May 15, 2026 | Ethan Simmons New research is testing effective ways to communicate with families about chemical exposures Among the last things a mother wants to hear is that chemical compounds found nearly everywhere in the modern environment—our clothing, packaging, plastics and drinking water—could have implications for their child’s development in the womb. Sarah […]
Category: Interdisciplinary Health
Where does AI fit into the big picture of public health?
May 13, 2026 | Ethan Simmons AI could revolutionize disease prevention—but flawed data risks deepening health inequalities In the view of University of Illinois public health researcher Bruno Nunes, artificial intelligence shapes up as a potent tool to predict and prevent public health problems, such as chronic diseases. But before AI-powered models are deployed in […]
Spring 2026: Message from HK Department Head Kim Graber
May 13, 2026 | Kim Graber Hello faculty, staff, alumni and friends, As we move through another dynamic semester in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, I am continually struck by the breadth and impact of the work happening across our department. This spring, our faculty, students and alumni have advanced important conversations at the […]
Message from HK Department Head Kim Graber
Oct. 27, 2025 | Kim Graber Dear Alumni and Friends, Now that fall 2025 is underway, I’m excited to share some of the exciting stories from the Department of Health and Kinesiology. Each newsletter reminds me of how fortunate I am to work alongside such passionate faculty, students and alumni who are making a real […]
Pedro Hallal honored with King James McCristal Distinguished Scholar award
Sept. 25, 2025 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo Pedro Hallal has built an international reputation for his research on physical inactivity Like many young researchers, Pedro Hallal thought his first study would be groundbreaking and potentially change the paradigm of the study of physical activity. Ultimately, he said, it didn’t, but now, with the value of experience […]
From Mayo Clinic to Urbana-Champaign
May 22, 2025 | Anna Flanagan In addition to their professional experience, Gabrielle Dillon and Jack Senefeld share research interests When Gabrielle Dillon joined the Department of Health and Kinesiology in the College of Applied Health Sciences last fall, she was greeted by a familiar face. She and Jack Senefeld, who had joined HK in fall 2023, had briefly overlapped […]
Study shows smart home technology to be beneficial for aging in place
May 22, 2025 | Jonathan King Mobility disabilities, defined as a “serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs,” affect approximately 21 percent of adults 65 years of age and older Saul Morse believes his wife might not have survived a recent health episode without assistive technology. “Had it not been for our voice-activated digital home assistant, […]
Wolff brings hands-on approach to musculoskeletal anatomy course
May 22, 2025 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo Many students majoring in HK want to pursue careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy and athletic training Whitney Wolff had just completed a semester as an assistant professor at tiny Lakeland University in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, when the opportunity to work at an R1 university arose. Wolff, who earned her Ph.D. […]
Can a special diet promote children’s focus?
May 22, 2025 | Ethan Simmons HK researchers found that the school children who more closely adhered to a special diet showed better control over their attention A diet rich in fiber and antioxidants, low in fat and full of colorful berries and vegetables has shown a strong connection to slowed cognitive decline in older […]
A passion for teaching
May 22, 2025 | Anna Flanagan Responsibility for teaching many courses offered by the department is also borne by another group of highly qualified individuals known as specialized faculty Like the University of Illinois and the College of Applied Health Sciences, the Department of Health and Kinesiology pursues a three-pronged mission of leadership in research, teaching and […]