earned her Ph.D. […]
Can a special diet promote children’s focus?
May 22, 2025 | Ethan Simmons HK researchers found that the school children who more closely adhered to a special diet showed better control over their attention A diet rich in fiber and antioxidants, low in fat and full of colorful berries and vegetables has shown a strong connection to slowed cognitive decline in older […]
A passion for teaching
May 22, 2025 | Anna Flanagan Responsibility for teaching many courses offered by the department is also borne by another group of highly qualified individuals known as specialized faculty Like the University of Illinois and the College of Applied Health Sciences, the Department of Health and Kinesiology pursues a three-pronged mission of leadership in research, teaching and […]