Alyssa M. Trad
My name is Alyssa Trad and I am a 6th year PhD student in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to enrolling in this program, I received my bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport and my master’s degree from UW-La Crosse; both with a focus on adapted physical education. Throughout my time growing as a teacher and scholar, my passion lies with working with and teaching undergraduate preservice teachers. My goal is to create a safe and open learning environment that encourages students to deeply engage in the course content while also practicing social and emotional skills to better understand themselves and others around them. My research interests look at the emotional socialization of preservice teachers to better understand who and what influences their emotional development, and how universities can better educate, support, and prepare these students before they become teachers in the field.
Youngjoon Kim
I am a fourth-year doctoral student and a graduate lab lead in the pedagogical kinesiology lab at University of Illinois. Born and raised in South Korea, I earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary physical education from Seoul National University of Education and a master’s degree in sport pedagogy from Seoul National University. At Illinois, I have been involved in a variety of research projects on physical educators’ socialization and workplace experiences using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. My research interests primarily center around physical educators’ motivation to teach, workplace experiences, and career longevity.
Nicolette Suchon
As a graduate student at the UIUC I had the opportunity to serve as a research assistant where I developed the skills needed to conduct high quality research. As a doctoral student I have conducted research on the lives of PETE faculty and how they are socialized into the field. For example, examining the preparedness of faculty to conduct research, imposter syndrome in higher education, and the phenomenon of quiet quitting are a few of the projects I have been involved in. I am very invested in continuing my research in the lives of faculty and D-PETE students.
Paul Warner
I am a doctoral student at the University of Illinois in the College of Applied Health Sciences. I graduated with my B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse with a major in physical education teaching and a minor in adapted physical education in 2013. I received my M.S. in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Utah in 2016, with an emphasis in Special Physical Education. Then, I taught adapted physical education for seven years before returning to school to pursue my Ph.D. I want to continue to examine physical education opportunities for individuals with disabilities, with a focus on experiences in integrated physical education settings. I enjoy spending time with my family, being outside, hiking, grilling, and camping in my free time.
Gabrielle Strittmater
I am a third-year doctoral student at the University of Illinois and serve as a research assistant with the PKL and a teaching assistant within the department of Kinesiology. Prior to my time here, I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education and adventure education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. During my time at Illinois, I have collaborated on various projects surrounding socialization into PE and PETE faculty. My own research interests surround democratic teaching practices, meaningful physical education (MPE), and teacher preparation.
Paul Malinowski
I am a third-year doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Currently, I am pursuing a doctoral degree in Adapted Physical Education pedagogy. Before joining the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Canisius College (now known as Canisius University) and a master’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Wyoming. My research interests primarily involve students with disabilities, the Sport Education model, and peer tutors.
Check out my Research Gate profile to learn more about my research!
Jenna Fesemyer
I am a third year Ph.D. student in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also received both my bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, studying Kinesiology and Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership. My research interests examine the relationship between sport engagement and physical literacy through the realm of Self-Determination Theory for youth with physical disabilities.
Beth Frasca
I am a second year doctoral student at the University of Illinois who has a bachelors of science in Kinesiology (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) and a masters degree in exercise physiology (Benedictine University). I worked in the field as a clinical exercise physiologist for 15 years and as an academic advisor for the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program for five years while teaching for the program as well. I am currently a full time instructor for the department of Health and Kinesiology. My research interests include finding a way to incorporate exercise physiology into the physical education classroom.
Minsook Kim
I am a second-year doctoral student in the Department of Kinesiology(Pedagogy and Physical Activity). I got my bachelor’s and master’s degree in kinesiology(pedagogy) at Seoul National University. After completing my undergraduate, I started teaching physical education at a local high school in Seoul for six and a half years. My research interests lie in teacher socialization, continuing professional development, and health education. After PhD, I hope to land on an opportunity to continue doing research and teaching in higher education settings.
Tanner Wheat
My name is Tanner Wheat, and I am a second-year doctoral student from Macomb, Illinois. Before attending the University of Illinois, I was at Illinois State University where I received a bachelor’s degree in Community Public Health, and a master’s degree in sport & exercise psychology. While completing my master’s degree, I also spent time working professionaly in youth development administration. I am excited to be here at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and further myself in higher education.
Kyle Ramlow
My name is Kyle Ramlow, and I am a first-year doctoral student. I received my B.S. and M.A. from Western Illinois University in Political Science with an emphasis on Public Administration. I studied accessibility laws and accommodation practices and wanted to gain more practical knowledge, so I obtained a M.S. from Western in Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Hospitality with a focus on Therapeutic Recreation. My research interests include the disconnect between disability rights and physical education and the way sport can be utilized for social change within the disability community.