Health and Human Services News

Optimizing the health of female athletes

by

For athletes, staying healthy is crucial to remain competitive.  

Many female athletes, however, face an increased risk of stress fractures due to a combination of physiological, hormonal and nutritional factors. This can lead to missed time from competition. 

To address this issue, an interdisciplinary research team from Missouri State University and North Central College conducted a study assessing the effectiveness of early identification and intervention strategies. By using early screening for energy deficiencies, the goal was to reduce stress fractures and the time lost from sports among collegiate female athletes. 

Missouri State has 15 female teams and 269 female athletes, making this research especially relevant to the university’s athletics program.

Natalie Allen headshot.
Natalie Allen

“Our beginning is a fun story. Back in 2017, at a Missouri State athletics holiday party, we found ourselves in a conversation that took an unexpected turn. As health care providers, we got to talking — what if we teamed up to support student-athletes in a whole new way? One idea led to another and our research team was born,” said registered dietitian Natalie Allen, clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health Sciences.  

“One common concern that emerged from our discussion was stress fractures in female collegiate athletes and the Female Athlete Triad.” 

A condition that affects female athletes, the Female Athlete Triad involves three main issues: low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction and low bone density.

The study began in 2018 but faced delays due to COVID-19. The team persisted and published the research findings in the Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice this January. The paper is titled “Strategies for Optimizing Female Athlete Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Mitigate Stress Fractures and Minimize Missed Participation in Collegiate Sports.” 

Besides Allen, who also serves as team dietitian for Missouri State athletes, the research team comprised:

Combining their expertise, the researchers identified health gaps in female athletes and developed evidence-based interventions for improved outcomes. 

Research specifics and findings

Shannon Hauschildt
Shannon Hauschildt

The study involved 234 female athletes across nine Missouri State teams. To identify those who were at risk for low energy availability and related conditions, they underwent pre-season physicals. The physicals included screening using a tool called the Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (FACTRA). 

Athletes with a FACTRA score greater than one received nutrition education and consultation from the team dietitian. Athletes were also referred to doctors, athletic trainers and psychologists as needed. 

Before implementing the screening, Missouri State recorded 18 stress fractures among female athletes. This resulted in 848 missed participation days. After early detection and intervention, stress fractures fell to one and missed participation days dropped to 50 — a 95% and 94.6% reduction, respectively.  

The athletes also showed marked improvement in their knowledge and understanding of nutrition risks. 

“This research showed how screening and intervention can keep athletes competing instead of recovering,” Hauschildt said. 

Patel added, “Success comes from a strong multidisciplinary team approach, where coaches and health care providers also work together to support athletes.”  

Power of prevention

Dr. Melissa Penkalski
Dr. Melissa Penkalski

One key aspect of the study was the role of nutrition education. At-risk female athletes received targeted dietary guidance, helping them optimize their energy availability and overall health.  

“FACTRA screening is now a standard for pre-participation physicals at Missouri State, setting a model for female athlete health nationwide,” Allen said. 

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, Penkalski notes she sees firsthand how early intervention shapes long-term health.  

“This research empowers athletes to take charge of their well-being, both on and off the field.” 

But there is more to explore.  

The next steps include refining screening tools and investigating new areas, such as iron deficiency in endurance athletes and the impact of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports on both men and women. 

Read the published article

Living out Missouri State’s public affairs mission

by

Simoriah Longhorn, a graduate student in nutrition and dietetics at Missouri State University, was one of six outstanding students who received the 2024-25 Citizen Scholar Award, one of the university’s top student honors. 

The Citizen Scholar Award celebrates students who exemplify academic success and the university’s public affairs mission. 

It was created in 2007 as a special Board of Governors program to recognize outstanding citizen scholars at Missouri State. The university’s faculty and staff members submit nominations each fall. 

Embracing opportunities   

Growing up in O’Fallon, Illinois, Longhorn considers this recognition a significant milestone in her academic journey.  

“Receiving the 2024-25 Citizen Scholar Award is an incredible honor. It also reflects the mentorship and encouragement I’ve received from my professors and department staff,” she said. 

She chose Missouri State for its strong nutrition and dietetics program and welcoming environment that fostered growth.  

“My mentors and peers believed in my abilities, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and pushed me to be my best self,” Longhorn said. “Their support helped me build confidence in myself, explore new opportunities and take on leadership roles I never imagined.” 

Besides academic pursuits, her time at Missouri State includes serving as president of Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish honor society and promoting cultural engagement through La Barraca (The Hut). 

“MSU has truly exceeded my expectations in every way and I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today,” Longhorn said.  

When she graduates in May 2026, she plans to become a registered dietitian, helping others improve their health, while exploring her passion for different cultures through travel.

Simoriah Longhorn
Simoriah Longhorn

Broadening horizons in Springfield and abroad 

Longhorn volunteered at Ozarks Food Harvest in Springfield during her undergraduate studies. This allowed her to give back to the community and gain a deep sense of empathy for others.  

