Danae Dinkel

Dr. Danae Dinkel is an Associate Professor in the School of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), holding the Margaret Killion Diamond Professorship. She specializes in promoting movement across the lifespan, with a focus on early childhood development and community health initiatives. Her work integrates qualitative research methods to evaluate health programs and interventions.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Park & Recreation Management, University of Nebraska at Kearney (2005)
• Master of Science in Physical Activity in Health Promotion, University of Nebraska at Omaha (2010)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center (2010s)

Research Interests: Dr. Dinkel’s research focuses on promoting physical activity in infants and young children, evaluating community-based health programs, and examining factors influencing adherence to health protocols. She explores how movement impacts developmental outcomes like motor and cognitive skills. Her work bridges qualitative research with practical applications in public health and early childhood education.

Recent Research Trends: Her publications highlight urban/rural disparities in childcare practices, parental perceptions of infant obesity, and the integration of mental health apps in primary care. She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to address health disparities through evidence-based interventions.

Service & Leadership:

• Chair of the UNO Biomechanics & Kinesiology Doctoral Program Committee
• Member of the UNMC Institutional Review Board (IRB) since 2016
• Active participant in the UNO Graduate Council and Executive Graduate Council

Labs/Teams: She leads the Dinkel Lab (dinkellab.unomaha.edu), which focuses on early childhood physical activity and community health interventions.