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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Preparing for the future

December 16, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

silhouettes of women running

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

Filed Under: Kinesiology Tagged With: Kinesiology, MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Faculty fan-favorites

December 15, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

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! 

What’s been the funniest or craziest thing to happen in your classroom?  

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… 

Where are you from?   

McWoods: Kansas City! Born and raised. 

Smith: I grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas. 

What brought you to Missouri State?  

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. 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

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

Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

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. 

Keep it real with the department of kinesiology 

Filed Under: Biomedical Sciences, Kinesiology, Spotlights Tagged With: Biomedical Sciences, Kinesiology, McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Ditch the chips

September 19, 2022 by Strategic Communication

A tale as old as time? The struggle of trying to eat healthy without spending your entire paycheck on a single grocery haul. 

Dr. Amy Blansit, senior kinesiology instructor at Missouri State University, gives insight on how you can improve your budget and find healthier alternatives at your local supermarket. 

Blansit begs the question, “How often have you sat down with a bag of apples and accidentally finished it in one sitting?” 

It’s much more difficult to continue munching on nutritionally dense food in comparison to a bag of chips or even a two liter of soda. 

The problem is that most snack foods have been chemically engineered to encourage non-stop eating. 

Put the blinders on while shopping 

People often become overwhelmed by trying to only buy what are considered healthy foods, Blansit notes.  

This can result in a return to bad habits.  

The key to maintaining a healthy diet and budget? Don’t put pressure on yourself to drastically change everything at once, Blansit recommends. 

To start, she suggests thinking ahead and sticking to a pre-written list. 

“Plan ahead! Pair the meals you want with ingredients you already have at home,” she said. 

“Create a list of things you need. Try not to be tempted by the inner aisles of the grocery store, which tend to be bingeable snack foods.” 

But what if you could avoid temptation altogether? 

“We’re seeing an uptick in online or pickup grocery delivery services and that can be extremely beneficial for mindful shopping,” Blansit said. “This eliminates buying foods last-minute just because they look good and cost only a couple bucks. That adds up quickly.” 

When you stick to your plan and prioritize nutrient-dense foods, you eat better and spend less. 

Find fresh, frozen or canned foods 

Blansit suggests switching to fresh foods and eliminating boxed food items. If that’s not affordable, the next best option is frozen, then canned. 

“Our society tends to look at a meal as a hunk of meat, a baked potato and then maybe a small salad,” Blansit said. “When in actuality, one chicken breast can be split among four people. Couple it with beans, brown rice and other items.” 

She recommends finding several nutritionally dense foods that fit within your budget to satiate pesky cravings:  

  • Nuts and seeds. 
  • Legumes. 
  • Whole grains. 
  • Leafy greens. 
  • Fruits and veggies. 

You can help eliminate food waste 

A happy side effect of planning out meals and only buying foods you need?  

Considerably less food waste. 

“Many people overbuy and cook a surplus of food that gets thrown away at the end of the meal,” Blansit said. 

There is a stigma surrounding leftovers that we must work to dissolve, she added. 

If we track the amount of food we buy and eat, it holds us accountable for the food that is wasted. 

For those concerned with fresh foods going bad and being wasted, frozen is a fantastic alternative, Blansit said. 

How to stretch a dollar 

For people living on food stamps or paycheck to paycheck, “there are programs and options that highlight nutritionally dense foods,” Blansit said. 

If you have the opportunity and funds to buy in bulk, then do so. Load your freezer every month with frozen proteins and plan accordingly with your meal schedule. This saves money as well as time, Blansit said. 

Another option for eating well on a budget is to take advantage of the reduced prices included in a Sam’s Club or Costco membership.  

While the annual fee might be pricier than some can afford, Blansit suggests splitting a membership with another family or more. 

Putting a meal plan into action 

“I sympathize with working parents who are stressed about not getting food on the table until 8 p.m., which they use as justification as they pull through the drive-through,” Blansit said. 

“However, if they plan ahead, the meal could take less than 30 minutes to throw together.”  

It’s important to have forward thinking, Blansit said. If you dedicate time to plan your meals, then you don’t have to worry about it later. 

Stop what you’re doing and give yourself some time to look at your pantry and freezer. 

Then follow three simple steps: 

  1. Be aware of filler foods in your diet.
  2. Create a basic meal plan for the week and use that while grocery shopping.
  3. Be patient with yourself and keep doing your best.

“No one can achieve perfection instantly. Do the best you can and don’t be discouraged,” Blansit said. “What’s important is to be consistent with trying — that’s what will create better habits.” 

Explore degrees in kinesiology 

Filed Under: Kinesiology

Faculty fan-favorites

September 8, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

Evening exterior of O’Reilly Hall on August 23, 2022. Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University

Dr. Ebony Nicole McCluney, assistant professor in kinesiology and Professor Wendy Jackson, clinical instructor in the School of Social Work, are two members of our stellar MCHHS faculty. 

Let’s get to know them! 

Q: Where are you from?  

McCluney: Union, South Carolina. 

Jackson: Bootheel, Kennett, Missouri. I moved to Springfield in 1997. 

Q: Where did you go to school for undergrad/graduate? 

McCluney: I attended Lander University for my B.S. in physical education. Afterwards, I went to Augusta State University for my M.S. in kinesiology, then finally to University of Georgia for my Ph.D. in kinesiology. Gooooo Dawgs! 

Jackson: I received my bachelor’s in sociology from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I received my master’s in social work from Missouri State University. Go Bears! 

Q: What brought you to Missouri State? 

McCluney: I was previously teaching at a university in Atlanta, Georgia. However, when I learned that Missouri State had a tenure-track opening in kinesiology and I would have the opportunity to be a part of the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, I applied immediately. 

Jackson: In 2011, I began teaching per course in the social work program. I was thrilled to once again be a part of a program that has afforded so many career opportunities. In 2021, I made the leap to a full-time clinical instructor. I love sharing my experiences with social work students. Their energy and excitement are contagious! 

Q: What’s your favorite part about working here? 

McCluney: It’s hard to pick just one, there’s so much I enjoy about working at Missouri State! I love the ability to be creative in my classes, as well as support I’m provided to try innovative teaching strategies. Not to mention, I absolutely love the view in the mornings when I arrive to campus and walk in as the sun rises over the football field. 

Jackson: My favorite part about working at MSU in the MCHHS is the encouragement and opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. I find that this is not only enriching my career but also the education of our students.  

Dive into the department of kinesiology 

Q: Do you have a favorite class to teach? 

McCluney: My favorite class to teach is Social Basis in Physical Activity. This class is all about sociological issues that occur in sport. The class produces a stellar podcast on recent sport trends and issues. 

Jackson: That’s an easy one: Macro Level Social Work- Communities and Organizations. This is my passion. Our department does an excellent job of matching your strengths and passions with the classes you teach.  

My favorite thing that happens in my classroom is when there is a lively debate on a topic, and I can see students open their minds to differing viewpoints.  

Explore the school of social work 

Filed Under: Kinesiology, Social Work, Spotlights Tagged With: Kinesiology, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, School of Social Work, Spotlight

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