University News
COEHS Initiates Lifespan Institute to Facilitate Research
January 9, 2009
MACOMB, IL -- When it comes to expertise on aging, obesity, disease and human development, faculty members in Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) are leading the way in their respective fields. In addition to their cutting-edge instruction in Western's classrooms, COEHS faculty will now have the opportunity to engage in important life-related research via COEHS's Lifespan Institute (LSI).
A new initiative that aligns with WIU's core values of social responsibility, personal growth, educational opportunity and academic excellence, the Lifespan Institute's mission is "to find research-based solutions to challenges with a focus on aging, obesity, disease, societal violence, human development and social justice."
At the helm of the LSI is Mike Godard, assistant professor in the kinesiology department; Godard was named founding research fellow beginning this month. According to COEHS officials, he will provide the conceptual design for the Lifespan Institute; solicit information regarding faculty research interests; and identify viable funding opportunities from state, federal and corporate sources.
"The Lifespan Institute will support basic and applied research, treatment and assessment clinics, service coordination and delivery, consultation and training," COEHS Dean Bonnie Smith-Skripps explained. "Dr. Godard possesses the requisite background and critical vision to assist the college in actualizing interdisciplinary research."
According to Smith-Skripps, the goal of the institute is to bring together scientists of diverse disciplines including kinesiology, health sciences, recreation studies, social work, dietetics, corrections, counseling and education to study human development from its cellular origins through the final stages of life. "The LSI will foster a highly collaborative, enterprising environment for scientists, students and practitioners from the various disciplines," she added.
Godard noted he will be pursuing funding from external agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Illinois Department of Public Health and private and public corporations.
"It is exciting to be part of this COEHS initiative," Godard said. "I look forward to assisting faculty in their research initiatives and furthering the public's understanding of lifespan development."
For more information about the Lifespan Institute, contact Dana Moon, assistant to the dean in the College of Education and Human Services, at (309) 298-1690 or DM-Moon@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
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