The American Kinesiology Association recently selected doctoral candidate Andrea Stark for a 2015 Graduate Student Writing Award as well as Honorable Mention for the National Writing Award competition. Stark, whose emphasis in kinesiology is in the psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity, was recognized for her lead-authored refereed article, “A dancer’s well-being: The influence of the social psychological climate during adolescence,” published in the journal, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, in 2014.

The award honors a select number of graduate students who are the first author on a published article based on their research. These students have demonstrated an exceptional ability to conduct and disseminate research in the field of kinesiology that has the potential for making a significant impact on the field.

The American Kinesiology Association, an organization of over 140 kinesiology departments in colleges and universities nationwide, promotes and enhances kinesiology as a unified field of study and works to advance its many applications. In addition, the organization offers a range of services to its member departments. The University of Minnesota is an active member of the American Kinesiology Association.

Stark’s major advisor is Dr. Maureen Weiss, a professor of kinesiology with an emphasis in physical activity psychology.