To speak with the experts below, or to find others, contact Jami Kunzer in the NIU Office of Institutional Communications at jkunzer@niu.edu or by phone at 815-954-1015.

NIU Associate Professor Jenn Jacobs, Ph.D., has written about and taught on the topics of sport psychology and sport sociology. Dr. Jacobs teaches Sport and Exercise Psychology in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.

She can discuss:

• The mental health and social media pressures on athletes, including the impact of instantaneous reactions.
• The evolution of sports and how spectatorship and competition both evolve with changing societal trends. (New sporting events coming to Paris 2024)
• The role of sport psychology in elite level sports. Athletes train for 4 years sometimes for a minute of performance. (The reigning world triple jump champion credits sports psychology for success)
• The power of motivation for athletes.
• International sport for social change and sport for development. Sport can be used for diplomatic, social justice and inclusive efforts through the Olympic stage.

 

Laura Marinaro, Ph.D, an assistant professor for Health Studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences and a facilitator for the Certificate of Graduate Study in Sports Nutrition, is an expert on sports nutrition advancement and education. Dr. Marinaro earned a diploma in Sports Nutrition from the International Olympic Committee, the organization’s highest academic standard.

She can discuss:

• Her experience earning an IOC diploma as one of only four from the U.S. in the 2022 graduating cohort.
• Human performance and sport nutrition.
• Athletic recovery.
• The far-reaching implications of under-fueling.
• Performance enhancement via supplements (legal and illegal/ doping, etc.).
• The medal reallocation ceremonies.