A PHHS Movement Studies in Disability alumna was honored with the Oregon State University Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Award for 2011.
Maria Kosma, an associate professor of kinesiology at Louisiana State University, with a 2003 doctorate in exercise and sport science from OSU, is becoming a distinguished national and international leader in the area of physical activity and health promotion among people with physical disabilities and other at-risk and underserved populations.
Kosma participated in various departmental activities at OSU Nov. 2-6 and was a featured speaker at the “Classes Without Quizzes” Homecoming seminar.
Kosma, who has received numerous honors and awards, focuses her research on the study of theory-based psychosocial determinants of physical activity for improved health, using advanced statistical and methodological techniques among adults with physical disabilities and older adults. She includes service-learning experiences to enhance student learning by applying theory to practice in her teaching.