Category: College of Applied Health Sciences

New program helps student Veterans navigate transition to campus life

June 24, 2026 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

The Veteran Residential Transition Program helps Veterans navigate the shift to college life with housing, career development and individualized support

The VRTP connects students with individualized guidance and campus resources (Photo by Ethan Simmons)

For many military Veterans, the transition from active service to college life can be as challenging as any mission they faced in uniform.

The loss of structure, leadership and a clearly defined sense of purpose often coincides with the demands of navigating an unfamiliar university system, balancing family and financial responsibilities and determining a new professional direction.

A new initiative at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign aims to ease that transition.

The Veteran Residential Transition Program, or VRTP, housed at the Chez Veterans Center, was created to support Veterans as they move from military service into higher education. The program combines housing assistance, individualized case management, career development and academic support to help student Veterans establish stability and build a path toward long-term success.

“Success isn’t about how students use a program; it’s about how they move forward over time,” said Ingrid Wheeler, associate director of student success and wellbeing at the Chez Veterans Center.

Wheeler said many Veterans arrive on campus highly capable but suddenly without the structure that guided their military experience.

“In the military, individuals operate within a highly structured system with clear leadership, direction and shared purpose,” she said. “When they leave, that system is gone almost overnight. Even highly capable people can suddenly find themselves without a clear sense of direction or support.”

Rather than focusing solely on services or engagement activities, VRTP was designed to help rebuild the conditions that allow Veterans to make meaningful progress toward goals they define for themselves.

The program emphasizes early stability through housing and structured support, while connecting students with individualized guidance and campus resources. At the center of the model are case managers, who work one-on-one with participants throughout their transition.

“Case managers play a central role,” Wheeler said. “They provide a form of transitional leadership, helping students make sense of their situation, identify next steps and connect to the right supports at the right time.”

Success isn’t about how students use a program; it’s about how they move forward over time.”

Ingrid Wheeler

Associate director of student success and wellbeing, Chez Veterans Center

The goal, she added, is not to create dependence on the program but to help students regain confidence and independence.

“The goal isn’t to keep students connected to VRTP,” Wheeler said. “It’s to help them regain structure, find direction and move forward confidently without needing us.”

A key component of the program is the Individualized Transition Plan, which helps students identify priorities, set goals and assess their progress. Unlike a traditional roadmap, however, the plan is designed to evolve as students’ needs and aspirations change.

“We expect it to change, and when it does, that’s often a sign that progress is happening,” Wheeler said.

Case managers use the plans as a framework for ongoing conversations, helping students evaluate challenges and opportunities as they arise. Progress is measured through multiple indicators, including academic performance, personal stability, career development and tools such as the Military Transition Scale, developed by Health and Kinesiology Associate Professor Chung-Yi Chiu.

To develop the scale, Chiu conducted interviews with 16 student veterans to better understand their experiences transitioning from military service to higher education. Based on these interviews, she created the Military Transition Scale and collaborated with Dustin Lange, assistant director of the Chez Veterans Center, along with several student Veterans, to ensure the items were meaningful, relevant and easy to understand. Additional data collection was conducted to validate the scale across the nation. Michael Lotspeich-Yadao, assistant director of research and evaluation at Chez, has assisted in survey data collection.

Chiu said the Military Transition Scale evaluates several dimensions of transition experiences, needs and challenges, including motivation; career trajectory; social networking and support system; effective study skills; benefits of military service; self-awareness; existing and future resources; barriers, personal strength, and coping; and attitude toward veterans. These dimensions highlight the complex and multidimensional nature of the transition process.

Chez uses the scale to assess how well student veterans have adapted to higher education while balancing new academic roles with existing personal and family responsibilities, Chiu said. Based on the results, case managers can identify needs and connect student veterans with appropriate resources and services. Because transition is dynamic and changes over time, the scale can also be administered periodically to monitor progress and adjust support accordingly. The goal of the Military Transition Scale is not simply to identify challenges, but to help student Veterans thrive and successfully integrate their military experiences into meaningful academic and civilian lives.

Rather than focusing solely on graduation rates or retention statistics, Wheeler said the program emphasizes what she calls “trajectory”—the direction and quality of a student’s progress over time.

“Traditional metrics tell you where someone ended,” she said. “Trajectory tells you what it took to get there and whether it will sustain.”

One student’s experience illustrates the approach.

A Veteran enrolled in VRTP entered the university uncertain about academic and career goals. While taking a career development course designed for military-connected students, it became apparent that the student’s aspirations differed from more conventional career pathways. A theater major interested in costume design for theater and film productions, the student needed support tailored to a creative profession.

Program staff responded by connecting the student with industry professionals, including leaders at Flyover Film Studios in Rantoul, Illinois, and an Illinois alumnus working in the field. The student received individualized coaching to develop a professional resume and online portfolio showcasing costume design and theater work.

The result, Lange said, was far more significant than a potential internship opportunity.

“The most significant outcome was not simply the possibility of an internship or future employment opportunity,” he said. “It was the transformation from uncertainty and limited career direction to a clear professional pathway supported by industry connections, mentorship and a growing sense of confidence.”

The program also recognizes that practical concerns and personal growth are deeply interconnected.

“We don’t treat those as separate things,” Wheeler said. “You can’t think about purpose when you’re just trying to stay stable.”

By addressing housing, finances and other basic needs first, the program creates conditions that allow students to focus on larger questions about identity, career direction and life after military service.