As an undergraduate, she had two minors – Spanish and biomedical sciences. She also earned a Basic Spanish Communication Undergraduate Certificate and a Foundations of Nutrition Undergraduate Certificate from Missouri State.  

During her spring break in 2024, Longhorn studied abroad for one week in Antigua and Guatemala City. She travelled to rural schools to conduct nutritional screenings for children and helped the nutritionists at Convoy of Hope at Guatemala City to record the childrens’ growth charts. 

Also, while there, she helped another organization called Center for Outreach, Development and Friendship (CADA), where she gave nutrition presentations to women in the CADA program.  

Longhorn believes these opportunities have broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of diverse cultures. Through her combined experiences locally and abroad, she has developed strong leadership skills and cultural competence. She has also enriched her life by engaging with communities. 

Inspiring others 

As a Citizen Scholar, Longhorn hopes to inspire other students to make a difference in their own communities.  

Longhorn shared one of her favorite quotes, which deeply resonates with her and contributed to her personal growth: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou). 

Her experiences on and off campus thus far highlight that leadership is about creating meaningful change and uplifting those around us. 

“Missouri State helped me discover my purpose and realize the power of small acts of kindness,” Longhorn said. “We all have the ability to make a difference in someone’s life.” 

Explore nutrition and dietetics

From service to scholarship

by

In honor of veterans this November, the McQueary College of Health and Human Services shines a light on two of its veteran students: Andrew Falk and Samuel Durham. 

Both have transitioned from military service to academic pursuits. Falk is in the kinesiology graduate program and Durham is pursuing a Master of Public Health.

Find out more about them and their journey.

Andrew Falk
Andrew Falk

Where are you originally from?  

Falk: I’m from Strafford, Missouri.

Durham: I’m from DeRidder, Louisiana.  

When did you start your studies at Missouri State and when will you graduate? 

Falk: I began my undergraduate degree in exercise and movement science in August 2019 and graduated in fall 2023. I then started my master’s in kinesiology, focusing on sport and human performance. I’ll graduate in spring 2025. 

Durham: I started the public health program in fall 2023 and will graduate in spring 2025. 

Why did you choose to study at Missouri State? 

Falk: Springfield feels like home, making it a great place to start my academic career. MSU’s support system for veteran students was also a strong attraction. 

Durham: I was drawn to MSU while at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). Expanding my education and staying in Springfield were major benefits for my career. 

What motivated you to pursue your area of study?

Samuel Durham with his family.
Samuel Durham with his family

Falk: I’ve always loved health, wellness and exercise. They provide discipline and consistency, which carry into other areas of life. 

Durham: While pursuing a nursing degree at OTC in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my perspective. I realized I could better serve by focusing on population health and wanted a career dedicated to protecting public health. 

How long have you served in the military and which branch?  

Falk: I served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years on active duty and 10 months in the reserves. 

Durham: I served in the U.S. Army for four years. 

Why did you decide to join the military? 

Falk: It was something I always wanted to do. My dad was in the Marines during the Vietnam War, which inspired me to enlist. 

Durham: My family has a history of military service and I saw my enlistment as my way of protecting our rights and liberties. 

What were your key responsibilities and rank?    

Falk: My responsibilities included looking after my Marines’ well-being and ensuring they met all required standards. When I left active duty, I was a platoon sergeant with the billet of squad leader. 

Durham: I served as a signal intelligence analyst. My responsibilities included focusing on collecting, analyzing and reporting military intelligence. 

What did you find most meaningful or rewarding about the experience?    

Falk: Leading Marines and preparing them to one day lead others and give back to the Corps was incredibly rewarding. 

Durham: From basic combat training to technical intelligence training, this experience was transformative. I was always learning and growing, which was rewarding to me.  

Andrew Falk and his fellow service members.
Andrew Falk and his fellow service members.

What military skills best help you in your studies?  

Falk: Discipline, accountability and attention to detail have been most helpful in my studies. 

Durham: My role required solving complex issues, which aids in my studies. The integrity, respect and dedication I developed in the military also help me succeed academically. 

What resources at MSU have helped you most as a veteran student?   

Falk: The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center has been a great help. While on active duty in Hawaii, they guided me in using my benefits. Working there for over two years also helped me find a supportive community. 

Durham: Public health software is costly. But I can use the open-access computer labs at MSU. So, access to software and technology has been invaluable here. 

What challenges did you face transitioning to student life and how did you overcome them?  

Falk: As a non-traditional student, I initially felt isolated, but reaching out to classmates helped me overcome it. 

Durham: Military culture differs greatly from university culture, which encourages exploration and independent thinking. I learned to think outside the box and challenge norms. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Missouri State Bear? 

Falk:  MSU has always been home for me. I get support here like a family member.  

Durham: One of the best parts of being an MSU Bear is the professional and personal relationships I’ve built within the community. 

What types of things are you involved in on campus? 

Falk: I’m an intern strength and conditioning coach with the MSU football team and a graduate assistant in the School of Health Sciences. I instruct labs in KIN-465 (Strength and Conditioning) and KIN-362 (Exercise Physiology). 

