Heard on Campus: Science, Health and Wellness PowHer Hour
The Neuroscience Institute at Penn State recently co-sponsored an event with former Penn State field hockey coach Char Morett-Curtiss's new Teammates for Life mentoring program called Science, Health and Wellness PowHer Hour. It featured presentations from coaches, student athletes, academics leaders, and support staff, and offered time for students to speak one-on-one with successful women from Penn State and the surrounding community, who volunteered to take part.
One of those women was Nikki Crowley, director of the Neuroscience Institute at University Park; Huck Early Career Chair in Neurobiology & Neural Engineering; and assistant professor of biology in the Eberly College of Science. She brought a special focus on work/life balance, health and wellness, and potential careers in science and research to the mix.
“Our student athletes have all of the skills we look for in cultivating future scientists," Crowley said. "They have grit, determination, they work well in teams, and they continue going the extra mile even in the face of setback and failures. I’m so excited to work with Teammates for Life and Intercollege Athletics to make sure our athletes are getting to apply these skills in a research setting.”
Student athletes face rigorous academic demands while being expected to perform at the highest level in their chosen sport. To address these challenges, Morett-Curtiss has teamed up with the University’s Neuroscience Institute to make a difference in the lives of young women in Penn State Athletics.
“My vision is that this is all about building relationships," Morett-Curitss said. "That's the most important thing. We don't have to go around the country, we don't have to go across the Atlantic, because we have women right here on our own campus, and in our community, that have achieved greatness.”
Pictured below are other members of the Penn State Eberly College of Science, including, Mary Beth Williams, acting dean, Janine Kwapis, Paul Berg Early Career Professor in the Biological Sciences and assistant professor of biology, and Tracy Langkilde, interim executive vice president and provost and professor of biology.