Creating a sense of belonging is another priority. Wheeler said VRTP encourages connections among Veterans while also helping students build relationships across the broader university community.

“Our goal isn’t to be the one place students belong,” she said. “It’s to help them build belonging across the places where their lives actually happen.”

To achieve that, the Chez Veterans Center works with academic units, campus offices and community partners to ensure Veterans encounter supportive environments throughout campus and beyond.

“Students don’t need one place to belong,” Wheeler said. “They need to feel like they belong in their classes, their workplaces and their broader lives.”

As the program continues to grow, Wheeler said future expansion efforts would focus on strengthening the elements that have proven most effective: reaching students earlier, increasing access to stable housing and improving coordination among academic, career and health services.

“Growth only matters if it preserves what makes the model work,” she said.

Ultimately, Wheeler said, the program’s mission remains straightforward.

“The goal is simple,” she said. “Help more students move forward, without losing the quality and timing of support that makes that possible.”

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

Share on social

Tags: , , , ,

Related news

Full circle: Illinois alumni reunite through friendship and the U.S. Open

May 15, 2026 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

These three RST graduates “always knew” they’d be working together again someday

Three Recreation, Sport and Tourism alums, Eva Schmidt, Chelcia Abajian and Christine Stromberg work together through the U.S. Tennis Association. “It’s incredible to see the three of us together again.” (Photo provided)

More than a decade after their time together at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, three alumni from the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism have found themselves reunited in a place far removed from campus, yet deeply connected to their shared past.

Today, Chelcie Abajian, Eva Schmidt and Christine Stromberg work together through roles connected to the U.S. Tennis Association, contributing to the operations and hospitality surrounding one of the sport’s most prestigious events: the U.S. Open in New York. Their professional reunion, however, is only part of the story. At its core lies a friendship that began during their graduate school days at Illinois and endured long before their careers converged again.

Seeing one another again in the same professional space has been both surreal and deeply meaningful.

“It’s incredible to see the three of us together again,” said Abajian, who is senior manager, conferences and events at the USTA. “Even during the years we weren’t working side-by-side, our bond never wavered.”

Some of their most vivid memories from Illinois weren’t formed in classrooms or lecture halls, but in moments of spontaneity that helped cement their friendship. All three got both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in RST.

“My favorite memory from our Illinois days is more on a personal level,” Abajian said. “Just three months after we met, we took a spontaneous trip to New York City, which was Eva’s first time ever visiting. Looking back, that was the moment we knew this friendship was for the long haul. It’s pretty remarkable that the city where we first bonded as friends is now the same place where we’re making our mark together during the U.S. Open.”

Another favorite memory comes from the final days of their time at Illinois.

“My favorite memory together at Illinois was taking our graduation pictures at Memorial Stadium,” said Schmidt, now director of premium hospitality, office of the president with the USTA. “With the help of a colleague, we were able to take pictures in the Colonnades and it was a fun way to reflect on the last two years. Today, 12 years later, it’s surreal to be working together again, but I love the camaraderie!”

Their journey from classmates to colleagues was never guaranteed, but perhaps it wasn’t entirely surprising either.

“In a way, I think we always knew,” Abajian said. “Christine and I have been a team since 2008, first as student-athletes and now as colleagues who share a love for event operations and tennis.”

That long-standing partnership eventually played a role in bringing the trio back together professionally. When Abajian joined the USTA in 2022, she quickly realized the potential of reconnecting with familiar talent.

“When I landed at the USTA in 2022—due to Christine referring me—one of my first major events was managing the president’s suite,” she said. “I called Eva because her hospitality background was the missing piece of the puzzle for our staff. Watching her move into a full-time role afterward was the ‘full-circle’ moment we’d been building toward since college.”

Another member of the group shared a similar perspective about their eventual reunion.

“Similar to Chelcie’s answer, I always knew we’d be working together again in some capacity,” Schmidt said. “Our paths were always parallel and it was only a matter of time before they intersected.”

Even so, the exact setting was a surprise.

“When we were at Illinois, if I could have predicted where we would end up, at least for me and Eva, I thought it would be in Chicago somewhere, not all living in new places,” said Stromberg, who is director of U.S. Open Player Services. “The years after graduation, following each other’s careers and supporting each other in what we were pursuing is one of the things that kept us all together.”

Their individual career paths since college have been anything but identical.

Abajian remained closely tied to athletics after completing her master’s degree, eventually transitioning into her current role with the USTA.

“I stayed in college athletics until I shifted to the USTA in 2022,” she said. “I’m not surprised by my journey. I have a love for tennis and event management and this role marries the two together.”

Schmidt said her trajectory was far less predictable.

“My career journey since college has been completely nonlinear,” she said. “Every time I thought I had a pathway, I’d pivot and go the polar opposite direction. Working at the USTA has felt the most stable so far.”

Unexpected turns ultimately became a rewarding part of the journey.

“I never thought I’d end up outside of the state of Illinois but that’s my favorite part of my career path,” she said. “I never expected any of this and I continue to surprise myself. Who knows what’s next!”

For Stromberg, tennis itself became the unexpected thread tying everything together.

“Even though I grew up as a tennis player, my original goal was not to work in tennis,” she said. “I started taking opportunities as they arose and walked through some doors that were open and found the career path that I was ultimately looking for; I just didn’t know it’s what I was looking for.”

Many of the skills they rely on today trace directly back to their student-athlete experiences and time at Illinois.

