Shaine Henert

Shaine Henert is an Associate Professor and Kinesiology Program Director in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University, part of the College of Education. Her work bridges sport psychology, mental health, and physical activity across diverse populations including college athletes, middle-aged adults, and urban youth.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Activity – University of Minnesota
• M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology – Michigan State University
• B.S. in Psychology – Illinois State University

Her research centers on the psychosocial dimensions of physical activity, including exercise adherence, psychological skills training, and the emotional and cognitive impacts of injury and rehabilitation. She investigates how structured physical activity influences mental health across the lifespan. Her recent publications highlight work on emotional well-being in college students, resilience in athletic trainers, and mental health challenges in female athletes post-concussion.

The trends in her research articles reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on mental health, physical activity, and psychosocial development, with applications in education, athletics, and public health. She frequently collaborates with students and applies both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand behavioral and emotional outcomes.

Research Funding Highlights:

• Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Research Grant – $2,498
• NIU College of Health and Human Sciences SEED Research Grant – $4,970
• Herth Faculty Hope Fellowship Grant – $10,625
• NCAA Graduate Student Research Grant – $1,000
• College of Education Research and Artistry Grant – $2,500

Dr. Henert actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, with several appearing as co-authors on recent publications and grants. Her funded projects often involve student researchers and focus on real-world applications such as improving mental health resources in college athletics and evaluating community-based physical activity programs. She teaches core courses in sport and exercise psychology at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

She is affiliated with active research initiatives including summer camp impact studies and BDNF response research, and her work contributes to both academic scholarship and practical interventions in sport and health settings.