Health and Human Services News

Shining a spotlight on student research

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Over the course of the last year, Missouri State University students have  spent time researching a topic of choice in their respective disciplines.

Now, it’s time for these students to showcase their successful research work.

Missouri State will host three research events April 27-29, 2023, on campus to highlight what the students have done.

“My favorite part of these events is their interdisciplinary nature,” said Dr. Letitia White-Minnis, associate dean of MSU’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

“It’s  a chance to talk to students from  different areas about their work. Every year, I learn new things.”

Event details

This event is free and open to the public.

April 27

27th Annual MCHHS Student Research Symposium, 3-5 p.m., Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom

This symposium is open to all graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in programs within MCHHS.

Learn more about the event

Taking time for continuing education

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MCHHS is committed to providing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

Last fall’s professional development event centered on de-stigmatizing mental illness.

This spring, the focus is on engaging GenZ students in higher education.

On March 3, the college will shut down in the afternoon and students will receive alternative assignments.

Faculty from across the college will gather at the Darr Agricultural Center to participate in an interactive workshop with researcher and author Dr. Meghan Grace.

“I’m looking forward to an engaging afternoon with Dr. Grace and MCHHS faculty as we seek to support student retention within MCHHS,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean.

About Grace

Grace is a researcher, consultant, international speaker and author.

She’s also host of the podcast #GenZ, and co-author of the books, “Generation Z Goes to College” and “Generation Z: A Century in the Making.”

Studying Generation Z since 2014, she and her research partner, Dr. Corey Seemiller, lead the Institute for Generational Research and Education.

As a senior consultant with Plaid, LLC, Grace supports clients in their pursuit of “being better” through designing and implementing research, assessment and evaluation solutions, along with curriculum development, program design and organizational development.

Learn more about MCHHS

Adapting to all abilities

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Ensuring everyone can participate in physical activity is something very important to Dr. Rebecca Woodard, MSU professor of kinesiology — even individuals who may not have the same abilities.

For more than a decade, Woodard has educated students on the importance of adapted physical education, also known as adaptive physical activity.

“These two terms refer to the ability to adapt and individualize physical activities to meet the needs of those with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“This can include an individual with autism, someone who may be in a wheelchair or any other disabilities.”

The goal of adapting these activities is to allow these individuals to be successful in their own way.

Real world experiences

MSU students majoring in physical education and exercise and movement science are enrolled in Woodard’s adapted physical education course to gain hands-on experience.

They attend lectures three days a week and then work with adapted PE teachers in the Springfield Public Schools district.

On Fridays, these students provide physical activity programs for students at Rivendale Institute of Learning and Center for Autism.

Every week, Woodard invites individuals from  Arc of the Ozarks to come to campus and participate with students in some physical activity.

“It’s important for these students to get this hands-on experience before graduating because in their future professions, they may work with individuals with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“I love seeing the relationships that form between students and the individuals who participate in these programs.”

Learn more about the kinesiology department

Preparing for the future

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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 .

Student focused, student led

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.”

Connecting with professionals

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.

Learn more about the kinesiology department