About the PALS Group

The Physical Activity and Life Skills (PALS) Group at NIU uses sport and other physical activity programs to promote positive youth development and social change. We are leaders in best practices related to social and emotional learning (SEL) in physical education, sport-based youth development and international sport for development.

Leadership Team

  • Paul M. Wright, Ph.D., executive director
  • Karisa Kuipers, Ph.D., associate director

Faculty Affiliates

  • Jeremy  Butler, Ph.D.
  • Wonock Chung, Ph.D.
  • Shaine Henert, Ph.D.
  • Steve Howell, Ph.D.
  • Jenn Jacobs, Ph.D.
  • Jim Ressler, Ph.D.
  • Zach Wahl-Alexander, Ph.D.

Students

Huskies from any area of study can get involved with us. Most of the students who participate in our programs are enrolled in the KNPE department's academic programs. Students currently active with us include:

  • Emerson Baptiste, master’s student, sport management
  • Jaeden Ellasus, undergraduate student, anthropology and linguistics
  • Paolo Eslava, master’s student, athletic training
  • Justin Houston, undergraduate student, sport management
  • Jordyn King, doctoral student, kinesiology and physical education
  • Grace Louis, doctoral student, kinesiology and physical education
  • Shayan Shafiei Nikou, graduate student, physical education pedagogy
  • Victor Wright, undergraduate student, music