Jaci VanHeest

Dr. Jaci VanHeest is an Associate Professor and Director of Educational Psychology at the Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut. She holds additional roles as a University Teaching Fellow and Faculty Director of the Public Health Learning Community. Her expertise spans childhood obesity, elite athlete performance, and exercise endocrinology.

Dr. VanHeest earned a B.A. in Physical Education from Hope College (1984), followed by an M.S. (1988) and Ph.D. (1993) in Exercise Physiology and Endocrinology from Michigan State University. She completed postdoctoral training at the University of Cincinnati and University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Her research focuses on interventions for overweight children, bioenergetics in athletes, and hormonal impacts of exercise. Notable projects include the PawPALS Program for overweight children and collaborations on energy deficiency effects in female athletes.

Dr. VanHeest has received awards including the University Teaching Fellow distinction (2006-2007) and Spirit of Exercise and Health Sciences Award (2010). She is involved in initiatives like the GetSSET Sport Science Program and Harvard Smithsonian SportSmart Project.