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Volume 34, Number 3, Winter 2025/26, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 34 | NUMBER 3 | Winter 2025/2026

ON OUR COVER:

Elliot Notrica '26 is developing micro-organisms that create new food products from food waste like cocoa husks and leftover bread dough.

18 Found Families. Celebrate one of the best-attended IWU Homecoming Weekends with stories of alumni friendships across the decades.

22 The Future of Food. Elliott Notrica '26 is the founder and CEO of Symbio Bioculinary where he is creating the future of food with cutting-edge genetic engineering.

26 Hope in Crisis. EmPath units, invented by Scott Zeller '82, are revolutionizing emergency care around the world.

Complexity Mindsets, Complex Flow, And More: A Qualitative Grounded Theory Study On The Phenomenon Of Practitioners Working Within Complex Social Systems, Emma D. Stellman

Educational Studies Dissertations

This qualitative grounded theory study addressed gaps in the literature regarding the application of complexity theory to complex social phenomena (CSP), for which no straightforward solutions or simple interventions exist. While complexity theory has played an important role in groundbreaking innovations in quantitative fields such as medicine, engineering, and finance, its application remains limited in human-centered developmental domains including education, social work, and healthcare. Using a grounded theory design informed by phenomenological approaches, this study examined the lived experiences of a group of six CSP practitioners, each of whom participated in two individual, semi-structured video interviews. Interview data were analyzed …

2026 January 15 - From My Notepads Newsletter, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, Brian Noland

From My Notepads: A Newsletter from President Brian Noland

No abstract provided.

Shedding The Chrysalis: Black Women Leading In Higher Education, Olga M. Welch, Carolyn R. Hodges

Navigating Careers in Higher Education Series

Shedding the Chrysalis: Black Women Leading in Higher Education features the voices of six experienced and emerging Black females in a variety of academic leadership roles. This book provides a Black feminist perspective, highlighting the need to address racial realism within higher education administration. These personal testimonies focus on a variety of levels in the academic hierarchy to emphasize the continuum across the lived experiences of these women, some of whom have served in multiple upper-level administrative roles. The contributors’ positions range from postdoctoral research fellows to positions reporting to central administration at predominantly white institutions. Shedding the Chrysalis underscores …

Differentiated Learning In Pgsd: Enhancing Innovation In Teaching Module Development To Accommodate Students' Learning Styles, Dian Fitri Nur Aini Dian, Falisyta Roisatul Mar'atin Nuro

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Differentiated learning is an effort to meet learning needs by adjusting to the diverse learning readiness, learning profiles, and interests of each student. Differentiated learning is expected to create effective teaching and learning activities, give students the freedom to exercise their right to learn, and facilitate students' learning needs to develop their abilities. The basic elements of differentiated learning include four (4) aspects, namely: 1) learning environment, 2) curriculum, 3) assessment, 4) learning process. These four elements are interrelated. This research model is qualitative research. The research model used in this study is a descriptive model with the aim of …

Play For All: Financial And Legal Dilemmas In Proposing Adaptive Playgrounds, John J. Miller Dr., Jason W. Lee

The COSMA Journal

This case study examines the complexities of designing, funding, and legally complying with adaptive and inclusive playgrounds for children with disabilities. Inclusive playgrounds prioritize social integration by enabling children of all abilities to play together, while adaptive playgrounds focus on accommodating specific functional needs through specialized equipment. Both approaches support physical, cognitive, and social development and promote equitable community participation. Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), mandate accessibility in public and private recreational spaces, yet compliance alone does not guarantee meaningful inclusion. Additionally, funding remains a significant challenge, with full-scale adaptive playgrounds often costing hundreds …

Betting On Inclusion? The Ethical Dilemma Of Funding An Inclusive Playground, Jason W. Lee, John J. Miller Dr., Tasha Hyder

