Kate Heelan, PhD, has recently joined our research faculty. Here’s more about Kate in her own words:
Prior to joining UNMC, I spent 25 years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a faculty of exercise science, department chair and director of the Physical Activity and Wellness Lab. During my tenure at UNK, I developed the Greater Nebraska Physical Activity Initiative with a mission is to address the obesity epidemic by providing expertise in community programs and initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity and healthy eating behaviors across the lifespan.
I have successfully developed, tested, packaged, and disseminated programs that I have created for implementation in rural communities. I have experience working with rural communities to strengthen partnerships with public school systems, health centers, community agencies, and family units. I work to provide evidence-based obesity prevention and treatment program strategies to schools, medical clinics, communities, and families. I have three federally funded grants that I am excited to bring to UNMC and collaborate with faculty interested in implementing health behavior programs in rural communities.