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Elizabeth Janeiro, a sport and exercise psychology student, presented research, in collaboration with Dr. Dana Voelker, as part of her eight week-long summer internship. Janeiro presented her project at the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium,in late July at the Erickson Alumni Center.

“Elizabeth and I worked collaboratively on this research project at every stage and we plan to continue our work together by submitting a peer-reviewed manuscript with the results,” said Voelker.

Two CPASS alumni have combined efforts to strengthen physical education in the Canton Public Schools District (Canton, MA). Ryan Gordy was promoted from wellness instructor at Canton high school to K-12 wellness department coordinator for Canton Public School District. The district hired CPASS grad Adam Hughes as his replacement at the high school.

Gordy and Hughes met each other through the Physical Education Teaching Education program at West Virginia University. With similar views on physical education, the two graduates are now working together in Canton on a new PE program to improve student growth throughout the school district and impact the community.

Sae-Mi Lee, a fifth year doctoral student beginning this fall, is the 2016 Association for Applied Sport Psychology Student Diversity Award recipient. This award recognizes and honors students who have made important contributions to the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology on issues related to diversity.

“I’m really excited to receive this award. Professionals in the field who also believe diversity is important are encouraging me to keep shedding light to the margins. Promoting equity and social justice is important, especially in sport psychology, because we’re trying to help people and improve their lives.” Lee explained.  

Erika Van Dyke, CPASS sport and exercise psychology doctoral student, received the APA Division 47 Thesis Award at the American Psychological Association Convention. She presented her research project, Exploring Relationships among Self-talk and Balance Beam Performance in Gymnastics, at the APA Convention in Denver, Colorado, August 4-7.

Growing up as a gymnast, the sport became a big part of Van Dyke’s life from a young age through college as an NCAA Division I gymnast. As a high level athlete, Van Dyke incorporated self-talk into her competitive performances and became fascinated by how mental skills influence performance.

CPASS sport and exercise psychology major junior  Habiba Shaker  is one of four members of the West Virginia University women’s tennis team named ITA Scholar-Athletes. The student-athletes were named to the ITA All-Academic team, as announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

Shaker joins senior  Kaja Mrgole, exercise physiology, and sophomores Paula Goetz , industrial engineering, and  Abigail Rosiello , pre-medicine, who were all recognized by the ITA as Scholar-Athletes for their outstanding work in the classroom. The 2016 season marked the third consecutive year the Mountaineers earned academic team honors.

A multi-team collaboration in elementary schools around the state has earned a first-in-the-nation achievement, according to the West Virginia Department of Education. A West Virginia University team played a critical role in the effort.

All 441 West Virginia public elementary schools have joined the Let’s Move! Active Schools Program, a national movement to help schools provide 60 minutes of physical activity a day.  

Kenneth W. Osleger has created a new endowment in support of a scholarship for the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. The Kelly Irene Osleger Endowed Scholarship was established in honor of Osleger’s daughter Kelly. She died of ovarian cancer three years ago at the age of 32.

“Kelly had a bright future that was snatched away from her. I know she would like to see other young students have the opportunity to excel in life,” said Osleger. The endowment will provide scholarships for undergraduate and/or graduate students with a preference to physical education teacher education and athletic training majors. The endowment gift amount to CPASS is $100,000.

A West Virginia University alumnus has received a national award for his work as a high school social studies teacher. It took a twist in professions for Phil Caskey to discover his new passion – teaching – where he excels.

A three-time WVU degree holder and current University High School (Morgantown, W.Va.) social studies educator, Caskey was named the 2016 Civil War Trust National Teacher of the Year. He was honored in July at the Trust’s Summer Teacher’s Institute in Richmond, Va.

A  West Virginia University  College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences faculty member will lead the new Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences (CACSS). CPASS athletic coaching education faculty member Kristen Dieffenbach  will serve as director of the facility.

CACSS focuses on projects designed to improve the work of those who coach, train coaches, and conduct and support research related to coaching and coach development. The Center highlights projects that promote multiple aspects of applied coaching science simultaneously.

Brooke Towner and Cory Breithoff, CPASS graduate students, have been selected to participate in the West Virginia Inaugural Summer Policy Institute 2016. The WV Center on Budget and Policy will host the gathering on the West Virginia Wesleyan College campus, July 29-31.

This program will allow students from accredited universities across the state to come together and learn about critical West Virginia specific policy issues.