The COSMA Journal

This teaching case study provides an insightful exploration into multifaceted aspects of sport and recreation management. It narrates a fictionalized account enriched with real-life details, focusing on Rhonda Harper, a respected parks and recreation professional leading an initiative to fund an inclusive playground. While this endeavor has garnered support from local citizens, civic leaders, businesses, and children's advocates, raising the necessary $200,000 has proven to be challenging. A profound dilemma emerges when considering a potential $40,000 donation from a local gaming resort. Although this contribution could secure the needed funding for this initiative, it presents intricacies associated with the ethical …

From Automation To Imagination: Empowering Student Creativity In The Digital Age, Annie Yon

New Jersey English Journal

In today’s digital age, literacy extends beyond traditional reading and writing to encompass collaboration, multimodal communication, and the ability to create meaning through diverse media. As AI becomes more integrated into education, we must reconsider its impact on student thinking, work ethic, and writing, while redefining meaningful writing and assessments. Rather than relying on traditional five-paragraph essays, projects like literary magazines that blend writing with multimodal components showcase how educators can prioritize creativity, expression, and personal reflection. This approach ensures that even in the age of AI, students continue to create and engage in ways that are authentically their own.

A196: Prediction Of Cardiovascular Function Improvement Based On Wearable Device Motion Monitoring And Otnmanba-Bilstm Model, Yixuan Li, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading chronic health conditions worldwide, with prolonged physical inactivity or improper exercise increasing the risk of their occurrence. Existing studies suggest that well-structured exercise interventions can significantly enhance cardiac function and improve the adaptability of the cardiovascular system. However, accurately predicting the long-term impact of different exercise durations and intensities on heart health remains challenging due to individual physiological differences, exercise habits, and lifestyle factors. This study employs a data-driven approach to develop a predictive model based on wearable device motion monitoring data, aiming to elucidate the dynamic relationship between exercise and cardiovascular health and …

A197: Perceptual Behavior And Social Interaction Of Chinese College Students Toward Esports, Xianhua Luo

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Social exchange theory (SET) has been extensively used to recognize students’ perceptual behavior (PB) and social interaction (SI). Research has examined the potential factors of recognition and socialization against the economic factors in individual evaluation, seeking rewards or avoiding costs in relationships. The positive impact of PB and SI is a significant experimental approach to studying social psychology. Therefore, the processes of individuals’ perceptual behavior and their social interactions in Esports might address this research gap. Hence, the purposes of this study were to explain the PBs and SIs toward Esports among college students in China. Method: 341college students were …

A214: Effects Of Tai Chi And Brisk Walking On Sensation In Pn Elders, Qiongqiu Zhao, Qipeng Song

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prevalent neurological disorder, affecting 26–39.2% of adults aged 65 and older due to peripheral nerve degeneration and associated conditions like diabetes. PN leads to sensory impairments, including diminished tactile sensation, increased fall risk, and mobility issues. Tai Chi (TC) is a low-impact exercise shown to enhance sensory function and balance in healthy older adults, but its effects on PN patients remain unclear. Brisk walking (BW) is a widely recommended exercise for older adults, yet its impact on sensory function in PN is not well-established. This study compares TC and BW interventions on tactile sensation in …

January 14, 2026 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Blazer Weekly (student newsletter)

No abstract provided.

A Quantitative Analysis Examining The Impact Of Recreation Sports On The Overall Wellness Of Undergraduate Students At The University Of Louisiana At Lafayette, Kathryn "K-Lynn" Mckey

Doctoral Dissertations

The overarching question guiding this research study was, how does the use of university recreational sports facilities and resources impact reported wellness across the eight dimensions of wellness among undergraduate students? This study answered this question by examining literature, reviewing specific dimensions of wellness, and evaluating ways to determine if physical activity affects overall wellness for undergraduate students. According to the literature, approximately half of undergraduate students do not meet the daily recommendation for physical activity. Research suggests healthier students have greater retention rates, higher grade point averages (GPA), and demonstrate better mental health. To better support students’ needs, universities …

