Texas A&M University has strengthened its commitment to early childhood development and education in Texas by positioning the Becky Gates Children’s Center and Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center within our College.

This move strengthens the centers and the Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education, a multidisciplinary effort to promote the development, learning and well-being of young children and their families through innovative research-to-practice initiatives in early childhood. “We are excited to provide the knowledge and insights of our world-class faculty, researchers and staff to bolster students’ research opportunities while serving local families, especially their children,” Dean Michael A. de Miranda said.

The Texas A&M Children’s Centers seek to cultivate a vibrant community of creative learners by providing immersive experiences and supportive connections within nurturing surroundings to inspire fresh insights and discoveries.

Learn more by heading to tx.ag/TLCCEN

In April, dozens of the nation’s top Para-cyclists competed in the U.S. Paralympics Road Cycling Open at the Texas A&M University-RELLIS campus in Bryan, Texas in hopes of getting one step closer to the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris.

Bringing this prestigious event to Aggieland was a project two years in the making, initiated by Dr. Lisa Colvin of our Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management. Since arriving in the summer of 2022, she proposed bringing para-athletic events, research collaborations and educational opportunities for Paralympians to her department and the University.

Colvin credits colleagues in her department and the Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine & Human Performance with helping shepherd her goal. With their help, she connected Texas A&M with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, highlighting the university’s commitment to education and research, and its reputation as a top veteran-serving institution.

Colvin said her passion also stems from a promise she made to one of her former graduate students. Warren Strickland was a U.S. Handcycling athlete who died following an accident during one of his on-road training sessions. Colvin says Strickland inspired her to learn about elite para-cycling, so she set out to keep his legacy alive by bringing a national para-athletic event to her home university. “When the possibility of bringing U.S. Paracycling to our community was proposed, I knew that I was at the right place at the right time to keep my promise to Warren,” she said.

Colvin says her aspirations go beyond 2024. She aims to establish Texas A&M as the “go-to” site for para-athletics training, research and development ahead of the 2028 Summer Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. “I want to solidify Texas A&M as the place where athletes want to live, train, raise their families and continue their education before and leading into the 2028 games,” she said.

Check out our video recap at tx.ag/TLParacycling

NASA is supporting a groundbreaking research collaboration to understand how changes in gravity affect astronauts’ coordination during critical space mission operations. Dr. Deanna Kennedy of our Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management is partnering with the Department of Aerospace Engineering to investigate how bimanual coordination — the ability of two limbs to perform tasks simultaneously to achieve a task — adapts to varying gravitational environments compared to Earth.

“Most existing studies focus on single-limb tasks, but complex operations in space require the use of both arms,” Kennedy said. “Astronauts often face significant gravitational changes, from zero gravity to up to three times Earth’s gravity, during key mission phases such as liftoff and reentry. By studying these transitions, we aim to develop countermeasures to mitigate performance impairments and tools to support astronauts in executing mission-critical tasks effectively.”

The first stage of the study used a tilt table to simulate different gravitational environments by repositioning the body and head, mimicking conditions astronauts might experience on Mars or the Moon. The second stage involved parabolic flight experiments conducted in Bordeaux, France, where Kennedy and Dr. Ana Diaz Artiles from the Department of Aerospace Engineering led a team of graduate students. During these flights, the aircraft simulated varying levels of gravity — from zero to three-quarters of Earth’s gravity — by performing steep climbs and dives. “These studies allow us to identify and categorize the performance decrements astronauts experience during critical moments,” Diaz Artiles said. “Ultimately, our goal is to develop solutions that enhance their ability to complete these tasks effectively.”

Graduate student Madison Weinrich, who participated in the research, reflected on the challenges of preparing for the parabolic flights. “Collaborating with researchers from kinesiology and engineering to transport and set up equipment taught us to be creative and innovative in approaching problems,” she said.

