Kinesiology

Dr. Tara Blackshear Delivers the Praxis Lecture at the NAHKE Conference

Posted on February 18, 2025

Dr. Tara Blackshear, EdD in KIN alum and Associate Professor at Towson University, delivered the Praxis Lecture at the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAHKE) conference in January. The lecture was titled, “The First: Trailblazing While ‘Talking Back’ to Ensure We Aren’t the Last – Dedicated to Anita J. Turner”. Dr. Blackshear’s lecture honored Anita J. Turner’s contributions to physical education and addressed the ongoing challenges Black women and other marginalized groups face when they are the first or only. The lecture explored leadership, empowerment, and the necessity of “talking back” or taking a stance against societal norms or injustices, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, resilience, and the power of voice. Additionally, the lecture highlighted the importance of learning from the past to create a more inclusive future, and to continue the trailblazing work of those like Anita J. Turner. 

This was Dr. Blackshear’s first NAHKE conference, and she says it was an honor to be the 5th Praxis lecturer. Dr. Blackshear said it was fantastic and refreshing to be surrounded by her UNCG family as they were well-represented at the conference. 

One the highlights of the conference for Dr. Blackshear was meeting with Dr. Camille O’Bryant, who delivered the first Praxis Lecture, after developing a relationship over Zoom. Furthermore, Dr. Blackshear enjoyed delivering the workshop with Dr. Brian Culp titled “Embracing Culture & Engaging in Anti-Racist (Physical) Education: A Crucial Step Towards and Equitable Future.” The workshop focused on effectively incorporating social justice materials into teaching, developing intentional strategies to improve the profession, and bringing culture into the physical education spaces. Additionally, Dr. Blackshear enjoyed a tour of Puerto Rico led by current EdD student, Taisha Hernández Zambrana. 

Dr. Blackshear states the EdD in KIN has been very impactful in her career as it gave her a foundation for conducting research and wanting to make an impact with her work. Throughout her time at the conference, Dr. Blackshear enjoyed connecting with faculty, fellow EdD in KIN students and alumni, gaining new perspectives from workshops and speakers, and definitely plans to attend future NAHKE conferences. 

Learn more about the EdD in KIN program at UNCG on our website .

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Kinesiology

Understanding Plaques and Tangles in Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on February 24, 2025

illustration of plaques and tangles

PAC Lab Article Written By Brittany Armstrong

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. A key feature of this disease is the buildup of plaques and tangles in the brain, which interfere with normal brain function. But what exactly are these plaques and tangles, and why do they matter?

What Are Plaques?

Beta-amyloid is a protein found in the fatty membrane surrounding nerve cells. In a healthy brain, beta-amyloid is cleared away regularly, but in Alzheimer’s disease, it accumulates and forms sticky plaques. These plaques build up between nerve cells in the brain and disrupt communication between cells.

What Are Tangles?

Tau is a protein found in the brain that helps transport nutrients along pathways within brain cells. In a healthy brain, tau helps keep the pathways straight, but in Alzheimer’s disease, tau clumps into twisted strands, forming tangles. These tangles cause nutrients to no longer move through the pathway which leads to cell death and disintegrating pathways.

How Do Plaques and Tangles Affect the Brain?

Plaques and tangles block communication between brain cells and cause brain cells to die. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, plaques and tangles may not cause detectable symptoms of memory loss. In mild to moderate stages, they cause memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, and personality changes. As more plaques and tangles accumulate, symptoms worsen.

brain showing location of plaques and tangles during early stages of Alzheimer's disease
brain showing location of plaques and tangles during mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease
brain showing location of plaques and tangles during late stages of Alzheimer's disease

Can We Prevent Plaques and Tangles?

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, research suggests that lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk cognitive decline. These lifestyle changes include keeping the brain active (e.g., puzzles), following a brain-healthy diet (e.g., fruits and vegetables), interacting with others, and managing health conditions (e.g., controlling blood pressure).

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Kinesiology

Dr. DeAnne Brooks Named Outstanding Reviewer for IJKHE 

Posted on February 17, 2025

During the 2025 National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE) Conference, Dr. DeAnne Brooks was named Outstanding Reviewer for the International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education. Dr. Brooks states that “it was a surprise and an honor” and that when giving feedback on articles she “tries to be kind and offer feedback that people can use to make their manuscript stronger.” 