A088: Best Core Stability Training Program For Lower Limb Dysfunction In Stroke Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis, Kaiqi Zheng, Dan Wang, Guoliang Liang, Chunyun Deng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Stroke is the third leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death among adults. Lower limb dysfunction caused by stroke significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that core stability training (CST) can effectively improve lower limb function in stroke patients, and combining CST with other rehabilitation approaches may yield better therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to identify the most effective CST-based combined intervention for treating lower limb dysfunction in stroke patients. Method: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to July 22, 2024, were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, …

A090: Development And Efficacy Evaluation Of Virtual Reality (Vr)-Based Personalized Exercise Prescriptions For Perimenopausal Women, Runze Zhu, Zekai Wu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Perimenopausal women (aged 45–54) frequently experience climacteric symptoms such as vasomotor disturbances, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular risks due to declining ovarian function and estrogen levels. Approximately 75% of women report varying degrees of discomfort, with 80% exhibiting at least one symptom (e.g., sleep disorders, mood fluctuations). Conventional exercise prescriptions often lack specificity to address individual health disparities and comorbidities (e.g., osteoporosis, metabolic dysfunction). This study aimed to develop a virtual reality (VR)-based personalized exercise prescription system to enhance exercise adherence through immersive experiences and evaluate its efficacy in alleviating perimenopausal physiological and psychological symptoms. A personalized exercise prescription generation system was …

A098: Artificial Intelligence Empowers Exercise And Health For The Elderly: Opportunities, Challenges, And Pathways For Implementation, Yaohong Wang, Ke Wang, Yangguiyi Zhao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In the context of accelerated global aging and rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI technology provides a new paradigm for improving sports and health management services in the field of elderly care and quality of life. This study aims to reveal the core value of AI technology, analyze the current practical challenges of AI empowerment, and build multidimensional pathways for implementation to promote the coordinated development of healthy aging and technological innovation. Through literature analysis, case studies, and expert interviews, this study systematically explores the application of AI technology in the field of exercise and health of the …

A096: Artificial Intelligence Empowering Physical Education In Higher Education: Logical Tensions And Practical Pathways, Yangguiyi Zhao, Ke Wang, Yaohong Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Driven by the strategies of “education digitalization” and “integration of sports and education”, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reshaping the core values and practical pathways of physical education in higher education. As AI empowers the construction of university sports systems, it has become a key driving force in addressing the challenges of traditional physical education and responding to educational needs. However, AI-driven educational innovation is not a linear evolution; the interplay of its internal logical tensions and external practical constraints necessitates systematic research and pathway exploration. Method: This study systematically explores the multidimensional tensions and coordinated development pathways of artificial …

A095: Blocking Factors And Precision Strategies Of Digital-Driven Governance: Modernization Of Elderly Sports Public Services, Fangfang Yang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The application of digital technology in the field of sports public services for the elderly presents numerous problems and difficulties. This paper attempts to explore precision strategies for the governance modernization of sports public services for the elderly, driven by digital technology. Analyzing the blocking factors of governance capacity modernization of sports public services driven by digital technologypractical significance for achieving universal health and the construction of a Healthy China. Literature review, expert interviews, and logical analysis. 1. Blocking Factors of Digital-Driven Governance Modernization of Sports Public Services for the Elderly: 1) Weak awareness of digital governance in elderly sports …

A099: Sports-Medicine Integration Treatment Behaviors In Obese College Students: Current Status, Effectiveness, And Influencing Factors, Yunan Li, Dongyue Wei, Shanping Chen, Zhiwei Hu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity among college students has become a critical public health issue, impacting their physical and mental health. Sports-Medicine Integration (SMI), an innovative intervention, shows promise for obesity treatment. This study explores the characteristics, effects, and influencing factors of SMI treatments among students, offering insights to improve health literacy and promote holistic well-being in universities. Method: This study employed the "SMI Cognitive Situation Scale" (Gao Shangshang, 2020), the "Exercise Motivation Scale" (Chen Shanping, 2013), and a self-designed "Obesity Treatment Behavior Scale" to survey 1,225 non-physical education majors from general higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0. Descriptive statistics assessed …