Durham: While I’m not involved in campus activities currently, I enjoy attending MSU sporting and seasonal events like Homecoming. 

What’s your future career aspiration?   

Falk: In the next two to five years, I plan to continue coaching football, combat sports and tactical athletes at the college or professional level. I aim to pursue a doctorate in sports psychology or strength and conditioning and eventually teach or conduct research in the field. 

Durham: I aspire to work as a public health specialist in epidemiology and research, ideally with a federal agency. My dream job is to serve as a health services officer in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contributing to public health on a larger scale. 

What tips or advice can you share with future veteran students?   

Falk: Be proactive with your academic goals. You may not know your exact career path, but setting goals can guide you forward. Find like-minded people and a supportive community. 

Durham: Military skills like organization, timeliness and pride in one’s work are invaluable in academics. Apply the motivation and dedication that helped you succeed in the military to your studies. 

Explore MCHHS

Combining a love for service, teaching and research

by

Missouri State University’s Dr. Kip Thompson skillfully juggles responsibilities in two distinct areas.  

He has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 23 years. He has also worked as an associate professor of public health in MSU’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services for nearly a decade.

Since commissioning as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2001, Thompson has been deployed five times to various countries during his military career. 

Helping in the Middle East  

His most recent deployment was to the Middle East from October 2022 to April 2024. While stationed in Kuwait, Col. Thompson served in multiple roles, including chief of staff for the 3rd Medical Command Forward, based out of Fort Gillem, Georgia. 

“I managed a team of 50 soldiers, responsible for ensuring the delivery of essential health services across the Middle East region,” Thompson said. 

While stationed in Qatar, Thompson was the medical liaison officer between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of State. In this role, he was responsible for the successful handover of the medical mission to support beneficiaries leaving Afghanistan from the Army to the Department of State.

“We gave basic medical and dental care to local communities and Afghan refugees in Qatar to help them prepare to move to their new countries of residence,” Thompson said. 

For him, military service has never been just about conflict, weapons and uniforms. What matters most is the humanitarian work. 

“Yes, I’ve had to carry weapons, but as a public health professional, I focus on providing health care to those in need,” he said.

Roots of passion and purpose  

Thompson grew up in Springfield, Missouri. He graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s in biology and secondary education in 1989 and a master’s in zoology/animal biology in 1993.

Dr. Thompson with Army colleagues in Jordan.
Dr. Thompson with Army colleagues in Jordan.

In 2000, he completed his PhD in Marine Science from the University of South Alabama and joined the U.S. Army Reserve shortly after.  

“I felt a sense of duty to give back, so joining the military seemed like the right thing to do,” he said.  

While Thompson focused on fish and aquatic ecosystems early on in his career, he developed a passion for human and public health during his military service. Because of this, he returned to MSU and completed his second master’s in public health in 2014.   

At this time, he connected with faculty members, who inspired him to consider teaching. 

In May 2015, MSU offered him a faculty position in the public health program. He accepted and the rest is history. 

“It’s rewarding when students graduate and return to share how my support benefited them in their careers,” he said. “I believe every faculty member wants to know their efforts truly make a difference in students’ lives.” 

While deployed, he continues to teach online courses using Zoom and MSU’s learning management system. 

He notes it is easy to forget everything else while stationed overseas due to his hectic work schedule. Moreover, different time zones create challenges for staying in touch with students and the university.  

“But my goal is to stay connected with them even from far away,” Thompson said.  

Healing across borders  

Thompson’s commitment to serve goes beyond military duties. His dedication to improving health care reflects his belief that health is a fundamental human right. 

During his deployment to Kosovo from 2007-08, Thompson was responsible for offering a one-day clinic twice a month to different communities in need.  

During one such clinic, he and his team provided optical care to nearly 200 children in a local elementary school who struggled with blurry vision and chronic dry eyes due to heavy metal exposure in the area.

Dr. Thompson (center) with Saudi National Guard.
Dr. Thompson (center) with Saudi National Guard.

To address this, Thompson and his team provided eye lubrication to the affected children. They also gave them customized glasses, which helped them to see clearly for the first time. 

“Helping those children to regain their vision is one of my proudest accomplishments,” Thompson said. “It always reminds me why I do what I do!” 

Data-driven change in health care 

In addition to his military and teaching duties, Thompson conducts research that affects public health. 

He is currently working on two projects. The first is with Dr. Robert Niezgoda, a visiting assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences.  

The project focuses on assessing the true error rate for emergency calls based on medical emergency types at CoxHealth. 

“I’m assisting with data analysis to identify the gaps and propose a solution,” Thompson said.  

For the second project, Thompson is collaborating with the Southwest Missouri Drug Poisoning Coalition team for a drug overdose study. He helps analyze data on rates of drug overdose calls and related deaths. 

“Using data to see the pattern and find prevention methods is key to lowering overdose risks and saving lives,” he said. 

Explore the public health program