“My skills go back to being a student-athlete,” Abajian said. “Most importantly: time management. I can juggle multiple tasks, prioritize what needs to get done and work my daily life around a schedule.”

Schmidt credited her early experiences working within Illinois athletics as formative.

“I was fortunate enough to have an internship in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics as an undergrad that took me into my graduate assistantship at Illinois,” she said. “Those years were so formative and have influenced everything I’ve done.”

Accountability, Stromberg added, remains central to how she approaches leadership today.

“Similar to Chelcie, my skills go back to being a student-athlete,” she said. “In addition to what she mentioned, accountability is one of the most important things I learned and it drives how I make decisions and lead today.”

Their friendship has only strengthened as their relationship has shifted from classmates to colleagues.

“It has only grown,” Abajian said.

Working together professionally has also given them new perspectives on each other.

“It’s certainly grown and also allows us to approach things from a different perspective,” Schmidt added.

“It continues to grow every day,” Stromberg said.

One moment in particular made their shared journey feel complete.

During one U.S. Open, the three unexpectedly found themselves together in the player walk-on tunnel at Louis Armstrong Stadium during the retirement ceremony for American tennis player John Isner.

“In my first year full time with the USTA, the three of us found ourselves in the player walk-on tunnel at Louis Armstrong Stadium for John Isner’s retirement ceremony,” Schmidt said. “Each of us were there for different reasons and we had yet to organically bump into each other at the Open. We all paused and acknowledged the greatness of the moment and even took a selfie.”

Their long history together also shapes how they work.

“Having been friends since 2012, our professional partnership at the USTA is built on a decade-plus of mutual trust,” Abajian said. “This shared history allows us to solve problems with total confidence and zero hesitation. We are each other’s most reliable sounding board and always the first phone call when it’s time to get to work.”

Honesty is part of that dynamic as well.

“We aren’t afraid to tell each other the hard things,” Stromberg added. “That’s really where growth comes from.”

Looking back, each of them has advice for the younger versions of themselves who were navigating graduate school in Champaign-Urbana.

“Work hard, but work does not define you,” Abajian said. “Chill out on the perfectionism; mistakes are just proof that you’re actually out there trying things. Your worth doesn’t go up or down based on your productivity, so don’t forget to clock out and find some sun.”

Schmidt emphasized patience.

“Take a breath,” she said. “Don’t feel like you have to have your whole life figured out by 25.”

And while their professional futures may take them in different directions, one thing is certain: their friendship will remain constant.

“Our friendship comes first in our circle,” Abajian said. “We are fortunate to have each other to lean on for work and personal advice. We hope to keep growing and learning together in this organization.”

As Stromberg summed up, the next step might be uncertain, but the foundation they share is not.

“We don’t know where the professional path will take each of us,” she said. “But we know where our friendship will.”

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu
 

Share on social

Tags: , , , , , ,

Related news

Researcher Soyoung Choi pushes Pilates toward evidence-based wellness

May 13, 2026 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Pilates promises transformations, but science reveals quieter, longer-lasting health benefits.

Health and Kinesiology Assistant Professor Soyoung Choi, left, handles various Pilates-related books and research materials with her doctoral students, Hyun Seo Ko and Diego Soto at Freer Hall. (Photo by Ethan Simmons)

In the age of algorithm-driven fitness trends and curated wellness aesthetics, reformer Pilates has become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated as much for its sleek studios and celebrity endorsements as for its exercise benefits. But beneath the social media sheen, Soyoung Choi, an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is asking a more grounded question: what does the science actually say?

Choi’s research challenges some of the most popular assumptions surrounding Pilates, especially the idea that it is a reliable path to weight loss. According to her recent meta-analysis, the evidence does not support strong claims that Pilates significantly reduces body weight. 

“Pilates primarily focuses on strengthening the core musculature,” she said, noting that it typically does not generate enough caloric expenditure for meaningful weight reduction. 

That conclusion might surprise practitioners who associate reformer classes with lean physiques and body transformations. But Choi said the disconnect lies not in the effectiveness of Pilates itself, but in how it is framed. Rather than positioning the workout as a fat-burning solution, she believes it should be understood as part of broader physical activity recommendations that support long-term health.

Evidence from her research suggests that Pilates delivers measurable improvements in areas that are often less visible but deeply meaningful for overall well-being: core strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance, posture and functional movement. These benefits can translate to reduced injury risk, improved daily mobility and better quality of life.

“Pilates has a strong mind-body component,” Choi said, pointing to its emphasis on breathing, concentration and controlled movement. These elements may help with stress management and encourage sustained exercise participation—factors that public health experts increasingly view as critical for lasting health behavior change.  

Still, Choi is careful to distinguish what research can confidently support from what remains uncertain. Studies show clear gains in flexibility, especially in the hamstrings and lower back, as well as improvements in functional stamina measured through walking-based endurance tests. Some evidence even points to reductions in systolic blood pressure.  

But when data from multiple studies are combined, several popular claims about Pilates lose strength. The research has not consistently demonstrated significant effects on body mass index, body fat percentage, cholesterol levels, bone mineral density or agility. Choi said inconsistent program designs, varied exercise intensity and uneven reporting standards make it difficult to draw stronger conclusions. In other words, Pilates is not ineffective; it is simply more nuanced than is often suggested.

“Too often, the fitness industry is designed around a ‘standard’ population.”