One of the highlights of the conference for Dr. Brooks was going on a tour of Old San Juan which was led by current Ed.D. student, Taisha Hernández Zambrana. The tour consisted of the history of the buildings, meaning behind the different flags, politics, education system, and much more. 

As she has attended the NAHKE conference for the past six years, Dr. Brooks encourages anyone who is interested to go as it is a smaller conference which allows attendees to network and get to know each other in an intimate setting, and recommends the conference for those with several different interests in kinesiology and want to develop their leadership and teaching practices in the discipline. 

Learn more about the EdD in KIN program at UNCG on our website .

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Kinesiology

Dr. Jerono Rotich Inducted as the 60th NAHKE Fellow

Posted on February 17, 2025

In January, Dr. Jerono Rotich, the UNCG 2024 HHS Distinguished Alumni Awardee, was inducted as the 60th NAHKE Fellow during the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE) Conference. Dr. Rotich is the Associate Dean for Organizational Climate, Inclusion, and Belonging Professor at Indiana University. 

For Dr. Rotich, the NAHKE Conference was an exciting and unforgettable experience. The event provided her the opportunity to connect with faculty and students from various institutions and those from her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). She states that “it was incredible to spend time with my former professor, Dr. Gill, and current faculty members, Drs. Brown and Brooks, along with current students and fellow alums”. 

The highlight of the conference for Dr. Rotich was being inducted as NAKHE Faculty Fellow #60. A NAHKE Fellow is an acknowledged leader in the field of kinesiology who has added distinction of providing outstanding service to NAHKE through a variety of contributions. These contributions include scholarly productivity, serving on committees, contributing to publications, and holding senior leadership positions. Dr. Rotich states she is “incredibly grateful for this honor and excited to continue advancing our discipline” as the prestigious recognition underscores her unwavering commitment and significant contributions to NAKHE and the field of Kinesiology. This recognition comes shortly after receiving the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from the UNCG School of Health and Human Sciences for her contributions to teaching, scholarship, and leadership on both national and international stages. 

After a memorable conference, Dr. Rotich knows that the connections made, and knowledge gained will have a lasting impact on her career and contributions to the field of Kinesiology.

Learn more about the EdD in KIN program at UNCG on our website .

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Kinesiology

Cognitive Fitness

Posted on February 12, 2025

chess board

PAC Lab Article Written By Brittany Armstrong

Our brains require stimulation to remain sharp. Cognitive fitness (activities that stimulate and nourish the brain) may maintain and improve thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills. The best part? Keeping your mind active can be fun and rewarding! There are tons of engaging brain-boosting activities to strengthen cognitive abilities and support long-term mental well-being.

1. Challenge Your Brain with Games & Puzzles

Puzzles, word games, and brain-training apps may help enhance memory and problem-solving skills. Activities like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and chess have been shown to support cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

2. Learn Something New

Lifelong learning is a key component of cognitive fitness. Whether it’s learning a new language, playing an instrument, or trying out a new hobby like painting or gardening, acquiring new skills stimulates neural connections.

3. Engage in Creative Activities

Creative expression activates the brain. Adding a creative activity, such as writing, drawing, crafting, playing music, or trying new recipes, may also reduce stress. Try some simple activities like adult coloring books or journaling to boost relaxation.

4. Stay Socially Connected

Interacting with others keeps the brain engaged and promote emotional well-being. Joining a club, attending community events, or simply talking on the phone with friends and family can support memory and critical thinking skills.

5. Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition

A well-rested and well-nourished functions more efficiently. Sleep plays an important role in problem-solving and mental clarity, so aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. Additionally, eating nutrient-rich foods supports brain health. A diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids—found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds—helps protect brain cells.

Final Thoughts

Cognitive fitness helps keep your brain strong and adaptable through stimulating activities. By incorporating some simple, enjoyable activities into your daily routine, you can support cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Stay curious, stay engaged, and keep challenging your mind!