The next phase of this research will utilize a short-radius centrifuge, capable of simulating lunar and Martian gravity for extended periods, unlike the 20-second intervals provided by parabolic flights. Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a former astronaut and professor in aerospace engineering, was instrumental in bringing this unique centrifuge to Texas A&M. “The artificial gravity centrifuge is a one-of-a-kind national asset for human research in reduced-gravity environments,” Dunbar said. “Its presence at Texas A&M positions the University as a hub for cutting-edge gravitational research in the United States. The only other similar facility is in Germany.”

Kennedy’s collaborations with NASA extend beyond this project. As a former NASA Ideas* Faculty Fellow, she gained valuable insights into the agency’s research priorities and opportunities for graduate students. “I was surprised by how many kinesiology experts work at NASA’s Human Performance Laboratories,” Kennedy said. “It’s exciting to see the career possibilities for our students and to know that kinesiology plays a vital role in NASA’s missions.”

This research not only advances our understanding of human coordination in space but also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing challenges critical to human space exploration.

Our annual Voices of Impact speaker series provides a platform for CEHD faculty to share their research on pressing issues affecting society with an audience from Texas A&M University and the local community.

Voices of Impact 2024 featured 12 faculty members presenting topics such as the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in society, the need for effective literacy interventions tailored to underserved communities and the growing influence of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics. Each presentation provided a unique perspective on how these issues influence communities and industries.

To watch all of our 2024 presentations, visit tx.ag/TLVOI

Nearly two-thirds of students who are not proficient at reading by the end of the fourth grade are more likely to end up in jail, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy. They are also less likely to graduate high school and more likely to drop out.

Dr. Kay Wijekumar, director of our Center for Urban School Partnerships, understands the gravity of these numbers and why improving student literacy is so important. “This isn’t just about passing tests; it’s about giving them the skills to succeed in life,” she said. For over two decades, Wijekumar has pioneered evidence-based solutions to improve reading comprehension. One of those solutions, her Knowledge Acquisition and Transformation (KAT) framework, is helping thousands of students and educators across the nation achieve success.

The KAT framework was developed through rigorous research, framing student learning through a six-step process that includes pre-teaching vocabulary, identifying important ideas, generating main ideas and extending them into summaries and inferences. Unlike rigid curricula, KAT can be tailored to specific environments, supporting diverse schools such as those with economically disadvantaged students, English learners, or students with an Individualized Education Plan. “We don’t impose structure or bring new materials to teachers,” Wijekumar explains. “This allows for small, measured changes that lead to big results.”

The results have been remarkable. At Keller Elementary School in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, implementing the KAT framework led to a 100% pass rate on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. Other schools implementing KAT have seen dramatic improvements in student outcomes, particularly in traditionally underserved populations.

To further support educators, Wijekumar emphasizes professional development that trains teachers on how to integrate KAT into their existing materials and practices. This approach also tackles a challenge Wijekumar encountered early in her research, which is the overwhelming number of strategies presented to students. “If you give a child 25 options for dinner, you’ll never eat,” she said. “By focusing on a few key approaches, we simplify the process and allow students to focus on mastering the essentials.”

Wijekumar has shared her KAT framework with the U.S. Department of Education and at conferences nationwide, including The Reading League. She also co-authored The Joy of Reading, a textbook that provides educators with the practical tools they need to implement KAT in their classrooms every day. All these efforts exemplify Wijekumar’s commitment to promoting and improving literacy for all young students. “When we say 100%, we mean every single child, she said. “Success means everyone.”

Explore more of Dr. Wijekumar’s efforts to improve literacy at tx.ag/TLRead

Watch Dr. Wijekumar’s interview “Engineering Readers”with Around Texas at tx.ag/TLWijekumar

Our College measures student success by academic achievements — but more importantly, by our students’ well-being. Recognizing the critical role that mental health plays in academic and personal success, we offer robust support through our Counseling and Assessment Clinic (CAC) and Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center.

