October 18, 2023
Written by Todd Finkelmeyer
Luis Columna of the University of California, Madison, is leading the charge in hosting an on-campus consortium for students and young professionals interested in learning how to conduct research in the fields of adaptive physical education and adaptive physical activity. played a role. This was done in collaboration with Samuel R. Hodge, a professor of kinesiology at The Ohio State University.
The event, aimed at graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, was held on September 22 and was organized in collaboration with colleagues at The Ohio State University.
“This consortium has given individuals an opportunity to hear each other’s work and learn from each other,” says Michael Norris, a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology. “It was really enlightening to see all the graduate students sharing their research, experiences, and knowledge. I think we all learned from each other.”
Benazir Meera, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, added: “This consortium means two things to me: community and collaboration. It’s a big community of great people and great researchers. And it’s great to be able to build a network of people who can collaborate. ”
Columna, an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Education, said one of the things he is most proud of is participating in this third annual event, officially named “The OSU and UW-Madison.” It was a diverse group of participants. Adapted Physical Education Consortium III.
“We have students and postdocs in our department from India, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the United States,” says Columna, who also grew up in Puerto Rico. “Thanks to critical support from the School of Education, we have made great strides in attracting more faculty and students of color to our department.”
These efforts have led to research being conducted that can better help underserved populations that are often overlooked, Columna said.
“At a major research institution like UW-Madison, it is important to secure funding, conduct important research, and publish papers,” Columna says. “But it’s also important to be able to conduct meaningful work that produces impactful research that can support and support diverse communities. You can’t put a price tag on these efforts.”
Columna’s work focuses on families and children with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. Specifically, his research attempts to identify ways to increase physical activity participation among Hispanic families of children with disabilities. This initiative also helps prepare students and professionals to work more effectively with diverse populations.
“We have several research projects centered around Latino families,” Columna says. “It is essential that we have students who are bilingual and can communicate with these families in Spanish and English about the importance of physical activity.”
Columna adds: “At many other major research institutions, there is less effort to support African American, Black, and Hispanic populations in this field. I am proud to be able to do this work in our Department of Kinesiology. We need to normalize the presence of diverse student populations.”
Fit Column brings together children with disabilities (such as visual impairments and autism spectrum disorder), their parents, University of Wisconsin-Madison students, and current professionals in the fields of adaptive physical education, special educators, psychology, and education. We developed the Families program. Physical education, exercise science, etc. This award-winning program promotes the physical, emotional, and social growth of children with developmental disabilities.
Learn more about OSU and the UW-Madison Adapted Physical Education Consortium III. This YouTube video.
The following faculty, staff, and students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Kinesiology participated in the September 22nd consortium. Associate Professor Luis Columna. Michael Norris, teacher. Carlos Padilla Colon, Anna Julia Cooper Postdoctoral Fellow (2023-24) and Assistant Professor (starting in fall 2024). Ashlyn Barry, master’s student; Carlos Cuevas, master’s student. Jaime Lee Jaime Concepcion, master’s student. Benazir Meera, Postdoctoral Researcher. Nicole Montañez-Alicia, master’s student. Laura Andrea Prieto, Postdoctoral Researcher. Gayatri Swarup, master’s student majoring in kinesiology.
