By Kaylee Alivo
The Department of Health and Human Physiology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has welcomed JJ Chen, an assistant professor whose research focuses on adapted physical activity, motor learning, aging, and the psychology of physical activity. With a background in education and kinesiology, Chen has dedicated his career to improving the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
In this Q&A, he discusses his academic journey, current projects, and the importance of therapeutic recreation.
Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey before joining the University of Iowa?
A: I began my academic path at the National Taiwan Teachers College in Tainan, Taiwan, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in physical education. I continued my studies at the National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, obtaining a master’s degree in education with a focus on adapted physical education. Then, I came to the States and pursued doctoral studies at Arizona State University, earning my PhD in Kinesiology in 2013.
Q: What about your professional experience before joining Iowa?
A: After college, I earned an elementary school teaching certificate in Taiwan and spent five years teaching in a rural school. After graduation from Arizona State University, I became a lecturer at the University of Iowa for two years before moving to Mississippi State University for a tenure-track faculty position. Before rejoining Iowa, I served as an associate professor of kinesiology at Mississippi State, where I focused on adapted physical activity and exercise, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities and aging populations.
Q: What drew you to the Department of Health and Human Physiology at Iowa?
A: The Department of Health and Human Physiology provides a dynamic environment where I can contribute to and benefit from ongoing research and educational initiatives. One of the key attractions for me is the department’s therapeutic recreation program, which aligns closely with my passion for improving the health and quality of life for individuals with disabilities through physical activity and recreation. Having previously worked at Iowa, I was familiar with the department’s culture and research initiatives, making my return in 2024 an exciting opportunity for continued professional development.
Q: How do you hope to contribute to the department and its students?
A: I aim to teach courses that enhance students’ understanding of physical activity, motor learning, and working with individuals with disabilities. I also strive to foster an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and encouraged to succeed. Additionally, I want to engage in research with real-world applications, offering students hands-on experiences to develop the skills needed for success in their careers.
Q: Are there any current projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
A: Yes! I am excited to build relationships with Oaknoll Retirement Community, where I recently started a Bingocize program for assisted-living residents. Additionally, I will be collaborating with the UI REACH program to offer an adapted and inclusive badminton course (TR 1010: Adapted Recreation & Physical Activity) for UI REACH students this semester. These projects allow me to apply my research in real-world settings and create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Q: February is National Therapeutic Recreation Month. From your perspective, why is therapeutic recreation important?
A: Therapeutic recreation plays a crucial role in utilizing leisure activities to simultaneously address multiple aspects of a person's well-being, including physical, emotional, cognitive, and social health to proving overall well-being, particularly for individuals with disabilities. It provides physical, mental, and social benefits that significantly enhance quality of life. Therapeutic recreation is essential to a holistic approach to health, aligning with my work in creating inclusive and supportive environments where individuals of all ability levels have opportunities to succeed.