Graber is new president of AKA
HK Department Head and Professor Kim Graber took over in January as president of the American Kinesiology Association. Graber replaces Auburn Professor Jared Russell, while Utah Professor Tim Brusseau takes over as president-elect.
Hallal receives APHA honor
Pedro Hallal, the Alvin and Ruth Sandall professor of kinesiology and director of the Master of Public Health program in the College of Applied Health Sciences, received the 2023 David P. Rall Award for Advocacy in Public Health for his COVID-19 research and public health messaging in the face of political opposition. Hallal developed the EPICOVID-19 project, which tracked the spread of COVID-19 across Brazil and uncovered racial health disparities that were regularly dismissed by then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Hallal shared Brazil’s COVID-19 health data with the world despite threats to his livelihood and well-being from the Brazilian government.
Kevin Richards wins AERA award
HK Associate Professor Kevin Richards was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Catherine D. Ennis Scholar Award for the AERA SIG 93. This award is designed to recognize an outstanding scholar in the field of learning and instruction in physical education.
VanHoutan chosen for SHAPE honor
Kinesiology major Emma VanHoutan was selected to receive the SHAPE America Major of the Year award. The award is given annually to one outstanding undergraduate student in the field of health, physical education, recreation and/or dance. VanHoutan plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in 2024.
Strittmatter selected for AIESEP award
HK doctoral candidate Gabrielle Strittmater was selected as one of 21 doctoral students from around the world, and one of only three from the United States, to attend an international doctoral “summer school.” The summer school will provide time to interact with other doctoral students and faculty members while delving into topics of interest for aspiring researchers. The event will take place during the AIESEP conference this summer in Finland.