معرفی
Dr. Laurel Whalen is an Associate Professor (Teaching) and Program Coordinator for Sport Management and Administration at Wayne State University's College of Education, within the Division of Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Wayne State, 2019), M.A. in Sports Administration (Wayne State, 2005), and B.A. in English and Speech Communication (Albion College, 2001). Her primary responsibilities include program management, teaching, advising, and directing the $2.7M+ grant-funded Building Healthy Communities initiative, which promotes physical activity and nutrition in Michigan elementary schools.
Her research explores:
- Youth sports participation dynamics
- Sociocultural barriers to physical activity
- Coach/parent education frameworks
- Online pedagogy in kinesiology
- Urban after-school program efficacy
Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on equity-driven interventions in urban settings, with methodologies spanning mixed-methods program evaluations, behavioral psychology, and community-based participatory research. Recent work emphasizes pandemic-responsive health education and virtual engagement strategies.
Awards highlight excellence in teaching and research:
- President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2021)
- College of Education Faculty Research Award (2020)
- Blackboard Exemplary Course Award (2017)
Grant leadership includes multi-year funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Michigan Health Endowment Fund, with roles as Principal/Co-Principal Investigator securing over $2.7M since 2019. Community engagement features advisory positions with Detroit Police Athletic League and The Konnection, alongside professional memberships in SHAPE America and WISE Detroit.
