Kinesiology Faculty

Dr. Andrea Cullers, rdn

Department Chair
Co-director Lion Co-op Center for Nutrition Security
Dietetic Internship at University of Kansas Medical Center

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, Diet and Disease, Community Nutrition, Dental Health Nutrition
Research Interests: Food Insecurity
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, mba

Assistant Professor,
Exercise Science Program Coordinator
Founder & Director of ASTR Laboratory
ISSA – Master Trainer

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

Teaching Responsibilities: Exercise Physiology, Exercise Prescription, Corrective Exercise and Prevention, Theory & Technique of Strength Training, Professional Exploration in Kinesiology, Research Methods
Research Interests: Founded the Applied Suspension Training Research Laboratory (ASTR Lab) at MSSU. Pioneered the first research initiative utilizing the PENDL, a novel suspension and oscillation-based exercise apparatus, to examine its effectiveness in enhancing physical performance and reducing injury risks associated with the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex (LPHC). This work laid the foundation for a broader investigation into the PENDL’s neuromuscular training effects and its therapeutic applications in rehabilitation for conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Poststroke recovery, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Vertigo. Adopts an applied research methodology with a multidisciplinary framework, integrating biomechanics, neuromuscular conditioning, and injury prevention strategies to optimize musicians’ peak performance. Focuses on enhancing both physical and mental well-being through evidence-based exercise science intervention protocols, aimed to reduce the risk of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs).

Office: Young Gym 218
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

kori dodson

Master Instructor, Kinesiology

Master of Science from Pittsburg State University

Teaching Responsibilities: General Education Lifetime Wellness, Physical Education
Research Interests: Physical Activity/Education and Mental/Emotional Health
Advising Areas: Physical Education, Coaching Certificates

Email: Dodson-K@mssu.edu

Mrs. Stephanee Schiding

Master Instructor
Lifetime Wellness Coordinator

Master of Science from Pittsburg State University

Teaching Responsibilities: General Education Lifetime Wellness, Physical Education Methods, Exercise Science/Physical Education
Research Interests: MSSU Student Wellness
Advising Areas: Physical Education, Exercise Science, Coaching Certificate, Community Health Certificate, Rehabilitation Science Certificate, Nutrition Certificate

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

hannah silensky

Master Instructor, Food Science and Nutrition

Master of Science from Oklahoma State University

Teaching Responsibilities: Food Science and Nutrition
Research Interests: Food safety, development of immersive learning experience for undergraduate students

Office: Young Gym 222
Phone: 417-625-3590
Email: Silensky-H@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

jiaying wang

Assistant Professor
Sport and Recreation Management Graduate Program Coordinator

Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management from Florida State University
Master of Science in Kinesiology and Health (Sport Leadership concentration) from Miami University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health (Sport Leadership and Management concentration) from Miami University

Teaching Responsibilities: Sport and Recreation Marketing, Risk Management, Facility Management, Analytics, Global Aspects of Sport, and Collegiate Athletics
Research Interests: Sport Consumer Behavior, Sport Communication, Globalization of Sports
Advising Areas: Sport and Recreation Management Master's and undergraduate programs

Office: Young Gym 215

Phone: 417-625-3031
Email: wang-j@mssu.edu