SPRING 2026
UMES DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY
Launches its First Study Abroad Program to Japan
Kinesiology students at a karate class with Sensei Emily Iwanoto, winner of the 2017 Asian Championship.
Twenty-six University of Maryland Eastern Shore undergraduate students made history in 2026 by participating in the university’s inaugural study abroad experience in Japan, a first-of-its-kind opportunity blending kinesiology, hospitality, and immersive cultural learning.
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My experience in Japan made me think about possibly working or attending graduate school overseas. I would love to not only experience furthering my education but also continuing learning about Japanese culture. CARRINGTON RASHAW
Centered in Tokyo, the program provided students with hands-on experiences that connected health, movement, sport, wellness, and global hospitality practices. Highlights included participating in a
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
traditional martial arts class, visiting Japan’s iconic Olympic National Stadium to explore the legacy of international sport and event management, attending Kaitlyn Eaton, Exercise Science student, prepares sushi with Instructor Shugo.
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Overall, studying abroad in Japan was an eye-opening experience that helped me grow personally, develop greater cultural awareness, and connect classroom concepts to real-world observations. The experience challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, exposed me to new perspectives, and reinforced the importance of approaching unfamiliar situations with curiosity and respect. NEAH SHAW
a traditional Kabuki dance performance, and engaging in interactive culinary experiences through a sushimaking class and traditional green tea ceremony. Students also visited the historic Meiji Shrine, explored the vibrant neighborhoods of Harajuku and the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, developed creative skills during an anime drawing workshop, and experienced the immersive digital art exhibits at TeamLabs. The program created opportunities for students to expand their global perspectives while gaining insight into the intersections of sport, hospitality, culture, and wellness. ·
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UMES students at Japan National Stadium, the primary venue for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
Before studying abroad, I mainly viewed travel as visiting new places, but my time in Japan showed me how important it is to truly engage with another culture. Interacting with locals, exploring daily life, and experiencing different customs helped me become more open-minded about cultural diversity. KENDALL ARTIS
EXERCISE SCIENCE STUDENTS PRESENT AT THE UMES GRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Five Exercise Science Students (Kaitlyn Eaton, Joy Hawkins, Carrington Rashaw, Jalen Ridgeway, and Jaiden Woodyard) presented posters at the 15th Annual Graduate Research Symposium. “A Preliminary Investigation of Functional Movement Among StudentAthletes and Recreational Athletes at a Historically Black University” Kaitlyn Eaton, Jaiden Woodyard, and Dr. LaShawn Nastvogel “Exercise Motivation Among Undergraduate Students: An Analysis of Behavioral Regulation Types” Jalen Ridgeway, Joy Hawkins, and Dr. LaShawn Nastvogel “Impact of Synthetic Caffeine on Adolescent and Young Adult Cognitive and Neuromotor Function” Carrington Rashaw and Dr. Jennifer Keane-Dawes
KINETIC CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2026
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH EMPOWERING YOUTH
THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION AND MENTORSHIP The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is expanding community-based health education through a new youth mentoring and Dr. Hwang and middle school students at It Takes prevention initiative a Village afterschool program completing the “Promoting Health Among Teens!” curriculum. designed to promote healthy decision-making and improve adolescent health outcomes in rural Maryland.
Harry the Hawk helps with warm-up activities.
2026 HAWK WALK:
PROMOTING HEALTH & FITNESS IN SOMERSET COUNTY The Annual Hawk Walk by the Department of Kinesiology continued with its 2-mile walk around the Town of Princess Anne to promote health and fitness in the community. Led by Coach Nelson and the Kinesiology Club, the event consisted of health screenings, food, and game events. Students from East Salisbury Elementary School also attended with their teachers and parents.
