Education
University of North Alabama
Expected 2025
Doctor of Philosophy - Exercise Science and Health Promotion
University of North Alabama
Spring 2019
Master of Science - Health and Human Performance w/ a concentration in Exercise Science
Mississippi State University
Fall 2016
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology w/ a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Professional Philosophy
During my junior year of undergraduate studies, I began to realize that physical therapy may not be my true path. The excitement it once held had faded, and I understood how vital it was to discover my passion before graduating. I’ve always felt a deep calling to encourage, support, and assist others, but I needed to find a way to manifest this desire fully.
In my final year, I immersed myself in research with two Ph.D. students who have since become my mentors. During my 220-hour senior internship in the Neuromechanics lab, I uncovered the essence of being a researcher. The thrill of conducting research brought me a sense of fulfillment I had never anticipated, and I thought I had found my calling. I pursued a Master of Science degree, dreaming of working with a major company like Nike or Under Armour to conduct groundbreaking research on athletes.
Yet, as I journeyed on, my childhood dream of becoming an educator returned. I distinctly remember a class where one of my professors illuminated the three pillars of post-secondary education: teaching, scholarship, and service. At that moment, I experienced a powerful revelation: “Tia, you can embody both researcher and educator in academia! Just think of the lives you could touch.” It was then that I truly established my purpose in this world.
Teaching, scholarship, and service are interconnected and support one another. I envision this relationship as a circular model with arrows indicating their influence on each other. Engaging in research and service can enhance teaching methods, making them more effective and productive. As an educator, I can utilize research-based evidence to refine my curriculum and instruction, ultimately leading to better student learning outcomes. Conversely, effective teaching strategies can facilitate the execution of service projects. Additionally, participating in service opportunities can provide educators with fresh perspectives that enrich their teaching methods or inspire new research ideas. In summary, maintaining a healthy balance among these three elements is essential for educators to be their best and most valuable selves.