The Counseling and Assessment Clinic is a cornerstone of our mental health services, providing an affordable, confidential and supportive environment for students in our College and across campus, as well as children, adolescents and families in the local community. Services include individual counseling and group therapy with unlimited sessions, as well as the assessment of conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression and learning disabilities so patients can gain insights into their needs and reach out to the appropriate support.

In April 2023, the CAC opened a new location close to the Texas A&M campus and has partnered with advisors to promote its services to undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. David Kahn, CAC director, emphasized the clinic’s commitment to providing a supportive environment and noted their dedication to equipping students with effective strategies to manage their mental health challenges and ensure they feel comfortable and supported.

The clinic also serves as a training, teaching and research ground for graduate students with support from our Department of Educational Psychology. Students from the School Psychology and Counseling Psychology programs gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed psychologists to prepare for their future roles in the field.

The Byrne Student Success Center offers a comprehensive approach to student well-being for both undergraduate and graduate students that complements services provided by the CAC. While the center is known for its academic support services — such as individualized counseling and career support — it also plays a pivotal role in promoting mental health.

said Joycelyn Anderson, Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor, embedded at the Byrne Center via Texas A&M University Health Services.

With many students preparing for careers that involve significant levels of stress and exhaustion, the Byrne Center extends its support beyond a student’s time in college to also prepare them for future careers, equipping them with tools to manage pressure, build healthy relationships and avoid burnout, perfectionism, anxiety and imposter syndrome in the professional world.

The center provides strategic referrals to free campus resources, co-curricular involvement opportunities and leadership development — all of which contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling student experience. They also refer those in need of more specialized support to the Counseling and Assessment Clinic.

In addition to one-on-one support, the Byrne Center hosts workshops that further enhance student well-being such as a lunch and learn focused on the connection between physical and mental health. This event, held in partnership with our Physical Education Activity Program, featured a Zumba class followed by a lab session that demonstrated the correlation between physical and mental health.

Together, the CAC and Byrne Student Success Center embody CEHD’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for students. By offering accessible and comprehensive mental health services along with success support and effective training, we strive to ensure every student has the resources to excel academically and personally so they can thrive on campus and beyond.

Learn more about our Counseling and Assessment Clinic at tx.ag/TLCAC

Our Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy is addressing the shortage of coaches in schools across Texas and the nation through its Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program, which offers students the unique opportunity to earn a coaching certificate and gain experience while completing their undergraduate degrees.

“We have a shortage of coaches, not only in the public school systems but in community-based programming as well,” Kelli Campbell, Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy Assistant Director, said. “There’s always a need for coaches, so anytime a student is able to give back to organizations like the Boys and Girls Club or Little League it shows we’re here to support the community just like they support us.”

The certificate program has attracted a wide variety of students and majors, including ocean engineering, history, sport management and business. Reasons to participate in the program vary from wanting to teach and coach in public education to starting the path to coach collegiate sports to volunteering in the community or coaching their children’s teams in the future.

The Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program teaches participants about the different aspects of becoming an effective coach, such as developing critical communication skills, handling conflict, being professional and understanding the importance of networking.  These skills are taught through coursework, online training modules, in-person meetings, guest speakers and a variety of workshops. Students also gain CPR and First Aid certification, as well as training in child protection and other critical areas that are mandatory for most coaching positions.

To earn their certificate, participants must also complete 60 hours of field-based experience, coaching at least two different sports — 40 hours in a primary sport and 20 in a secondary. “One of the biggest benefits to the program is they put you in those spots where you can work but you can fail comfortably because you’re going to be able to do it with a coach that’s above you, mentoring you and working with you on the things that you can do better,” Nicholas Rex ‘24, senior kinesiology major and president of the Student Coaches Association, said.

Students also have access to mentoring and networking opportunities through the Student Coaches Association and Aggie Coaches Network. These connections help place students in coaching positions — both training and professional — in college sports across campus, in K-12 education and community programs.

