College of Applied Health Sciences at Illinois

06/03/2026

Summer light on Freer Hall. ☀️

06/03/2026

Pilates has exploded in popularity, but how much of what we know about its benefits is backed by science? 💪

At the University of Illinois, Assistant Professor Soyoung Choi is working to answer that question by bringing a rigorous, evidence-based approach to one of the world’s fastest-growing wellness practices.

Through systematic reviews and meta-analyses, Choi and her team at the Department of Health and Kinesiology are examining what Pilates can—and can’t—do for health, from improving flexibility and fitness to supporting women’s health outcomes. Their work aims to move the conversation beyond trends and testimonials toward research-driven guidance.

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

For more, read the HK newsletter at: go.ahs.illinois.edu/HKspring26

06/01/2026

Our spring department newsletters have arrived! 🗞️

Read stories on new research developments, innovative classes, alumni features, faculty Q&As and much more, across our three academic departments at the College of Applied Health Sciences. 🎉

🔸Health and Kinesiology: go.ahs.illinois.edu/HKSpring26
🔹Recreation, Sport and Tourism: go.ahs.illinois.edu/RSTspring26
🔸Speech and Hearing Science: go.ahs.illinois.edu/SHSspring26

Let us know what you think!

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

It's a lot quieter, but our campus is still moving. 🩵

We hope you're enjoying your summer! ☀️

05/28/2026

So excited to share that Garrett Anderson was honored with the 2026 Staff Excellence Award at the College of Applied Health Sciences! Garrett has been a cornerstone of the Chez Veterans Center from the beginning, bringing unmatched compassion, energy, and dedication to supporting military‑connected students.
His impact is felt by students, colleagues, alumni, and the entire Champaign‑Urbana community.

Read more about his recognition and the story behind this well‑deserved award:
https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/blog/garrett-anderson-recognized-at-the-2026-ahs-awards/

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Read about our Applied Health Sciences Community-Academic Scholar projects! 🔎

Three AHS faculty and two AHS students will partner with community orgs this summer to research ways to improve the health of different populations:

🔸 Neuroscience student Roshellie Salgado will work with Health and Kinesiology Associate Professor Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo and the C-U Public Health District to evaluate a remote, mindfulness-based intervention for women experiencing postpartum pain and depression.

🔹 Jaritzi Villegas, majoring in environmental engineering, will work with HK Assistant Professor Sheena Martenies and the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission's Indoor Climate Research and Training Division (ICRT) to study how housing conditions and weatherization interventions affect indoor environmental quality in residential homes.

🔸 Lina Gil, a Psychology and Spanish double major, will work with HK Professor Wendy Rogers and Persons Assuming Control of the Environment (PACE) Understand the everyday challenges and unmet needs of people aging with long-term disabilities.

🔹 HK student Isabel Jimenez will work with Food Science and Human Nutrition Associate Professor Manabu Nakamura and Avicenna Community Health Center to evaluate a dietary and lifestyle intervention aimed at reducing blood pressure among adults with hypertension.

🔸 Zahra Ghadeer, who is minoring in public health, will work with Linguistics' Anna Mendoza and Champaign-Urbana Refugee Center to improve English-language literacy among Afghan women refugees.

For the full list of projects, visit the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute's website: https://healthinstitute.illinois.edu/news-events/news/the-2026-community-academic-scholars-are-poised-to-make-an-impact

05/26/2026

Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Today we honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.
❤️🤍💙

The Chez Veterans Center is closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

05/26/2026

We had a great time at the Abilities International Accessibility Conference & Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society (RESNA)! Lots of new and exciting happenings in rehab engineering.

College of Applied Health Sciences at Illinois