Soyoung Choi

HK assistant professor

That nuance becomes even more complicated when filtered through modern fitness culture. Choi’s work in health behavior and literacy has led her to examine how cultural narratives about body ideals shape exercise motivation. When Pilates is framed primarily as a path to thinness or a certain aesthetic, she said, participants may focus on appearance rather than health.

“That kind of motivation can be short-lived,” she said, especially when visible changes fail to appear quickly. The emphasis on external results can overshadow less obvious but meaningful outcomes like improved mobility, reduced pain or increased body awareness. 

Social media intensifies this tension. Online, reformer Pilates is frequently showcased through images of toned bodies and minimalist studio spaces, visuals that can create unrealistic expectations. Choi said that the scientific evidence supports flexibility, functional fitness and core strength more consistently than dramatic body reshaping. When expectations collide with reality, participants might feel discouraged even though they are making genuine health gains.  

Bridging this gap between research and public perception, she said, is essential for promoting informed decision-making around wellness.

Choi’s broader academic work also widens the conversation beyond aesthetics and trends. Much of her research focuses on accessibility in physical activity, particularly for disability populations. From that vantage point, mainstream Pilates reveals another challenge: inclusivity.

Most classes rely heavily on visual demonstrations, assuming participants can watch and replicate precise movements. For individuals with visual impairments, this creates an immediate barrier. Likewise, routines that assume full mobility can exclude people who use wheelchairs or have limited range of motion.  

“Too often, the fitness industry is designed around a ‘standard’ population,” Choi said. When accessibility is overlooked, entire groups miss opportunities for health promotion, contributing to broader disparities over time. 

In response, her lab is developing an audio-guided Pilates program specifically for menopausal women with visual impairments. Instead of relying on demonstration, the program uses structured verbal cues to guide movement. The goal is not only inclusion but reimagining how exercise instruction can adapt to diverse needs.

Her work in health literacy also informs how she views influencer-driven wellness culture. Health literacy, she said, involves more than understanding information—it means evaluating whether claims are evidence-based or shaped by marketing. In digital spaces dominated by appearance-focused content, distinguishing science from promotion can be difficult.

When fitness messaging centers narrowly on weight or shape, people might adopt definitions of health that ignore functional ability or mental well-being. Choi believes strengthening critical thinking around health information is increasingly necessary in a landscape flooded with simplified advice.

Looking ahead, Choi hopes research on Pilates and similar trends will evolve beyond short-term outcomes and aesthetic narratives. Longitudinal studies that track mobility, injury prevention, cardiovascular health and healthy aging could provide a clearer picture of Pilates’ role across a lifespan. Mental health outcomes, such as stress, anxiety, confidence and body awareness, also need more rigorous investigation, she said.  

Equity is another priority. Many existing studies involve relatively homogeneous groups who already have access to expensive studios or wellness resources. That limits how widely findings apply. Choi suggests that researchers should design studies from the outset with accessibility and diversity in mind, rather than treating inclusion as an afterthought.

Ultimately, her perspective reframes Pilates not as a quick fix, but as a tool whose value depends on how society chooses to define health. The question, she suggests, is not whether Pilates lives up to social media hype, but whether fitness culture is ready to embrace a broader understanding of wellness.

As trends come and go, Choi’s research serves as a reminder that the most meaningful benefits of exercise may be the ones that don’t always show up in a mirror.

Editor’s note:

To reach Soyoung Choi, email soyoung@illinois.edu.
 

Share on social

Tags: , , ,

Related news

Our 2026 College of Applied Health Sciences award winners

May 08, 2026 | Ethan Simmons

At the spring college meeting for the College of Applied Health Sciences, our faculty and staff gathered to celebrate this year’s college award winners, and give send-offs to two faculty leaders who are entering retirement: Speech and Hearing Science Professor and former Department Head Pamela Hadley and AHS Professor and Associate Dean for Research Jeff Woods.

(Two of our award winners, Christy Bazan and Mary Flaherty, won equivalent awards from campus as well.)

Here are our AHS college award winners for 2025-26. A recording of the meeting is available on Media Space:

AHS Staff Excellence Award

  • Chez Veterans Center Outreach Coordinator and Veteran Recruiter, Garrett Anderson
  • College of AHS Assistant to the Dean, Robbin King

AHS Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award

  • Health and Kinesiology Academic Advisor, Patty Hudek

AHS Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award – Faculty

  • Speech and Hearing Science Associate Professor, Mary Flaherty

AHS Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award – Teaching Assistant

  • Health and Kinesiology Graduate Teaching Assistant, Ashley Morgan

AHS Access, Belonging and Community Awards

  • SHS student Zhitong Zhu
  • RST graduate research assistant Jenna Fesemyer-Ayers
  • RST Assistant Professor Yannick Kluch
  • Chez Veterans Center Research Assistant Professor Michael Lotspeich-Yadao

AHS Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research Award

  • Recreation, Sport and Tourism Assistant Professor, Joelle Soulard

AHS Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching Award

  • SHS Associate Professor, Dan Fogerty

AHS Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award

  • HK Associate Professor, Laura Rice

AHS Excellence in Online Teaching Award

  • HK Instructor, Christy Bazan

Phyllis J. Hill Faculty Award for Exemplary Mentoring

  • HK Teaching Assistant Professor, Jesse Couture

Share on social

Tags: , , ,

Related news

Jeff Woods’ retirement closes a chapter in the College of Applied Health Sciences 

May 08, 2026 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Woods leaves a legacy of groundbreaking research and inspired mentorship

Jeff Woods, center, got a rousing sendoff from faculty and staff at the AHS college meeting on May 7. (Photo by Ethan Simmons)

After a noteworthy tenure spanning more than three decades at the University of Illinois,  Jeffrey Woods, Ph.D., the associate dean for research in the College of Applied Health Sciences and a national leader in exercise physiology research, has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for one of the campus’ most influential scholars in health and aging studies. 

