Assistant professor Zan Gao, Ph.D. has been selected by the SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) Recognition Awards Committee to receive the Leroy T. Walker Young Professional Award at the 2015 National Convention in Seattle, Washington.

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award is given to a minority member of SHAPE America who is 40 years old or younger who has demonstrated superior promise in the areas of service, teaching, scholarship and commitment to the goals of the Alliance focusing specifically on under-represented and/or underserved populations and promotion of social justice and diversity.

Gao is the director of the  Physical Activity Epidemiology Lab (PAEL).