John is working for the Human Performance & Sport Science Center (HPSSC). He started at SoK in April.

Q: Out of everything you're working on at SoK, what are you most excited about and why?

A: I am most excited about the opportunity to use my 15+ years of education and training to have a positive impact in the lives of the students I mentor, my colleagues, and the student-athletes, medical teams, and coaches with whom I work. 

Completing a MS, PhD, and postdoc after my undergraduate studies was mentally demanding work, and it is gratifying to know that the hard work and opportunities I have been afforded will allow me to fulfill my career goals. In short, I am most excited to be able to apply myself and acquire new knowledge as I continue to grow, all while having the chance to make a difference in the lives of those around me!

Q: What's the most meaningful or satisfying aspect of your work at SoK?

A: The opportunity to work with my colleagues to mentor students and pass on the knowledge and skills that others have taught me, all in a way that gives back to the student-athletes, coaches, and the School of Kinesiology. I have been privileged to have a long list of truly exceptional mentors, family, and friends that have brought me where I am today, and it is meaningful for me to be able to give back to them by using the gifts I have been given and developed with their immense support.

Q: How do you balance your time between your work and personal life?

A: Once I leave the office, I do my best to minimize screen time and focus on the things that bring me the most joy in life outside of the work I accomplish. For me, this means prioritizing exercise, sleep, time with family and friends, and prayer/meditation. I consider it a successful day of balancing work and personal life when each of my goals in these areas are met!

Q: Which states and/or countries have you lived in? Which was your favorite, and why?

A: I grew up in Michigan and have since lived in Virginia and Massachusetts. Each area had its own amazing people, beautiful scenery, and many outdoor activities to explore, but I am excited to be back to my roots. I would have to say Michigan has to be my favorite, especially since I am back to being close to family!

Q: Who are the special people in your life?

A: The list of special people in my life is too long to list, but the top of the list belongs to my parents, my siblings and their spouses and our broader family (including all my nieces and nephews!), and all the friends who I am fortunate to consider part of my extended family.

Q: What's one fun or surprising thing about you?

A: I once ran a trail ultramarathon that was supposed to be a 50-km race, but I missed the turn with one mile of trail left down the mountain, which ultimately led me to run 42 miles and not finish the race — I went on to complete the same race the next year (with slightly fewer wrong turns)!