Woods, whose work has reshaped scientific understanding of how physical activity benefits the immune system and human health, retires as one of the College of Applied Health Sciences’ most honored researchers and mentors. Named the inaugural Mottier Family Professor in Applied Health Sciences in 2019, Woods leaves a legacy of groundbreaking research and institutional leadership that has influenced both scholars and students alike.  

“When Jeff started his career at Illinois 32 years ago, life looked very different. His days began with an hour-long commute from Charleston, Illinois, to the University of Illinois. Even in tough winter conditions, he never complained; he simply did what needed to be done,” said Amy Woods, the James K. and Karen S. McKechnie Professor and associate dean for faculty affairs in AHS and Jeff’s wife. 

“All the while, his impact extended far beyond home. He traveled widely, shared his expertise with colleagues around the world and contributed to NIH grant reviews, helping to shape the future of research in his field. Now, he has a well-earned chance to slow down and enjoy life on his own terms. Jeff’s dedication and integrity have made a lasting difference, and this milestone is so richly deserved. We are so proud of him and so grateful for the life we’ve built together.” 

Woods earned his B.S. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, an M.S. from Springfield College and his Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. He joined the University of Illinois faculty in 1994, eventually holding appointments across multiple disciplinary programs, including the Departments of Health and Kinesiology, Nutritional Sciences and the Carle-Illinois College of Medicine.  

In his retirement announcement, Woods credited the undergrad and graduate students he worked with, as well as faculty and staff, whom he called the “unsung heroes” of the university.

“It has been a great career at a great university,” he wrote. “I look forward to observing your future success through the lens of my emeriti role.”

Throughout his career, Woods became internationally respected for his pioneering research into how regular exercise counteracts inflammation, bolsters vaccine responses in older adults and, perhaps most notably, alters the gut microbiome in ways that promote health independent of diet. His research findings have appeared in over 140 peer-reviewed publications and helped define new directions in the study of aging and preventative health.  

“Jeff has been a defining presence in the College of Applied Health Sciences—as a scientist, as a mentor and as a leader. His career represents the very best of our mission: rigorous research, collaborative innovation and an unwavering commitment to improving human health,” said Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences. “From the moment he arrived, he brought with him a spirit of curiosity and a deep belief in the transformative power of research.” 

In addition to his pioneering scientific contributions, Woods served in numerous leadership capacities on campus. He was associate dean for research in the College of Applied Health Sciences and director of the Center on Health, Aging and Disability, where he guided interdisciplinary collaborations and championed integrative research programs aimed at improving the quality of life for aging populations.  

Jeff has been a defining presence in the College of Applied Health Sciences—as a scientist, as a mentor and as a leader.

Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell

Dean, College of Applied Health Sciences

Colleagues and students will also remember him as a committed mentor. Over the years, Woods supervised more than 30 graduate students and served as a guiding force for early-career researchers, helping to cultivate a new generation of scholars in health sciences. His leadership extended beyond campus, with roles in national organizations and review panels that have shaped federal research agendas. 

“One thing I’ve always appreciated about Jeff is the space he gave his trainees to grow,” said Jacob Allen, an associate professor in Health and Kinesiology. “As his Ph.D. student, he trusted me early on to think independently, take risks and develop my own scientific voice—practicing over and over how to communicate science clearly. That’s what ultimately matters: making an impact with your science. Jeff always reiterated that. That kind of environment is not easy to create, and it made a lasting impact on how I approach mentorship and science today. Now Jeff gets to apply that same approach to his golf game—plenty of time, plenty of reps, … but now no deadlines! Though he may still need a little extra ‘scientific creativity’ when his ball ends up in the woods.” 

The Mottier Family Professorship, established through a generous estate gift honoring Charles and Audrey Phyllis Mottier, was awarded to Woods in recognition of his outstanding contributions to both science and education. At the investiture ceremony in 2019, Woods spoke warmly of the collaborative spirit of his colleagues and his gratitude for their daily challenges and inspirations.  

As he steps away from his official duties, Woods said he looks forward to continuing to engage in collaborative projects, writing and opportunities to speak on issues at the intersection of exercise, aging and public health. 

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

Share on social

Tags: , , ,

Related news

News Bureau: How social media promotion and ease of access increase risks of adolescent inhalant misuse

May 2, 2026 | Diana Yates, News Bureau

Rachel Hoopsick, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, studied teens’ misuse of inhalants in two recent papers. (Photo by Michelle Hassel)

Two new studies co-authored by Health and Kinesiology Assistant Professor Rachel Hoopsick offer insights into the spread of nitrous oxide misuse among adolescents.

What Hoopsick found in two studies: Millions of Americans were exposed to content about recreational nitrous oxide use from just 30 social media videos uploaded in early 2025. And younger teens were more likely to engage in inhalant misuse than older adolescents, with teenage girls being more likely to develop inhalant misuse disorder than boys.

Hoopsick led the two studies with University of Mississippi public health professor Andrew Yockey, who will join the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty in August.