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Kinesiology

Kristi Johnson Publishes Her First Book 

Posted on February 14, 2025

Book cover of a ballerina

Dr. Kristi Johnson, an EdD in KIN alum, published her first book titled, ABC Dance and Move With Me. This educational book is designed for children aged 1-5 and aims to enhance the interplay between movement and literacy in early childhood education. The book teaches movement, celebrates diversity in dance, and sparks curiosity among young readers. 

Kristi was inspired to write her book after a conversation with a former student who was searching for a coloring book featuring dancers of different ethnicities, and her daughter’s love of dance. Kristi’s motivation for this work lies in the recognition that many young dancers possess a limited understanding of dance and view ballet as the standard. The book introduces a diverse array of dance styles through the alphabet where each letter represents a dance term or movement and widens young readers’ appreciation of dance as a multifaceted art form and significant cultural expression. Additionally, the illustrations in the book depict characters from underrepresented communities and fosters a more inclusive understanding of dance by highlighting various movement forms (i.e., hip-hop, African dance, jazz, creative movement, etc.). Kristi believes that when children see characters who reflect their cultural backgrounds and experiences, it affirms their identities and enhances their ability to envision their own futures. 

Throughout the process of bringing her vision to life, Kristi found that it felt like choreographing. She states, “as a dancer and choreographer, I’m always working with movement, shapes, and visual storytelling, and this felt no different.” A challenged faced during the writing process included choosing the right dance term for each letter of the alphabet as “dance is a language of movement, but in a picture book, that movement has to be captured in a single image.” While fully embracing the process and its associated challenges, Kristi found the popular saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” to not be true as people absolutely judge books by their covers; her research found that the book cover is crucial for catching a reader’s attention whether they are in the bookstore or scrolling online.  

As she reflects on the publication of her book, Kristi states it “feels surreal to go from an idea, a simple seed of inspiration to holding a fully realized picture book in my hands.” She is most proud of allowing herself to follow her instincts. Kristi hopes that the representation of the characters will help children to cultivate empathy, challenge prevailing stereotypes, and nurture an appreciation for varying perspectives. 

Since the book has been published, Kristi has received incredible feedback. The most unexpected and rewarding pieces of feedback came from a colleague who mentioned that elementary dance teachers in public schools are interested in using the book as an educational resource in their classrooms. In addition to being in bookstores and at dance events, Kristi recognizes the book’s potential as a teaching tool in schools to bridge the gap between dance and literacy. Another heartfelt moment was delivered from a former student and mom, whose child asked, “Is that me?” upon seeing the book for the first time. The moment highlighted that every word and image in the book becomes a part of the child’s story and opens a world of possibilities for the child to imagine herself as a ballerina, a ballroom dancer, an African dancer, or someone who embraces movement in her life, which was one of Kristi’s goals when writing the book. Kristi is excited for what the future holds. 

We are so proud of our alumna and NC Central University Director of Dance, Dr. Kristi Johnson, for making her dream a reality.  

Kristi’s book can be purchased here. 

Check out our website to learn more about the EdD in KIN program at UNCG.

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Kinesiology

Kinesiology students offer tips to stay active

Posted on February 19, 2025

People may have several barriers to exercising.

People may have several barriers to exercising. Lack of time, lack of facilities, sometimes lack of energy and motivation. But with music, people feel like, ‘This is cool.’ They feel the pump of the music.

Bryan Montero Herrera, Kinesiology Sport and Exercise Psychology doctoral student
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Kinesiology student interns with Las Vegas Raiders

Posted on February 14, 2025

Desmond Moore, master's student in the Applied Sport Psychology program

I’ve wanted to be a mental health professional since I was about 13 or 14 years old. When I heard about sport psychology, and I knew I could blend the worlds of mental health and sports, I knew that was going to be for me.

Desmond Moore, master’s student in the Applied Sport Psychology program
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Department of Kinesiology Receives Inclusive Excellence Award

Posted on February 12, 2025

AKA DEI award winners

The UNCG Department of Kinesiology was recently recognized by the American Kinesiology Association at its annual leadership workshop in California. The department was awarded the 2025 Inclusive Excellence Award. Attending the conference for UNCG were (right to left): Dr. Scott Ross, Dr. Carl Mattacola, Dr. Erin Reifsteck, Dr. DeAnne Brooks and Dr. Michael Hemphill. Also attending were UNCG alums Dr. Jerono Rotich and Dr. Lindsay Nanney.


