Department of Health & Nutritional Sciences

Kendra Kattelmann, Department Head
Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences
Wagner Hall 425, Box 2275A
605-688-4668

Faculty

Distinguished Professor

Kendra Kattelmann

Professors

Moul Dey, Jessica Meendering, Igor Sergeev, Bonny Specker, Matthew Vukovich

Associate Professors

Bradley Bowser, Elizabeth Droke, Lacey McCormack

Assistant Professors

Hungling (Stella) Liu, Trevor Roiger, Bryan Romsa, Lee Weidauer, Mary Beth Zwart

Senior Lecturer

Tracy Nelson

Lecturer

Mary Gengler

Instructors

Christopher Comstock, Becky Jensen, September Kirby, Jill VanDamme

Emeritus

James Booher, Georgia Crews, Michael Crews, Harry Forsyth, Patricia Hacker, Madeleine Rose, Robert Rose

Overview

The Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences is dedicated to improving quality of life regionally, nationally, and globally by fostering lifelong learners, conducting innovative science, and delivering effective outreach in the areas of health and nutrition. The integration of academic programs, which focus on nutrition, health, recreation, exercise, and human performance, provides students and faculty with unique opportunities to collaborate and to promote interaction among students in different majors with a common focus on promoting health through proper nutrition and physical activity.

The course offerings help develop students with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills and abilities to enter graduate school or employment within the health care field, industry, or education. Students learn how to critique and analyze research within their designated field and have access to state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, nationwide internship programs, and study abroad experiences. The faculty members are nationally recognized as experts in their field and are dedicated to student success.

Department Objectives

• to improve the quality of life regionally, nationally, and globally by fostering lifelong learners, conducting innovative science, and delivering effective outreach in the areas of health and nutrition.
• to provide premier leadership in health and nutritional sciences dedicated to excellence in learning, discovery, and outreach.

Programs

Majors

• Community and Public Health (B.S.)  
• Exercise Science (B.S.)   
• Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.)    
• Physical Education Teacher Education (B.S.)  
• Sport and Recreation Management (B.S.)  

Minors

• Health Education Minor  
• Nutrition Minor  
• Recreation Administration Minor  
• Sustainable Local Foods Minor  (Offered in collaboration with the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science)

Certification Preparation

• Athletic Coaching Certification  

Pre-Professional Interest Areas

• Pre-Athletic Training  
• Pre-Occupational Therapy  
• Pre-Physical Therapy  

Graduate Programs*

• Athletic Training (M.S.)
• Dietetics (M.S.)
• Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (M.S.) - Exercise Science Specialization
• Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (M.S.) - Nutritional Sciences Specialization
• Sport and Recreation Administration (M.S.)
• Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (Ph.D.)
• Transdisciplinary Childhood Obesity Prevention Certificate

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Student Support & Engagement Opportunities

The department offers a number of opportunities for student involvement. The student organizations provide professional development and social interaction through numerous events on campus, as well as service learning and travel opportunities. Undergraduate research provides opportunities to work in research laboratories with professors. Students are able to become actively involved in data collection and data analysis as well as have the chance to write, travel, and present research.  The department also awards scholarships to incoming and current students.