Ling Beisecker, a first-year Department of Allied Health Sciences Human Movement Science Curriculum (HMSC) PhD Student, recently received the Southern Association of Allied Health Deans Award for Leadership, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. The award recognizes students pursuing a degree in a health science profession who demonstrate leadership and promotion of diversity, inclusion and equity.
Beisecker primarily studies the mental health, physical health and well-being of female athletes. She is passionate about researching and disseminating research that can positively impact athletes as they transition to school and eventually away from sport. As a former elite athlete for the Chinese National Federation, she experienced first-hand many difficulties athletes face as she transitioned from primarily focusing on sport to scholarship, and is now interested in understanding that process more fully to assist other athletes.
“I want to thank the committee for believing in me and selecting me for this award,” says Beisecker. “For me, this means that they have faith in my future as an educator and leader in the field of sport and exercise psychology. I have always had a passion for giving back and sharing my knowledge with those who may not have traditional access to education, and this award provides support for me to give back to my community through accessible wellness programming.”
Beisecker has been involved with DEI work and advocacy within and outside of the classroom for more than a decade, and she has been recognized for those efforts over the course of her academic career. She notes that as a woman of color, therapist, runner and yoga practitioner, she offers teachable skills that have the ability to uplift others.
During her time in the Human Movement Science Curriculum (HMSC), Beisecker hopes to grow as an educator and researcher to be in better service of those she works with in sport and exercise. She also hopes to hone her skills as a teacher because she loves sharing knowledge and fostering student growth, and she recognizes that social justice will continue to be at the forefront of her work.
In her first year with the HMSC program, Beisecker is already making an impact as a leader on campus. She currently serves on the committee to host HMSC Day, a one-day event for students to showcase their research; volunteers for the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA) conference; and serves as an instructor for the EXSS 181 Sport and Exercise Psychology class.