“Inhalant use can cause serious harm, including neurologic damage, hearing loss, liver and kidney dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, psychological dependence and even sudden death after a single episode of use,” said Hoopsick.

The researchers shared more about their findings with the Illinois News Bureau. Read the story online.

Editor’s note:

To reach Rachel Hoopsick, email hoopsick@illinois.edu
To reach Andrew Yockey, email rayocke1@olemiss.edu
 

Share on social

Tags: , , ,

Related news

University Updates: Laura Rice on preventing falls for wheelchair users

April 29, 2026 | Amanda Brennan, WCIA News

HK Associate Professor Laura Rice (right) joined WCIA 3 News for University Updates, to share her research on the risks of falls for wheelchair users. (WCIA 3 News)

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older. People in wheelchairs are at an even higher risk. That’s a primary focus for Health and Kinesiology Associate Professor Laura Rice and her research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Rice spoke with WCIA 3 News on the University Updates segment, to shed light on fall statistics and how users of wheelchair and scooters can manage the risks of falling.

“A lot of times, the wheelchair isn’t fit for the person very well, maybe they got a hand-me-down that wasn’t set up for them, people don’t have training on transfers when they’re moving the person from one place to another. Those are all very common reasons for falls,” she explained.

Watch the full segment on the WCIA 3 website.

(For more, read the News Bureau’s piece: “Falls are prevalent concern among people who use wheelchairs, scooters.”)

Editor’s note:

To reach Laura Rice, email ricela@illinois.edu.
 

Share on social

Tags: , ,

Related news

Roots and reach: Malandraki named Khan Professor in Applied Health Sciences 

April 30, 2026 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

SHS Department head thanks her parents and mentors for helping reach a career milestone

Georgia Malandraki, center, called the professorship a milestone and a homecoming (Photo by Mike Heiniger)

The investiture of Georgia Malandraki as the Shahid and Ann Carlson Khan Professor of Applied Health Sciences was, in many ways, a story about roots and the far-reaching branches they sustain. 

Held at Huff Hall, the ceremony brought together university leaders—such as Provost John Coleman—faculty, family, mentors and donors to celebrate Malandraki’s appointment to one of the college’s most prestigious endowed positions. The event underscored both her global impact as a scientist and clinician and the philanthropic vision that made the professorship possible. 

“This is a special occasion, not only for our college and university, but for the broader community,” said Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences. She described endowed professorships as among the most meaningful traditions in academia, recognizing excellence while enabling innovation through donor support. 

The professorship is funded by Shahid Khan and Ann Carlson Khan, whose longstanding ties to the university date back to their time as students. Their contributions span multiple colleges and initiatives, including major investments in facilities, academic programs and community outreach. 

Shahid “Shad” Khan, who arrived in the United States from Pakistan to study industrial engineering, built a business empire after purchasing automotive supplier Flex-N-Gate. Ann Carlson Khan, who studied business at Illinois, later turned her focus to philanthropy, helping guide the family’s charitable efforts through the Khan Foundation. Together, they have supported causes ranging from education and the arts to healthcare and community development. 

“It’s absolutely a joy and a privilege to be here … and all the ideas and thoughts we’ve had (and) what we wanted to do here, and it’s wonderful to see it come to life,” Shad Khan said. 

Their gift establishing the Khan Professorship reflects a commitment to advancing research and leadership in applied health sciences. “Because of you, we are able to support leaders like Dr. Malandraki, whose work is improving lives across the globe,” Hanley-Maxwell said. 

For Malandraki, the honor marks both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. 

An internationally recognized expert in swallowing disorders, she returned in January to her alma mater, Illinois, as head of the Department of Speech and Hearing Science after building a distinguished career at Purdue University. There, she led pioneering work in the Imaging, Evaluation, and Treatment of Swallowing Research Laboratory and Clinic, advancing understanding of how the brain controls swallowing and developing new approaches to rehabilitation. 

Her research—supported by the National Institutes of Health and other major funders—has explored cutting-edge interventions, including telehealth and wearable technologies designed to expand access to care. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Early Career Contributions in Research Award and designation as an ASHA Fellow. 

Yet in her remarks, Malandraki focused less on accolades and more on the journey that led her to the moment. 

“I’m profoundly humble to be given this distinguished honor and opportunity,” she said. 

Born and raised in Crete, Greece, Malandraki is a first-generation college student whose path to academia was shaped by family, perseverance and early exposure to the transformative power of education. She recalled leaving Greece in 2002 for the United States with a book gifted by her sister, containing a handwritten Cretan poetic verse (mantinada) that would come to define her outlook: “Tree branches must never forget their roots, for when the roots run dry, the branches wither, too.” 

Those roots, she said, began with her parents, Maria and Andreas Malandrakis, who never had the chance to attend college but insisted their children would. Education was not optional in their household; it was woven into daily life. 

“My earliest memories are of our family gathered around the kitchen table, everyone studying,” she said. “Reading and education were simply part of daily life. My mother survived World War II as a child. (My parents) raised six children, and I was, believe it or not, the sixth. My mother often joked that raising me felt like raising six more all at once. Despite the issues they faced, including raising me, there was never any debate in our home. Their children would have the opportunities today they themselves did not.” 

Tree branches must never forget their roots, for when the roots run dry, the branches wither, too.

Georgia Malandraki

SHS Department Head and Professor

Another formative influence was her nephew, Telemachus, who was born when she was 10 years old. Telemachus was diagnosed with autism at a time when speech and support services were scarce. Watching her family navigate those challenges helped shape her decision to pursue speech and language therapy, first in Greece and later in the United States. 

