College of Health Research

A Message from the College of Health Research Committee Chair, Dr. Thunder Jalili

Improving the health of our communities demands high quality professionals contributing through research, teaching and practice. We recognize that research is the starting point for all medical progress. The diversity of the College of Health uniquely positions us to contribute to multiple levels of health science research from cells to society. Furthermore, a College with a rich research portfolio will translate to higher learning in the classroom and attract the nation's most promising students.

The COH research committee's goal is to foster research within the College of Health. We support projects across all disciplines within the College and encourage collaborative proposals that will help promote your research program and drive it in new directions. We are also encouraging applications from new investigators in the College who have not previously applied for, or obtained funding.

On behalf of the committee members, I wish everyone the best of luck in their research endeavors and I encourage all to work with the Research Facilitation Team to prepare your upcoming grant proposals.

A Message from the Dean, Dr. Jay Graves

The College of Health conducts research and promotes scholarly activity that furthers our understanding of disease and injury prevention, treatment and effective practices that are applied in community, clinical, and rehabilitative settings. The College currently supports 23 laboratories and clinics that perform research and provide services to the community, our professions, the University, and the public. We are also home to several research teams dedicated to creating and implementing evidence-based prevention programs in our schools, communities, and within families.

The College of Health is proud to be developing first-rate researchers that are working to provide answers to our most pressing health questions. We are actively involved in both basic and applied research and emphasize research translation through our clinical and educational programming.

It is our vision to be a nationally recognized research college.

A Message from Julia Summerhays, M.S. Graduate Assistant for the College of Health

The College of Health has been my home for the past six years, from my Bachelors in Exercise and Sport Science to my soon-to-be Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Education. Not only have I received my education here, but I've gained four years of research and grant writing experience by working with the faculty members in my department. As a member of the Research Facilitation Team, I have the opportunity to broaden my efforts and support the research and scholarly activities of those in the COH, PM&R and Rehab Services. I look forward to working with each of you!

College of Health Research Committee

• Thunder Jalili, Ph.D., Chair, Associate Professor, Nutrition


• M. Louise Dunn, Sc.D., OTR, BCP, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy


• James Hannon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Exercise and Sports Science


• Karol Kumpfer, Ph.D., Professor, Health Promotion and Education


• Justine Reel, Ph.D., Associate Professor Exercise and Sports Science


• Julie Wambaugh, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Communication Sciences


• Kelly Bricker, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Parks, Recreation & Tourism.


• Paul LaStayo, PT, PhD, CHT, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy