Research Fellow Program
Fellow status is reserved for members who have made significant and sustained contributions to scholarship (research, creative, or scholarly activity) and related service in the areas of interest to SHAPE America. The purpose of Fellow status is to promote scholarship as an integral component of SHAPE America as well as to:
- Recognize accomplishments in scholarship by SHAPE America members
- Recognize and promote participation in the research activities of SHAPE America
Research Fellow Criteria and Nomination Materials
Applications should be submitted to research@shapeamerica.org by midnight October 31.
Note: There are no limits on vita length.
Research Fellow Spotlights
Spring 2026
The SHAPE America Research Council is pleased to shine a spotlight on Cate A. Egan, Ph.D., who was recognized as a Research Fellow in 2024. As an associate professor in the College of Education, Health, and Movement Sciences at the University of Idaho, Dr. Egan works in the areas of curriculum and instruction, as well as physical activity and health.
We invite you to explore the Q&A below to learn more about her background and contributions!Read Spotlight Interview
Winter 2026
The SHAPE America Research Council is pleased to shine a spotlight on Ali Brian, Ph.D., who was recognized as a Research Fellow in 2017. As a professor and associate dean for research in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Brian works in the areas of motor behavior and measurement, as well as adapted physical education and activity.
We invite you to explore the Q&A below to learn more about her background and contributions!Read Spotlight Interview
Fall 2025
The SHAPE America Research Council is pleased to shine a spotlight on Takahiro Sato, Ph.D., who was recognized as a Research Fellow in 2014. As a professor and assistant dean of the Institute of Health and Sport Sciences at University of Tsukuba (Japan), Dr. Sato works in the areas of sociocultural and social justice.
We invite you to explore the Q&A below to learn more about his background and contributions!Read Spotlight Interview
Spring 2025
The SHAPE America Research Council is pleased to shine a spotlight on Heather E. Erwin, Ph.D., who was recognized as a Research Fellow in 2011. As a full professor at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Erwin focuses on expanding physical activity opportunities for school children by embedding Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) into Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) programs.
Her research explores innovative methods such as integrating physical activity into math instruction and increasing recess to enhance students’ overall well-being and academic success. Through her work, she strives to implement sustainable, school-wide strategies that foster lifelong engagement in physical activity.
We invite you to explore the Q&A below to learn more about her background and contributions!Read Spotlight Interview
Winter 2025
The SHAPE America Research Council is delighted to shine a spotlight on Scott McNamara, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 2023. Dr. McNamara is an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire. As a researcher, he focuses on improving adapted physical education (APE) services for disabled children and promoting awareness of these services to a variety of audiences.
With over 60 peer-reviewed publications and extensive presentations, he has established a strong reputation for bridging research and practice. Using diverse methodologies, including qualitative and survey research, he explores knowledge translation of best practices in APE, the development of research-based programs to disseminate APE information (e.g., his podcast What’s New in APE), and the role of key groups like parents and school administrators in ensuring access to quality PE and APE services.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about his background and work!*Read Spotlight Interview
Fall 2024
The SHAPE America Research Council is delighted to shine a spotlight on Emi Tsuda, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 2023. Dr. Tsuda is an associate professor at West Virginia University. Her research focuses on effective teaching in physical education, specifically in content knowledge. With her expanded collaboration opportunities, she has also been studying in the areas of practice-based teacher education, physical education policy and accountability, cultural competence, and physical activity promotion. She has conducted research in both Japan and the United States.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about her background and work!*Read Spotlight Interview
Spring 2024
The SHAPE America Research Council is delighted to shine a spotlight on Andrew Colombo-Dougovito, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 2021. Dr. Colombo-Dougovito is an associate professor at the University of North Texas. His research focuses on the justice-oriented strategies and policies that reduce the systemic barriers to physical activity and sport.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about his background and work!*Read Spotlight Interview
Winter 2024
The SHAPE America Research Council is delighted to shine a spotlight on Karen Gaudreault, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 2019. Dr. Gaudreault is the graduate program coordinator for PETE at The University of New Mexico.
Her research focuses on the marginalization of PE in schools, teacher socialization, and perceived mattering.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about her background and work!*Read Spotlight Interview
Fall 2023
The SHAPE America Research Council is delighted to shine a spotlight on Risto Marttinen, Ed.D., who was named research fellow in 2020. His discipline includes implementing educational after-school physical education programs in both elementary and middle schools in underserved communities.
Dr. Marttinen is an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. Additionally, he hosts his own podcast called Playing with Research in Health and Physical Education, discussing current research and issues in the field of health and physical education.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about his background and work!*Read Spotlight Interview
Spring 2023
The SHAPE America Research Council is happy to shine a spotlight on Tim Brusseau, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 2013. His discipline area is Physical Activity Promotion, and his research focuses on the role of youth physical activity programs in supporting a healthy and active life.
Tim is a professor and chair of the Department of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Utah.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about his background and work.*Read Spotlight Interview
Winter 2023
The SHAPE America Research Council is happy to shine a spotlight on Jennifer Walton-Fisette, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 2017. Her discipline area is Physical Education Teacher Education, and her research is about social justice, equity, and policy.
She is a professor at Kent State University in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies, and is also the director of educator preparation for the College of Education, Health, and Human Services.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about her background and work.*Read Spotlight Interview
Fall 2022
The SHAPE America Research Council is happy to shine a spotlight on Jane E. Clark, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 1985. Her discipline area is Motor Development, and her research focuses on the development of motor skills in infants and young children, with a special focus on those with movement difficulties.
Although Dr. Clark is retired, she is involved in mentoring future leaders, leading a journal club, and contributing professionally to the literature. Recently, she did a virtual research translational event for SHAPE America’s Research Council.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about her background and work.*Read Spotlight Interview
