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Research spotlight on Reagan Curtis

Reagan Curtis headshot.

Reagan Curtis, the Chester E. and Helen B. Derrick endowed professor of education psychology at the College of Applied Human Sciences, along with colleague Johnna Bolyard, associate professor of mathematics education, and Darran Cairns, formerly an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, presented a new approach to teaching mathematics, engineering, science and literacy in the book “Design Thinking in the Middle Grades: Transforming Mathematics and Science Learning.” 

Zulia inducted into the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapists Hall of Fame

Peter Zulia headshot

Peter S. Zulia is accustomed to helping others. As a three-time WVU graduate who went on to start Oxford Physical Therapy Centers in Cincinnati, Ohio, he has helped the physical rehabilitation of countless people and helped them get back to the activities they enjoy. As a philanthropist, he and his wife Linda have raised close to a million dollars for cancer research and an endowed a scholarship for future Mountaineers.

Last weekend, though, the spotlight was squarely on Zulia as he was inducted into the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapists Turner A. Blackburn Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony in San Diego, Calif. The award is the highest and most prestigious recognition granted by AASPT and is given to members who have made a lasting contribution to the specialty of sports physical therapy over their career.

Cyprès to be featured as TEDxWVU speaker

Autumn Tooms Cyprès speaks in front of a crowd holding a microphone.

Autumn Tooms Cypreès, founding dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences, was selected as one of five speakers to present at the TEDxWVU "Dig Deeper" event being held on Sunday, April 16, at the Canady Creative Arts Center Gladys Davis Theatre.

The following speakers will present information on a variety of topics encouraging visionary conversations and new ideas. 

Student research shows need for increased AEDs

Abbey Clark stands with her research poster at the capitol.

Abbey Clark, a senior health and well-being student from Clarksburg, W.Va., recently visited the West Virginia capitol to present her findings on the availability of automated external defibrillator in classroom buildings at WVU.

Clark’s father, who was in the family’s driveway after returning home by bus in June 2021, had gone into cardiac arrest two years ago, and largely survived due to her sister promptly performing CPR and emergency services administering the AED. Since her father had nearly gone into cardiac arrest on the bus, she and her family led a successful effort to make AEDs standard in all new state public vehicles in West Virginia.

CAHS adds Thayer, Witt to administrative team

Headshots of Zach Thayer and Matt Witt.

The College of Applied Human Science has reinforced its commitment to students and research with the addition of two administrators. Zach Thayer joins the college as the director of the Office of Student Success, and Matt Witt will serve as grants administrator.

Thayer will lead the unit responsible for the recruitment, retention and advising efforts for CAHS. He comes to CAHS from the John Chambers College of Business and Economics where he served as the director of graduate programs: systems, operations, and data analytics since August of 2020. Prior to that he spent three years as a program coordinator for first-year pathway for WVU’s Center for Learning, Advising and Student Success. He earned his master’s degree from WVU in political science and is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education.

WVU hires esports curriculum developer

Chris Scroggins headshot standing outside.

As WVU continues to grow as a national leader in the collegiate esports scene, Chris Scroggins is taking on the role of director of the esports academic program while also serving as a service assistant professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences.

“One of the most exciting things about it is that WVU is one of the first major R1 institutions to go all in on esports,” Scroggins said. “It’s exciting that we’re offering esports at an institution of this caliber. This is the flagship school of this state, and it’s spectacular that we’re willing to invest in it and really be a trailblazer at this level.

CAHS faculty member joins national youth fitness board

Eloise Elliott shown with long blond hair, smiling.

West Virginia University Ware Distinguished Professor Eloise Elliott is the newest member of the Cooper Institute FitnessGram Advisory Board, designed to promote life-long fitness and wellness through research and education.

The Cooper Institute works to provide research and programs that focus on the importance of physical activity across all stages of life. FitnessGram is one of the institute’s youth initiatives that strives to educate children and adolescents about the benefits of physical activity now and later in life.