“Growing up alongside Telemachus, I witnessed firsthand both his challenges and my family’s determination to support him, an experience that profoundly shaped my career path,” she said. 

She earned her bachelor’s degree at the Technological Educational Institute of Patras, followed by a master’s degree from Ohio University and a doctorate from Illinois, making her return to campus especially meaningful. 

“This moment is a full circle,” Hanley-Maxwell noted in introducing Malandraki. 

Colleagues describe Malandraki as a leader who blends rigorous science with compassion and mentorship. Beyond her research achievements, she has served in key leadership roles, including as president of the Dysphagia Research Society, and is widely recognized for her commitment to evidence-based care and collaborative scholarship. 

In accepting the professorship, Malandraki emphasized gratitude and responsibility. 

“I accept the Khan Professorship with humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” she said. “To my family, mentors, trainees, collaborators and colleagues, thank you for being my roots, my support system and my inspiration.” 

Kim Graber, left, Georgia Malandraki, center, and Wendy Rogers, far right, are the three Khan Professors of Applied Health Sciences, as endowed by Shahid Khan, right. (Photo by Mike Heiniger)

She framed the honor not as an endpoint, but as a platform for continued impact, particularly in improving access to care and advancing research that bridges science and clinical practice. 

“May our work continue to grow strong branches, deeply rooted in those who came before us, and reaching ever higher toward a future that improves lives,” she said. 

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Hanley-Maxwell, who highlighted the collective effort behind the achievement, from donors and university leadership to colleagues and family members. 

“Dr. Malandraki, congratulations once again,” she said. “We are proud to celebrate your achievements and excited for the impact you will continue to make as the Khan Professor.” 

As attendees gathered for a reception following the ceremony, the significance of the moment lingered, not just as a celebration of one scholar’s accomplishments, but as a testament to the interplay of opportunity, philanthropy and purpose. 

In the language of Malandraki’s sister’s verse, the investiture honored both the strength of the roots and the promise of the branches yet to grow. 

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

Share on social

Tags: , , , ,

Related news

Support swells for iPALS summer enrichment program

April 27, 2026 | Ethan Simmons

This summertime enrichment program for local youth run by Health and Kinesiology at Illinois is back in Champaign

A day in the iPALS program provides academic enrichment, playtime, social-emotional learning and nutritious snacks. (Photo provided)

A group of Illinois physical education alumni are supporting one of the College of Applied Health Sciences’ longest-running youth programs as it returns to Champaign.

Three graduates of the former Department of Physical Education for Women at Illinois—Carolyn Bechly, Jean Snuggs and Lyndell Wilken—have pooled their resources into an endowment to help fund the Illinois Physical Activity and Life Skills program, also known as iPALS. The summer wellness program for local children is also a steppingstone for Illinois student educators to develop their skills.

“We’re hoping iPALS can be part of their practical experience, building on what they’ve learned in a classroom,” said Wilken, who graduated in 1972 and became a coach, physical educator and athletics administrator.

The eight-week iPALS program run by the Department of Health and Kinesiology in Applied Health Sciences brings in local schoolchildren every summer for a full day-camp experience, with structured playtime, academic enrichment, social-emotional learning and nutritious snacks available each day. 

Beyond a summer opportunity for at-risk youth—every child participant qualifies for SNAP benefits or free-and-reduced lunch—the program doubles as a research study, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The premise of the study: to see if regular physical activity, summertime enrichment and specialized nutrition can curb “learning loss,” the regular backsliding of academic achievement that occurs over summer break. Enrollment in iPALS is completely free.

The University of Illinois has a long history of youth summer programs. iPALS was originally the “Sport Fitness” program, where physical activity was the focus. With community input from partnering local school districts, faculty leaders have developed a more balanced approach over the years, between academic and social enrichment, exercise and nutrition.

Many of the daily snacks served to iPALS kids contain lutein, a carotenoid common in leafy green vegetables that settles in our eyes and brain, supporting our eyesight and cognitive health. The iPALS participants, ages 6 to 11 years old, take fitness, academic and cognition assessments at the beginning and end of the program to measure its direct impacts.

“Given that physical activity participation is among the most robust behavioral approaches to support both physical and cognitive health, we anticipate that the iPALS program has the potential to have a meaningful impact on children in our community,” said principal investigator Naiman Khan, associate professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology.

During iPALS days, the kids move from station to station, with each stop run by Illinois graduate students. The researchers purposely use students with diverse backgrounds: nutrition majors running the snack station, education majors running academic enrichment, and physical educators structuring the playtime.

“For me, the most important aspect is that we provide a safe space for eight hours a day where kids are guaranteed meals and snacks, surrounded by adults who care about them, and they’re able to build relationships with peers experiencing similar realities,” said HK Associate Professor Kevin Richards, who researches the teaching of physical education. “That impact is difficult to capture with data, but it is the most meaningful part of the program.”

Interested families can visit the iPALS website and complete the eligibility survey to see if their child qualifies for the program. This year’s iPALS will take place at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy in Champaign on weekdays from June 3 to July 17.

