Associate Professor Rececca A. Hess

Dr. Hess teaches Human Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Physiology of Exercise, and Sports Nutrition as well as research methods in the undergraduate and graduate athletic training education and physical therapy assistant programs.  She has been employed at California University since 1987 where she has headed several in-service workshops, as well as local and regional guest lectures on fitness and developmental physical education.  She has served on the Professional Development School Committee at California University, designing integrated, dynamic outdoor learning environments with neighboring public school faculty and students, and has also worked as an educational, as well as a clinical consultant, developing fitness and alternative rehabilitation programs for outpatient physical therapy labs and acute care facilities.  As a former professional dancer and certified personal trainer, Rebecca also teaches for the Mon Valley Performing Art Academy and provides balance training for athletic teams at Cal U.  

 

Dr. Hess completed post-doctoral study on the effects of attention and activity level on balance and postural control in the elderly at Eye and Ear Institute, Pittsburgh, PA after obtaining her doctorate in Developmental Movement Studies with an emphasis in Motor Learning and Control from the University of Pittsburgh.  She currently serves as an educational consultant in youth fitness for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and is an active associate member of the EATA and NATA, as well as a member of PSAPHERD and IADMS.  Her research interests include neuromuscular training and postural deficits as they relate to the prevention of injury.