Penn State Kinesiology

06/01/2026

The Men's FIFA World Cup is back in the United States for the first time in 32 years. That World Cup—in 1994—helped soccer reclaim its title as "the beautiful game," with exciting, creative play. Learn more https://bit.ly/4ekRAyD

Global soccer was in the doldrums in the early 1990s – with poor ethics and boring defensive tactics. Then FIFA set about changing the game.

05/29/2026

After three months of training, nearly an entire class of law enforcement trainees improved their fitness scores and advanced in their program.

For kinesiology senior Justin Lee, being part of that progress was a meaningful experience and example of how Penn State students make an impact beyond the classroom.

05/27/2026

Congratulations to doctoral student Zach Napora on serving as lead author of a recently published study in Frontiers in Neurology examining concussion prognosis and recovery.

Working through the Sport Concussion Research and Service Laboratory, Zach’s research explored how machine learning, neuroimaging, biomarkers, and clinical assessments may help improve the ability to identify athletes at risk for prolonged concussion recovery and support more personalized treatment approaches.

This work reflects the impactful, interdisciplinary research being conducted by our graduate students and faculty to advance athlete health and improve clinical care.

We are proud to see Zach contributing to research that has the potential to shape the future of concussion management and sports medicine. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2026.1801044/full

05/25/2026

Alexander Rigling, Master of Athletic Training Class of 2026, is completing his clinical rotation with the Duke Blue Devils Men’s Lacrosse program as the team advances to the NCAA Final Four.

Experiences like this give our students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in high-level competitive environments while learning alongside some of the best professionals in collegiate athletics. We are proud to see Alex representing Penn State and gaining invaluable hands-on experience that will help shape his future in sports medicine.

Congratulations, Alex, on this incredible achievement!

05/21/2026

It is Osteoporosis Awareness Month and Women's Health Month! Learn easy steps you can take to protect your bones in this Q&A with Mary Jane De Souza. https://bit.ly/48HyHUp

05/19/2026

Through hands-on experience, kinesiology senior Justin Lee is bridging the gap between theory and practice.

His work training future law enforcement officers highlights the value of applied learning and the impact of preparing students for real-world careers.

05/18/2026

Please join us in congratulating Michele Duffey on being recognized in Penn State’s “We Are!” feature, which highlights Penn Staters who go above and beyond in their work across the University.

Michele was nominated for her dedication to students, collaborative spirit, and commitment to supporting those around her. Thank you, Michele, for the impact you make on our students, faculty and department every day! 💙🤍

05/13/2026

Faculty member Jaime Schultz shared her expertise on NPR’s Morning Edition, contributing to a national conversation on the International Olympic Committee’s new policy on transgender athletes in sport.

The policy, which will take effect at the 2028 Olympic Games, has sparked significant discussion across sport, science, and policy communities, with perspectives spanning issues of fairness, inclusion, and athlete well-being.

We are proud to see our faculty engaging in complex, timely conversations and helping bring research-informed perspectives to important topics in sport and society.

🔗 https://www.npr.org/2026/03/26/nx-s1-5762579/ioc-bans-trans-women-events-genetic-testing

05/07/2026

Can a handful of prunes each day protect women’s bone health during the transition to menopause? Penn State researchers think it's possible and are investigating.

Mary Jane De Souza, a distinguished professor of kinesiology and physiology who has studied bone health in women for decades, is investigating whether eating a few prunes each day can slow or prevent the significant bone loss women experience during the transition to menopause. In this Q&A, she disc...