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy in Champaign will be the hosting venue for this year’s iPALS program. (Champaign Unit 4)

A Motivated Donation

Illinois alumnae Carolyn Bechly, Lyndell Wilken and Jean Snuggs on a trip to Alaska. The three graduated from Illinois Department of Physical Education for Women just as Title IX took effect. (Photo provided)

The teaching experience available in the iPALS program mirrors the student teaching opportunities that were available to prior generations of Illinois physical education majors. Months after the passage of landmark Title IX legislation in 1972, the Illinois departments of Physical Education for men and women were fused, just as Bechly, Wilken and Snuggs happened to embark on their careers.

Under Title IX, every education program that received federal funding had to ensure equal access for students regardless of sex. Schools nationwide had an imperative to start girls’ sports teams, and a dire need for coaches. Some states, including Illinois, mandated that coaching slots be filled by women.

Suddenly, these new Illinois physical education graduates had their work cut out for them. 

“It was an amazing time, and busy,” Wilken said. “The opportunities were huge, also the workload you sustained, because you were a full-time teacher and you weren’t given anything extra for coaching—just the love of sport and wanting girls to have opportunities that drove most of us to essentially do it for free.”

The three women quickly discovered the lessons from the Illinois’ physical education program were useful in the field. They had learned under department legends such as professors Phyllis Hill and Beulah Drom, who instilled foundations in childhood motor skills and structuring class-time for physical education. The pedagogy of P.E. was scientific and practical: to help students understand the joy of movement, you’ll have to get them to line up single file as well.

“The science of it was really fascinating … you learned how to learn things, which carried over into how to teach,” Snuggs said. “In retrospect, it was always incredibly teaching-oriented.”

Wilken, Snuggs, Bechly and their cohort have retired, mostly, from long careers in physical education and coaching, spanning secondary schools, colleges and universities. They owe much of their lasting bond with their classmates to the passage of Title IX, and the whirlwind of entering the field together, giving student-athletes—particularly young women—opportunities that didn’t exist for themselves.

“We graduated, Title IX happened, and we fell into wonderland,” Bechly said. “Us starting as brand-new teachers, to be able to coach and experience stuff we didn’t really experience to that level, it was just fabulous.”

Naturally, shared professional experiences led the cohort to stay in touch and collaborate. Wilken made a spirited call to Snuggs back in 1979: Wilken was leaving her post at the American River College in Sacramento after founding its women’s track and field team. The school would need a new athletics administrator, and a new coach.

Inspired by how iPALS mirrors their own student-teaching experiences at Illinois, these physical education alums set up a fund to support the program indefinitely. (Photo provided)

“I had never run a track race in my life, but Lyndell said, ‘Hey, you might like this, why don’t you apply?’” Snuggs said. Snuggs got the job and stayed at American River College for more than 30 years, retiring as its dean of physical education in 2012. Wilken went to work at Lane Community College in Oregon, coaching its cross country and track teams to four conference championships.

Today, more than 53 years after the passage of Title IX, these alums have reconnected with their alma mater. After dialogues with the current faculty of Health and Kinesiology, the iPALS program seemed a good target for their financial support, mirroring their own student-teaching experiences at Illinois.

Their Supervised Teaching of Physical Activity/Nutrition Fund will support iPALS indefinitely. The founders have put out an open call for alums, including fellow physical educators, to donate.

“We’d like the students working there in the summer to be future physical educators, and that they continue being mentored and teaching,” Bechly said.

Families can register their kids for this summer session of iPALS now. In the meantime, the PEW alums hope more supporters help sustain the program.

“Physical education is a wonderful opportunity for kids to make decisions at whatever level, in terms of how they deal with others, how they deal with winning and losing. It’s heavy-duty stuff they can use for the rest of their lives,” Snuggs said.

Editor’s note:

To learn more about iPALS or sign up your child, visit the program’s webpage.

Want to contribute to the Supervised Teaching of Physical Activity/Nutrition Fund (Fund #778014)?  Donate or email our AHS Office of Advancement at advancement@ahs.illinois.edu.

Share on social

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Related news

News Bureau: Nature videography replicates the mental health benefits of outdoor activities

April 15, 2026 | Sharita Forrest

A study on nature-based videography took this Recreation, Sport and Tourism doctoral student to parks and forest preserves in Florida

RST graduate student Darcy Lu visited several parks and forest preserves in Florida to record video and sounds as part of a study on nature-based videography’s impact on mindfulness and well-being. Lu, who collected the samples while studying at the University of Florida in 2022, recently published her findings in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism. (Photo by Fred Zwicky / University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

New research led by a scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that watching and creating videography of scenic locations cultivates nature-based mindfulness — conveying the same cognitive and emotional benefits as outdoor activities and fostering a deep sense of connection with nature.

Yue (Darcy) Lu, an Illinois doctoral student in Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the College of Applied Health Sciences, conducted a two-phase study that began with an ethnographic exploration of her experiences with mindfulness while she was recording audio and video of scenic destinations in Florida for another project.

Lu text-mined more than 3,000 reviews — which included videography of cherry blossoms and forest bathing in Japan, a live wildlife safari in South Africa and a sunset hike with a geologist in Thailand — to explore whether immersive digital experiences offered the same benefits as physical engagement with nature.

Read the full story online by Illinois News Bureau research editor Sharita Forrest.

Editor’s note:

To reach Yue (Darcy) Lu, email yuel12@illinois.edu

The paper “Videography-facilitated nature-based mindfulness at natural destinations” is available online.

DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2026.2614551
 

Share on social

Tags: , , , , ,

Related news

College of Applied Health Sciences
110 Huff Hall
1206 South 4th Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2131