Jennifer Thorp

Jennifer Thorp serves as Associate Professor in the Department of K-12, Health and Physical Education, & Middle Level & Secondary Education at Lock Haven University. Her teaching portfolio includes foundational and advanced courses in health education such as Introduction to Health, Planning and Assessment in School Health Education, CPR training, nutrition education, drug education, and human sexuality instruction.

She holds a D.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, an M.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania, and a B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Thorp's research centers on school health education pedagogy, youth risk behaviors, and technology integration in K-12 settings. She has developed student-assisted assessment interventions for pre-service teachers and conducted tobacco cessation programming through an American Lung Association grant. Her work emphasizes practical applications of exergames, gamification, and digital tools to enhance physical activity and health education outcomes.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2013-2020) reveals consistent focus on technology-enhanced teaching methods, with recurring themes in community-based participatory research, youth perspectives on risk behaviors, and innovative assessment techniques. Her scholarship spans public health journals, physical education research outlets, and educational technology publications.

She received a $3,000 mini-grant from the American Lung Association for tobacco cessation programming. Professional service includes Board of Directors for PSAHPERD, Health Committee membership, and participation in Pennsylvania Department of Education committees for health education standards revision and assessment toolbox development.

Dr. Thorp actively mentors students through professional field experiences and presents research at state and national conferences. While not leading a formal research laboratory, she collaborates extensively through community-based projects and professional organizations to address youth health challenges.