• Department head David Dzewaltowski writes about triumphs and transitions
• Craig Harms to take over the reins
• UK kinesiologist named 2014 alumni fellow
• Meet alumni Ted Miller
• Newest professors talk about their research
• We honor our scholarship winners, outstanding grad students
• Faculty, students make the news
• Faculty directory
• Your support matters

Since we moved to a new college, a typical question we hear is “what is human ecology?”

Human ecology is the study of human-environment interaction.  The human ecological perspective is central to understanding physical activity.

The first course our kinesiology undergraduates take is called Biobehavioral Basis of Physical Activity.  In this course, students learn about physical activity influences and outcomes.  It quickly becomes apparent to our students that these influences and outcomes occur within the individual (gene, cell, physiological system, psychological system) and interact with environmental processes (groups, settings, communities, culture).  This is human ecology. Continue reading “Message from David Dzewaltowski” →

Craig Harms, much-awarded professor, associate department head and undergraduate coordinator, becomes head of the Department of Kinesiology on June 8. He will continue research focusing on cardiopulmonary limitations to exercise, including gas exchange, respiratory muscle pressure development and ventilatory output in health and in disease throughout the lifespan. “Our research has potential dramatic implications on physical health,” Harms said. “It may also help explain exercise intolerance and what we can do about it.”

Ken Fox, professor emeritus of exercise and health sciences at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, has been chosen as the College of Human Ecology’s alumni fellow for 2014 at Kansas State University.

Fox, who has a master’s degree in kinesiology from the university, has dedicated his career to research, teaching and policy development in physical activity and health. His interests have included fitness education, obesity, mental health and activity in later life.

“Dr. Fox is a distinguished scientist who has had a significant role in shaping public policy in the United Kingdom as it relates to public health and physical activity,” said John Buckwalter, dean of the College of Human Ecology. “We are grateful that he agreed to travel from England to share his expertise with our faculty and students.” Continue reading “Ken Fox named 2014 alumni fellow” →

“I was as disoriented as Dorothy was in her dream travel from Kansas to Oz,” described Ted Miller, telling the story of his stormy trip to Manhattan to begin graduate school in 1984.

Battling a major Midwest snowstorm was worth it, he wrote. He made friends who helped guide his education and career. He has been with the kinesiology publishing company for more than 25 years.

“Thirty years ago, after obtaining my BS degree in psychology from Bradley University, I applied to the small number of schools that at that time (1984) offered dedicated graduate programs in sport psych. My options were further limited by my desire to start grad school immediately after completing my undergrad work in December,” he wrote. “I chose Kansas State over North Texas, and was soon on my way through a major Midwest snowstorm to Manhattan, Kansas, for the first time, one day before the start of the spring semester.” Continue reading “Alumni profile: Ted Miller ’86” →

Emily Mailey: Overcoming exercise barriers for working moms

Emily Mailey, assistant professor of physical activity and public health, conducts research in the area of reducing inactivity among a variety of populations, especially working mothers, developing interventions that emphasize the use of individual behavior change strategies and establishing effective support systems. She is also interested in studying the influence of physical activity participation on quality of life outcomes.

Current research projects in the Physical Activity Intervention Research Laboratory include Manhattan Active Moms Study, Fit Minded Working Moms (a web-based intervention) and several others. Continue reading “Faculty profiles: Emily Mailey and Brandon Irwin” →

Kinesiology scholarship winners and outstanding graduate students were honored at a ceremony in Justin Hall on March 27. Continue reading “Scholarship winners, outstanding graduate students honored” →

Craig Harms, professor, received the Myers-Alford Outstanding Teaching Award this spring from the College of Human Ecology. The award was established to honor a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding ability not only in teaching undergraduate and graduate students, but also in providing valuable information to colleagues, peers and other practitioners in the field. Continue reading “Names in the News” →

Dean of the College of Human Ecology

John Buckwalter, Ph.D.

Head of the Department of Kinesiology

David Dzewalowski, Ph.D., professor Continue reading “Who’s who” →

Friends and alumni make a difference in the lives of our kinesiology students and faculty in many ways. They offer internships, hire graduates, help guide the program and donate financial support. To explore ways to give to the department, contact Jennifer Rettele-Thomas, senior development director for the College of Human Ecology, at the Kansas State University Foundation, 2323 Anderson Ave., Suite 500, Manhattan, Ks. 66502, or jenniferr@found.ksu.edu or 800-432-1578 or 785-532-7592.

Make a difference today!

Learn more about the Department of Kinesiology or the College of Human Ecology.