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
- Wonock Chung, Ph.D.
- Shaine Henert, Ph.D.
- Steve Howell, Ph.D.
- Shelby Ison, Ph.D.
- Jenn Jacobs, Ph.D.
- Jim Ressler, Ph.D.
- Zach Wahl-Alexander, Ph.D.
- Laurie Zittel, Ph.D.
Students
Huskies from any area of study can get involved with us. For example, this article shows how students from many majors benefited from a sport diplomacy course. Most of the students who participate in our programs are enrolled in the KNPE department's academic programs. Students currently active with us include:
- Grace Louis, graduate student, KNPE doctoral program
- Marissa Fetters, graduate student, sport and exercise psychology master’s program
- Jordyn King, graduate student, sport and exercise psychology master’s program
- Amanda McMurray, graduate student, physical education master’s program
- Brianna Pasillas, graduate student, sport and exercise psychology master’s program