Kinesiology graduate receives ISU prize for dissertation in behavioral sciences

May 9, 2008

Kinesiology graduate receives ISU prize for dissertation in behavioral sciences

Research prevents childhood obesity, awards underscore breadth of kinesiology program

David Holger presents a plaque to Michelle Ihmels, who won the 2008 Karas Award for Outstanding Dissertation in the Behavioral Sciences from Iowa State University. Contributed Photo.

Michelle Ihmels, who received her Ph.D. in kinesiology in December, has received the Karas Award for Outstanding Dissertation in the Behavioral Sciences from Iowa State University.

Ihmels' dissertation focuses on obesity in children. She designed and tested a tool for identifying children who are at risk for becoming obese. She also developed strategies to help them maintain healthy weights.

With guidance from Greg Welk, her major professor, Ihmels worked with more than 2000 first graders in 37 schools within the Des Moines Schools system and developed longitudinal analysis for measuring risk and efficacy of interventions. Her program has since grown to encompass all Polk County Schools.

Ihmels' award represents the second time that a kinesiology Ph.D. student has been honored by Iowa State for research at the highest level. The Ph.D. program in kiesiology was approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa in 1999 and granted its first Ph.D. in 2002. That year, Greg Brown (Ph.D.  HHP 2002) received the Zaffarano Prize, for his published biological research.

"Not many departments have the scope to win awards in both the  behavioral sciences and the biological sciences, yet we have won both and we have only been graduating Ph.D.s [since 2002]," said Jerry Thomas, professor and chair of kinesiology.

More information about Iowa State University awards recently presented to graduate students, visit the Graduate College News.