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: Kinesiology
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 […]
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 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 […]
From Huff Hall to national impact: American Lung Association CEO visits his alma mater
April 02, 2026 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo Wimmer’s chance choice leads to national public health leadership When Harold Wimmer returned to the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois, it wasn’t just a professional visit—it was a homecoming shaped by decades of purpose, mentorship and public health leadership. Wimmer, president and CEO of […]
U. of I. trial will test if exercise can improve protein efficiency for older adults with type 2 diabetes
Oct. 25, 2025 | Ethan Simmons Can regular exercise reduce the protein needs of adults with type 2 diabetes? For healthy adults, roughly .8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight per day is enough to maintain muscle mass and support daily function. But for adults with type 2 diabetes, an estimated 1 in 10 […]
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 […]
AHS Faculty Q&A: Megan Huibregtse on traumatic brain injuries, MRI and coming to Illinois
Oct. 8, 2025 | Ethan Simmons Megan Huibregtse, Ph.D., is a first-year assistant professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, but she’s no stranger to the Midwest. Huibregtse obtained her bachelor’s in neuroscience and a Ph.D. in human performance from Indiana University, Bloomington. She worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University before joining […]
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 […]
Featuring physical activity courses in the department of health and kinesiology that promote health and well-being
Sept. 24, 2025 | Tia King What if earning course credit could be fun, while helping you manage stress? Students can register for Fall Term B, and soon registration will open for the Spring semester.