Implemented in partnership with It Takes a Village to Help Our Children, Inc. in Crisfield and Upward Bound in Princess Anne, the program delivers evidencebased education to middle and high school students using the Promoting Health Among Teens! curriculum. Serving approximately 55 youth participants and program staff, the initiative combines interactive learning with meaningful mentorship to create an engaging and supportive environment for adolescents ages 10–19. Through monthly educational sessions and ongoing mentorship, the initiative aims to increase youth awareness of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, strengthen understanding of the risks associated with unhealthy behaviors, and encourage informed choices that support long-term well-being. The program was led by Drs. Hwang and Dang through a grant from Somerset County Health Department. ·
NO WEED IN OUR YARD:
UMES STUDENTS LEAD A NEW APPROACH TO CANNABIS PREVENTION The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is advancing student health through No Weed in Our Yard, an innovative cannabis prevention and health promotion initiative designed to foster a healthier, cannabis-free campus culture. The program aimed to reduce underage cannabis initiation, increase awareness of the health, academic, and social impacts of cannabis use, and strengthen smoke- and vape-free campus environments. Thirty students from the EXSC 202 Community and Personal Health course served as Cannabis Prevention Ambassadors. These student ambassadors lead peerto-peer outreach through social media campaigns, interactive “Hawk Cannabis Talks,” campus health fairs, and educational events. Student-created content, including videos, testimonials, and myth-busting
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
UMES Cannabis Prevention Ambassadors educating participants about the dangers of marijuana at the health fair.
campaigns under the hashtag #NoWeedinOurYard, extended prevention messaging across campus and digital platforms. Ambassadors also supported campus wellness by promoting smoke- and vape-free environments and connected students to appropriate health and counseling resources. This program was led by Coach Nelson and Dr. Dang and was funded through Somerset County Health Department. ·
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS KAITLYN EATON is the 2026 recipient
of the American Kinesiology Association’s Student Scholar Award. This award is provided to students whose academic and leadership records are distinctive. Kaitlyn graduated this May with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Clinical track) and will be continuing her education at Tuft’s University in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2028. She hopes to become a Physical Therapist specializing in Pediatrics to work with children with complex disabilities.
JALEN RIDGEWAY is completing
an externship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Summer Research program in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is a Research Intern in the Sports Lab under the Health Sciences and Technology Department, working with Professor Peko Hosoi. His research is focused on biomechanical scanning and the collection of musculoskeletal data. Jalen is also studying how to emulate emotions through the human skeleton for performance evaluations and the mind-body connection for evaluating musculoskeletal performance with emotion.
THE KINESIOLOGY CLUB
SPREADS FRIGHT AND CHEERS During Halloween and Christmas, the Kinesiology Club hosted a trick-or-treat event and a “Meet Santa Claus” event for the children at UMES’s Child Development Center. The events were led by Coach Nelson, lecturer and advisor to the Kinesiology Club.
DAVID MARTIN gave the student Valedictorian address at UMES’s May
Commencement. He is a track athlete and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Clinical Track).
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As I reflect on our time in college, I cannot help but liken our experience to a marathon. We decided to enroll, to chase a dream, perhaps unsure of the obstacles ahead, but certain that the reward was worth it. Along the way, we had moments that made the race enjoyable. And while the journey has been exhausting, it has been extraordinary. We are stronger, wiser, and ready to take on the next race in our lives. As we step off this campus and into the world, remember that life, like a marathon, is not about how fast you run, but about perseverance, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward. Cherish your victories, learn from the struggles, and never underestimate the power of a single step forward.
KINETIC CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2026
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MY SUMMER ABROAD
IN COSTA RICA WITH BEYOND SPORTS
By Oriyah Clay, Exercise Science Student
When I applied to Beyond Sports, I expected to gain experience in healthcare and travel somewhere new. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would shape me, both professionally and personally. Beyond Sports is a study abroad program designed to give student-athletes hands-on learning opportunities while immersing them in a different culture. Through this program, I traveled to Costa Rica with 11 other collegiate student-athletes from across the United States. I selected the physical therapy internship experience and had the opportunity to work in two different clinics, which quickly became my favorite part of the experience. Every day brought new conversations, laughter, and opportunities to practice Spanish. The physical therapists taught me more about the human body while exposing me to treatments and approaches I had not previously seen firsthand, including ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, dry needling, and neuromodulation. Even with occasional language barriers, I gained valuable insight into clinical techniques and patient care practices that broadened my understanding of physical therapy. The internship challenged me intellectually while helping me develop a deeper appreciation for healthcare delivery in another country.
STUDENT NEWS
EMMANUEL JOHNSON III participated
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in the 2026 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) national conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. He presented in the RapidFire Platform session on the “Impact of Anatomical Sites and Exercise Intensity on the Accuracy of PhotoplethysmographyBased Wearable Trackers”. The project was mentored by Dr. Masoud Moghaddam, Assistant Professor.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
Oriyah Clay, pictured second from the left, participates in the Beyond Sports study abroad program.
