Assistant Professor Ayanna Lyles
Dr. Lyles is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Science and Sport Studies. 
She completed her undergraduate degree in sport science / athletic training at the University of Connecticut in 2000. After graduation, Ayanna worked in the clinical setting at Advanced Physical Therapy Center and as the head Athletic Trainer at Westhill High School in Stamford. Ayanna is a CAL graduate, having received her Master of Science in Athletic Training in 2003. Following graduation, she entered the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Health Education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), where she recently graduated in 2008. She taught in the athletic training education program, served as a mentor and advisor to students, worked as an athletic trainer at the Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy Clinic, and served as a clinical instructor.
Dr. Lyles has over 3 years teaching experience in both the traditional classroom setting and with web-based formats. She has also been a First Aid / CPR / AED Instructor through the American Red Cross for 3 years. Ms. Lyles enjoys teaching and her philosophy is that athletic training education must be both hands-on and student oriented. Therefore, she actively engages her students in classroom discussion.
She has experience in the clinical setting and working with high school, as well as, collegiate athletes. Dr. Lyles has a strong interest in athletic training and health education research. Her research interests include multicultural education, health disparities among minority populations, and cultural competency among allied health practitioners. She has experience in teaching and providing healthcare for people of diverse backgrounds. One of her personal goals is to increase diversity within the athletic training profession. Ayanna is also committed to increasing cultural competency among allied health professionals and health educators.
Dr. Lyles is a member of the National Society of Black Athletic Trainers, a not-for-profit organization committed to improving the status of people of African descent in the athletic training profession. She is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), and the American Association for Health Educators (AAHE).
Ayanna enjoys all sports, particularly outdoor sports such as running, biking, hiking, and kayaking. Dr. Lyles is a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Alumnus and currently serves on the Excellence Scholarship Selection Committee for the Jackie Robinson Foundation.