“Having just come out of the coaching profession, there are two things I think everyone needs to be successful — experience and a network,” Lindsey Killingsworth, Undergraduate Program Coordinator for the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy, said. “Our students have those two things in their back pocket compared to someone who’s fresh out, and they’re going to be the more highly qualified candidate.”

One big contributor to the coaching shortage is the number of overwhelmed coaches leaving the profession. The Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program is growing its plans based on this feedback to create better-prepared candidates who not only excel at coaching but also know how to build curriculums and work with administration, parents and athletes. “It’s not just about X’s and O’s, and there are ways to learn these variables early on so they’re more prepared and professional when graduating,” Campbell said.

To learn more about the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy, visit tx.ag/TLCoachAcademy

This fall, over a hundred recruiters from schools and school districts across Texas and beyond attended our Education Career Fair to meet the next generation of Aggie educators. “Texas A&M really prepares their educators well to be in the classroom,” said Angela Behrens of Bryan ISD. “These are great teachers with our kids, but they are also very prepared for the job.”

Behrens’ perspective is a testament to our College’s dedication to equipping our aspiring educators with the knowledge and field experience to make an immediate impact on their students. Our new Office of Educator Preparation Programs & Certification enhances that dedication by helping students gain classroom experience and the certification to become teachers in Texas. Dr. Rodrick Lucero leads EPPC and understands the value of having well-prepared educators in the classroom. “I think teachers are at the frontline of making us a better version of who we are. That means we have to make sure we’re putting the best people in front of those teachers, to provide them the opportunity to excel with the students in their own classrooms” he said.

Hagen Rudisaile, who is earning his teaching certification through our College, agrees and adds, “I think being an Aggie educator means that people know that you care about your students and about bettering the community around you.”

Learn more about our efforts to prepare future educators at tx.ag/TLEPPC

Watch video from the 2024 Education Career Fair at tx.ag/TLCareerFair

Parkinson’s disease patients are combatting their symptoms through a series of activities that encourage movement and were customized by students in our Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (KNSM).

Since the spring of 2020, Dr. Deanna Kennedy of KNSM has partnered with The Robert Conte Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders to host students from her class at Rock Steady Boxing College Station. Rock Steady is the local affiliate of a national non-contact boxing and fitness program that seeks to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.

Kinesiology students performed hands-on motor assessments and developed plans to help “fighters,” the term used for patients in the program combatting Parkinson’s. “[The program] opened my eyes to the differences in how people have to live their lives and the kinds of activities they do,” said Carter Hartman, a kinesiology student. “It helped me see why I do what I do because movement is important across the whole lifespan, and you can’t really ever take it for granted.”

The personalized plans also feature activities like yoga, dance therapy, brain games and strength training. Students continue to meet with fighters and modify plans based on feedback and assessments.

“Working with a patient population gives them hands-on experience with their future clientele,” said Dr. Kennedy. “It’s something they can write about in their applications, talk about in interviews and it just gives them a lot more experience than normal. So it’s bidirectional; it helps the students, it helps the fighters.”

Parkinson’s frequently hinders movement in various ways, but movement can be the best medicine to overcome these symptoms. While the customized motor programs help overcome personal challenges, the social interaction between “fighters” and students offers an added benefit — someone to talk with and share stories. The patients, “love to know they have people in their corner supporting them and backing them up, and they support us and back us up in our corner,” said Madison Weinrich, doctoral student and graduate research assistant.

Many of the “fighters” are former Texas A&M professors, who are excited to bond and serve students again in a new capacity. “Dr. Kennedy is using such innovative ways to teach future physical therapists how to recognize, how to work with and how to encourage,” said Marica Drost, current “fighter” and former Texas A&M math professor. “I really appreciate the support of the students. They feel like they’re a good friend, not just a future physical therapist.”

Texas A&M University recognized the benefits of this partnership, with its Student Government Association awarding Dr. Kennedy the inaugural Community Impact Award for her efforts highlighting volunteerism and improving communities.