In my free time, I enjoyed exploring San Ramón. The program managers organized activities that allowed us to become more involved in the community. We attended basketball games, took dance classes, volunteered at a local school, visited the Red Cross station, and even gathered for ice cream while reflecting on our experiences together. Some of my favorite moments, however, were the quiet ones. At my host family’s home, I often sat on the porch with my host mom. She helped me practice Spanish, and in return I helped her with English. Looking back, I can honestly say this was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. This program gave me the opportunity to strengthen my clinical knowledge, step outside my comfort zone, immerse myself in a new culture, and experience life outside of the United States for the first time. This experience gave me lifelong friendships, strengthened my passion for healthcare, and showed me the value of stepping outside of what is familiar. I would encourage any student to study abroad. The lessons, connections, and personal growth stay with you long after the program ends. ·
NEAH SHAW, a senior in Exercise Science,
received the “Departmental Outstanding Student Award” at the 2026 UMES Honors Convocation Ceremony. This award is given to students who demonstrate academic excellence, devote time to activities that enrich learning experiences, and act as a role model in the department.
ALUMNI NEWS ASHANTI HUNTER
KIANA PETERSON
Health Analyst
Pediatric Physical Therapist
(B.S., DPT, EXERCISE SCIENCE)
(B.S., M.S. EXERCISE SCIENCE)
CLASS OF
“During my time in this department,
2011 I was able to complete a full paid
internship at the prestigious Uniformed Services University, where I was exposed to high-level research and development. As a former member of the Exercise Science Club, I had the privilege of contributing to the creation of the National Walk Day initiatives in Princess Anne County which occurs every April of the year. Having these different opportunities has led me to what I do today in helping the community.”
CLASS OF
“The program challenged me
2019 academically while also giving me
hands-on experiences that prepared me for real-world opportunities in the healthcare profession. What makes the Kinesiology program at UMES truly special is the sense of community. The faculty genuinely care about your success, and the small class sizes create space for mentorship and growth. UMES Kinesiology didn’t just prepare me for a career. It helped me grow as a leader, professional, and advocate for wellness in my community.”
KURTIS ROGERS
TINA THOMAS
Physical Therapist
Behavioral Health Coordinator
(A.S., B.S., DPT, EXERCISE SCIENCE) CLASS OF
(B.S., M.S., DHA, EXERCISE SCIENCE)
“There are various opportunities that
2019 are available through internships,
learning from highly qualified professors, and experiencing the community atmosphere. The professors push you while offering support with encouraged office hours in every endeavor you decide to be involved in. The various outreach programs of the department build up the surrounding communities, and there are opportunities to learn from different health care professionals stemming from Kinesiology.”
CLASS OF
“Students should choose UMES Kinesiology
2004 because it offers endless possibilities for
growth, impact, and professional advancement. The program provides hands-on training from experienced experts in the field along with exposure to real-world opportunities. Through a science-driven approach, the UMES Kinesiology program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to transform lives and make a measurable difference across all sectors of the health and wellness field.”
RICHARD WARREN JR.
JORDAN WHITE
Educator (2019 MD State Teacher of the Year)
Athletic Trainer
(B.S., M.S., Ed.D, EXERCISE SCIENCE) CLASS OF
“UMES gives students more than a
2011 degree. It gives them direction.
The kinesiology program combines handson experience, strong mentorship, and meaningful relationships with faculty who are invested in your success. Students are known, supported, and challenged to grow as professionals and leaders. Graduates leave not only career-ready, but confident in who they are and what they bring to their field.”
(ATC, LAT, SPT, EXERCISE SCIENCE) CLASS OF
“There are great professors in the
2021 department who want to see all
their students succeed. They have helped me a lot on my journey whether it’s a letter of recommendation or challenging me in their class to be excellent. A new addition to the major is guaranteed seats in certain post graduate degree programs, and that is extremely impressive. Not many programs offer that, and it is a great opportunity for our students to gain aid in very competitive fields.”
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Dr. Yen Dang has been selected as a Leadership Fellow for the American Kinesiology Association (AKA).
Dr. LaShawn Nastvogel was promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure.
KINETIC CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2026
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