The award recognizes academic units that promote an understanding of diversity and inclusion; develop innovative programs, initiatives or strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion; have a sustained commitment to developing diversity and inclusion in kinesiology; and demonstrate support of historically underrepresented and/or marginalized individuals.

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Kinesiology Alum Ensures the Chiefs are Ready for the Big Game

Posted on February 04, 2025

Kinesiology Alum Ensures the Chiefs are Ready for the Big Game

While much of the country is focused on whether the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl, Dr. Shaun Tyrance is focused on the Chiefs’ mental health, a job he enjoys. 

Tyrance, who graduated from UNCG in 2003 with a master’s degree from the Sport and Exercise Psychology program, is the Vice President of Player Services and Assessment for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. In this role, he is responsible for the mental health and wellbeing of the organization. He’s tasked with supporting the mental health for all players, coaches, and staff of the organization, so the team can perform at its best. 

He was the Chiefs’ first in-house clinician, and the second in the NFL, before the position was mandated by the League. A few years ago, Tyrance hired a second person to assist him in focusing on the wellness of the Chiefs’ business staff, so he can focus on the organization’s players and coaches. 

(The Chiefs) were on the forefront to integrating mental health in the organization, and hopefully I’ve helped a little bit with our success, I think I’m one of the most integrated resources in professional sports. Our head coach, GM (general manager), owner and president have all bought into this.

Dr. Shaun Tyrance

Tyrance said at some point in the season, every player will struggle with something, and his position helps the team succeed. 

“I work on getting them to prepare on a high-level all year long. This includes getting good sleep, taking care of the body, and practicing mindfulness,” Tyrance said. “I help everyone figure out their individual strengths and weaknesses and put a plan together to help them perform at an optimal level.” 

He said the plan may include visualization, relaxation techniques, or other practices so the mind and body are calm. It’s also important to have recovery during the week, so the person is ready on game day. 

The techniques don’t change based on the time of year — even if the team is getting ready for its third Super Bowl in three years. 

“We don’t change what we do. We try to be consistent, no matter the game. There’s no more emphasis or preparation on any game,” Tyrance said. “It takes a certain amount of work to win a game, and I think (being consistent) helps us put us in the right mental state. If we did something different, it would be more detrimental.” 

Tyrance said he has been around some teams that may watch more game film or have more meetings prior to certain games, which could cause a reaction in the players. By the Chiefs keeping things the same throughout the year, it allows the players and coaches to remain focused for the Super Bowl. 

And while some Chiefs players receive more media attention throughout the year than others, Tyrance said it is the lesser-known players who may experience more distractions during big games. 

They may get more requests from their local media outlets or others who know them, We have a great PR (public relations) team to help them.

Dr. Shaun Tyrance

Tyrance said it also helps that the team has been to the Super Bowl recently, so staff, coaches and players know what to expect. 

Some of the advice he gives members of the Chiefs’ organization are things he would recommend for the average person:  

  • Get the proper amount of good quality sleep; 
  • Get out and move your body daily; and  
  • Have good social support. 

“Having friends and family to lean on and be in your corner is very important,” Tyrance said. “When you have a struggle, it can be isolating. It’s key to talk to other people to know you’re not alone.” 

He said his profession is important for everyone. 

“Mental health is something we all have. Some days we’re thriving, and some days we may be in crisis,” Tyrance said. “I tell everyone to find a therapist and build that into your mental health plan. We can all benefit from having someone to talk to year-round. Like going to an acupuncturist, or getting a massage, or getting exercise, we need to be proactive about our mental health.” 

He also tells the team to be intentional with their free time. NFL teams will spend dozens of hours a week getting ready for games. This includes holidays and time away from important family events. 

“When you get a moment to get away, take it. If you have an hour and you spend it scrolling on Facebook or Instagram instead of resting and taking time for yourself, it can impact your recovery,” Tyrance said. “A lot of times we don’t take full advantage of the time, so it doesn’t feel like a break.” 

-Dr. Shaun Tyrance earned his master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from UNCG. In addition, he also earned a Master of Education from N.C. State University and his Ph.D. from UNC Charlotte. 

By Sarah Newell 

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