Why’s it important to eat breakfast? Besides the usual items like cereal, oatmeal and yogurt, what options should you try?
Natalie Allen, registered dietitian and clinical assistant professor in the department of public health and sports medicine at Missouri State University, shares some insights with Lawn Love.
It is often times hard for students to specify a career path they want to pursue.
Dr. Keith McShan, assistant professor of kinesiology, explains that is especially the case in the kinesiology field.
“Kinesiology is a very broad space of study,” McShan said. “Students in our department can pursue careers in multiple areas which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, academia, health and wellness, and sports and recreation management.”
“But sometimes, it is hard for students to narrow down what they want to do.”
In order to help students, get exposed to all the possibilities within the kinesiology field, McShan established the kinesiology career research club .
To make this club as beneficial as possible, they have decided to let students decide the direction of the club and its focus.
“We really want this club to be student focused,” said Grace Landewee, junior, incumbent president. “During our first few meetings, we want students to brainstorm topics that they may be interested in researching with us.”
McShan wants to help students feel comfortable with the process of research.
“When I was in college, I remember how scary the topic of research was for me and other students,” McShan said. “I want to help students get past those barriers and show them how important it is.”
The club is also meant to allow these students to professionally network.
“We plan to take trips to conferences, events and different organizations to help our students connect with professionals within different kinesiology fields,” McShan said.
McShan and Landewee hope that these trips can help create career opportunities for these students after they graduate.
To find out more information about how to join or get involved in the kinesiology career research club, reach out to keithmcshan@missouristate.edu or grace304@live.missouristate.edu.
Anna McWoods, instructor and lab coordinator in the department of biomedical sciences, and Dr. Cody Smith, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, are two members of our MCHHS family.
Let’s get to know them better!
McWoods: Several years ago, I was working in my office and my undergraduate lab assistant came running in. Turns out, a wild turkey had flown in the third-floor window of our lab and was wreaking havoc. Everyone gathered around the door with their jaws dropped, staring at this bird prancing around. Security kindly escorted her off campus, but that is something I will truly never forget.
Smith: I think it is funny when we get to the urine analysis lab protocol and see students’ reactions when they realize they provide the class samples. Or they’ll be analyzing their classmate’s pee.
I don’t think they think it’s as funny as I do though…
McWoods: Kansas City! Born and raised.
Smith: I grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas.
McWoods: I was interested in biomedical science graduate degrees, so that’s why I graduated with one—GO BEARS!
A BMS research faculty member spoke with my senior undergraduate class, and I was super interested. Missouri State does a great job to cultivate supportive and cooperative relationships between faculty and graduate students.
Smith: After completing my doctorate, I was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Nebraska for two years when I found this opportunity to be an assistant professor of kinesiology.
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to teach content I’m passionate about while continuing my research interests in science teaching and learning. It’s been a full-circle experience doing what I set out to accomplish and what I enjoy immensely.
McWoods: The STUDENTS! They are so eager to learn everything they can. Taking them to clinical settings and watching them apply what they have learned in skills lab and the classroom is incredibly rewarding.
Smith: I just love working with students. Whether it be in the classroom, advising or on thesis projects, it’s truly the most rewarding aspect of my job. I remember being a student and having difficulties with navigating academics and life at the same time. My goal is to continually improve students’ educational experiences.
Brush up on the department of biomedical sciences
McWoods: One of my favorite classes to teach is my BMS 100: Essentials in Human Biology. This class is for nonscience majors, and we have a blast. We look at a wide array of things from the processes of our organ systems to the fundamentals of healthcare genetics.
Smith: I love the challenge of making Applied Human Physiology a student-centered classroom. Students can build upon their understanding of anatomy and dive deeper into systems to learn what makes our bodies tick. By the time they get to physiology, students seem to be more willing to engage in classroom discussion with peers who they have become more familiar with.
In November, MCHHS Dean Dr. Mark Smith launched the Gratitude Campaign.
In a college-wide email, Smith stated, “It is during good times that I am reminded we often take for granted the everyday, yet important, parts of our careers and lives that make a difference for others.”
From Nov. 1-14, postcards were made available for students, faculty and staff to express their gratitude to whoever they felt thankful for.
All postcards were collected by the Dean’s Office, then sorted and hand delivered to recipients by Nov. 17, just in time for Thanksgiving Break.
In a mere few weeks, over 1,000 postcards were delivered throughout campus to a variety of colleges, not just MCHHS.
Many faculty and staff commented on the positive atmosphere that was created by the campaign.
The Gratitude Campaign far surpassed engagement within the MCHHS family, in the best way possible.
In the words of Ted Lasso:
“To the family we’re born with, and to the family we make along the way.”
