Kinesiology Faculty

Dr. Andrea Cullers

Department Chair
Co-Director Lion Co-op, MSSU Food and Hygiene Pantry

Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition Biology from the University of California - Davis
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Kansas Medical Center

Teaching Responsibilities: Nutrition, Food Insecurity, Anthropometric and Physiological Assessments in Adults
Research Interests: Food Insecurity, Bone Changes Throughout the Lifespan
Advising Areas: Health Promotion and Wellness majors, Exercise Science Certificate, Population Health Certificate

Office: Young Gym 214
Phone: 417-625-9382
E-mail: cullers-a@mssu.edu

Dr. Rawsam Alasmar

Assistant Professor,
Exercise Science Program Coordinator

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Performing Arts Health Science and Education from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance – Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University
Master of Business Administration from Governors State University
Master of Science in Electronic Publishing and Digital Imaging form Rochester Institute of Technology

Research Interests: Pioneered the first research work using the “PENDL”, a newly developed exercise suspension apparatus, to investigate its training effects on mitigating injuries related to the lumbopelvic-hip complex region and improving various fitness components. Currently, exploring its training effects on stimulating the neuromuscular system for its potential use in therapeutic treatment in rehab for Autism, Poststroke, ADHD, PTSD and Vertigo.

Applied research in a multidisciplinary approach using exercise science principles, and injury prevention protocols to improve musicians’ peak performance.

Office: Young Gym 221
Phone: 417-625-9627
Email: alasmar-r@mssu.edu

dR. JAMIE L. CATHEY

Assistant Professor,

Undergraduate Coordinator

Sport & Recreation Management

Doctor of Philosophy in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University

Master of Education in Sport Management from Adelphi University

Teaching Responsibilities: Event Operations, Program Planning & Design, Risk Management, Ethics, Leadership
Research Interests: Sport Tourism, Event Management, Community Economic Development through Sport and Recreation Events & Programs
Advising Areas: Sport & Recreation Management

Phone: 417-625-3012
Email: Cathey-J@mssu.edu

trang nguyen

Assistant Professor,
Food Science and Nutrition Coordinator

Postdoctoral Fellow, Food for Health Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science, University of Missouri-Columbia

Teaching Responsibilities: Food and Nutrition
Research Interests: Value-added food products, health-promoting properties of food bioactives, food safety, development of immersive learning experience for undergraduate students

Mrs. Stephanee Schiding

Master Instructor
Lifetime Wellness Coordinator

Master of Science from Pittsburg State University

Teaching Responsibilities: General Education Lifetime Wellness, Physical Education Methods, Health Promotion and Wellness/Physical Education
Research Interests: MSSU Student Wellness
Advising Areas: Physical Education, Health Promotion, General Studies, Exercise Science, Coaching, Population Health Certificates

Office: Young Gym 217
Phone: 417-625-3158
E-mail: schiding-s@mssu.edu

dr. carla smith

Professor

Doctor of Kinesiology from University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) from Henderson State University
Certified Adapted Physical Educator, National Consortium of Physical Education & Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID)

Teaching Responsibilities: Physical Education, Teacher Education
Research Interests: Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education
Advising Areas: Health Promotin/ Physical Education Teacher Certification

Office: Young Gym 221
Phone: 417-625-3590
Email: smith-carla@mssu.edu

conor theiss

Assistant Professor

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance, with a specialization in Exercise Science, from Middle Tennessee State University.
Master of Arts in Exercise Science from Indiana State University
Bachelor of Science from Indiana State University

Teaching Responsibilities: Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement, Physiology of Exercise, Corrective Exercises & Prevention and Care of Athletic Illnesses and Injuries

Research Interests: Biomechanical and muscle activation pattern analysis during gait and functional tasks in those with osteoarthritis of the knee. Also, the impact of pain on the aforementioned outcomes, specifically in older adults.

Office: Young Gym 216
Phone: 417-625-9506
Email: theiss-c@mssu.edu