A109: Analysis Of Optimization Pathways For The Structure Of Sports Consumption In The Digital Economy, Xinran Cui

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the rapid development of the digital economy, the structure of sports consumption is undergoing profound transformations. Traditional sports consumption models can no longer meet the increasingly diversified and personalized demands of consumers. The integration of digital technologies presents new opportunities for the transformation of the sports industry. This study aims to explore how digital technologies can optimize the structure of sports consumption, enhance consumer experiences, and promote the sustainable development of the sports industry. Based on survey data from 524 Chinese residents (282 females and 242 males), this study employs statistical analysis using SPSS to conduct an in-depth examination …

A108: Multidimensional Examination Of The Construction Of The "Educational Joint Community" In School Pe In China, Yefei Fan, Liang Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The "educational joint community" (EJC) is a working mode that aims at the healthy and happy growth of primary and secondary school students. Taking schools as the core, regions as the main body, and resources as the link, it promotes effective collaboration among families, schools, and society. The construction of the EJC in school PE in China represents an inevitable choice for achieving high-quality development. It is also an inexorable trend in the pursuit of the national strategies of building a strong sports nation and an education nation. This development is not only in line with the current educational reform …

A104: Explainable Ai-Driven Multimodal Biomechanics Analysis Of Cheerleading Rotational Skills: A Framework For Real-Time Performance Optimization, Jingyi Chen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Current cheerleading skill assessment predominantly relies on coaches' subjective evaluations, lacking quantifiable biomechanical benchmarks. Although electromyography and ground reaction forces provide critical neuromuscular and kinetic insights, their computational integration for automated motion quality assessment remains underdeveloped in aesthetic sports. This study systematically investigates the Tour à la Seconde through explainable machine learning, establishing an interpretable human-AI collaboration framework to bridge empirical coaching knowledge with data-driven biomechanical diagnostics. Twenty-eight elite athletes (18-22 years, 3+ years training) performed standardized Tour à la Seconde while synchronized 14-lead EMG (2000Hz) and triaxial force plate data were captured. Biomechanical feature engineering encompassed: Neuromuscular dynamics: RMS …

A117: Using Bertopic Modeling To Explore Physical Education Utilizing Ict, Qian Sun, Hanjoo Lee, Shutong Liu, Youngbin Cho, Jungmin Kim

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical education (PE) plays a vital role in student well-being, but China’s traditional PE faces rigid curricula, simplistic assessments, and uneven urban-rural teaching quality. Since the 2017 Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, China has promoted ICT integration into PE. Technologies like big data, AI, and VR offer personalized teaching and data-driven practices, aligning with China’s push for innovation-driven development. However, the impact of ICT-integrated PE on physical activity and learning outcomes remains unclear. This study uses BERTopic to analyze research trends and key themes, offering insights for future research and policy. Method: A literature review was conducted using the …

A118: Hypoxic Exercise Suppresses Khk Gene To Improve Cardiac Function On A High Fructose Diet, Xu Ping, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Up-regulation of KHK activation on a high fructose diet is positively associated with the subsequent development of several metabolic diseases, including high fructose diet-induced heart disease. Hypoxic exercise is considered an effective means of treating and preventing metabolic diseases and improving cardiac function. However, it is unclear whether the link between hypoxic exercise and high fructose-induced heart disease exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the link between the modulation of KHK by hypoxic exercise and high fructose diet heart disease. Method: Three hundred virgin flies of the wild-type W1118 strain were collected and randomly assigned to …

A113: Smart Assessment In University Pe Teaching, Zhifei Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the development of educational information and intelligence, the evaluation and improvement of teaching effectiveness in university physical education (PE) have become a research focus. Traditional assessment methods struggle to comprehensively reflect teaching outcomes, while smart technologies offer new approaches for precise evaluation. This study aims to construct a smart technology-based assessment model for university PE teaching effectiveness and explore its practical application to promote innovative development in PE teaching. This study adopts a quasi-experimental design, involving 300 PE teachers and 1500 students from five universities in China. The experimental group used a smart assessment system (including wearable devices and …

A114: The Impact Of Online Screen Sedentary Behaviors On Depressive Symptoms Among Children And Adolescents, Mingming Guo, Wenle Chen, Junkai Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Previous research suggests that screen-based sedentary behaviors increase the risk of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. However, the specific associations between various online screen sedentary behaviors and depressive symptoms remain unclear. Therefore, this study conducted a two-year nationwide cross-sectional survey to examine how different types of online screen behaviors affect depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. Method: Drawing on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a total of 4,289 students aged 10–18 years (2,001 females) were surveyed in 2020 and 2022. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D8). The frequency of …

A121: The Relationship Between Muscle Activation, Co-Activation, And Leg-Spring Stiffness In Recreational Runners, Shiqin Chen, Xiaohuan Tan, Shouxin Jiang, Fei Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In running, the organism needs to select appropriate muscle activation strategies to modulate leg-spring stiffness to achieve a high level of exercise performance. However, direct evidence regarding the relationship between leg-spring stiffness, muscle activation, and co-activation during running remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between muscle (co) activation and leg-spring stiffness (leg stiffness and vertical stiffness) in recreational runners. Method: Twenty-nine male recreational runners (age: 21 ± 1.17 yr, height: 1.80 ± 0.06 m, weight: 72.13 ± 9.91 kg) ran at 12 km/h while kinematic data, ground reaction forces, and surface electromyography signals were collected for nine …

A116: Resistance Training Vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training On Cognitive Function In Nafld Patients, Yineng Tan, Xueying He, Jianyu Gan, Dapeng Bao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease globally, with a prevalence of nearly 30%. It is closely related to cognitive dysfunction, which significantly impacts quality of life. Recent studies suggest that exercise therapy (aerobic/resistance training) can improve metabolic abnormalities in NAFLD, yet its effects on cognitive function remain controversial. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) may have advantages over Resistance Training (RT) in modulating lipid metabolism, though RT might be more feasible for specific groups. This study compares the effects of 6 weeks of MICT and RT on cognitive functions (verbal memory, visuospatial ability, executive function, and …

A122: Endurance Exercise Ameliorates Age-Related Cardiac Arrhythmias By Modulating Ank2 Expression In Aged Drosophila, Wenzhi Gu, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been a leading cause of death globally, with a significant impact on healthy aging. Aging is significantly rising globally, and older adults are at increased risk of age-related arrhythmias, and the mechanisms underlying age-related arrhythmias remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between ANK2 and age-related arrhythmias in aged Drosophila and how endurance exercise modulates ANK2 expression on age-related arrhythmias. Method: Wild type w1118 female virgin flies were examined at 10 days of age (10C, young), 30 days of age (30C, middle-aged), and 50 days of age (50C, old) to assess age-related arrhythmias and …

A120: Research On Innovative Physical Education In Junior High School, Hongbo Xin

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study takes the deep integration of information technology and junior middle school physical education teaching as the starting point and explores the promoting effect of the new teaching mode on students' core literacy, through empirical analysis. 12 classes from two junior middle schools were selected for the research. The literature analysis, questionnaire survey, action research, and experimental control methods were used to construct the "three-dimensional linkage" information teaching mode. Physical fitness test, skill assessment, and moral character evaluation data of the experimental group (n=186) and the control group (n=179) were quantitatively analyzed by SPSS 26.0 to verify the teaching …