Adjunct Health and Human Performance […]
Holly Martinson
Adjunct Health and Human Performance […]
Julia Doto
Academic credentials
B.S., University of Delaware
M.S., The Pennsylvania State University
Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park
Biography
Julia Kish-Doto, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in Health and Human Performance at Marymount University. Her research portfolio focuses on health communication around food and nutrition its role in chronic disease prevention in vulnerable populations. Trained in dietetics and community health, she has received federal funding to design and evaluate public health education programs. Her current research specifically examines the intersection between health, climate, and diet.
Teaching Areas
- Public Health
- Designing and Evaluating Public Health Promotion Campaigns
- Epidemiology
- Health Communication
- Health Behavior
- Nutrition
- Weight Management
Research interests
- Exploring Consumer Nutrition Behaviors Reducing Consumer Waste
- Consumption, and Packaging
- Designing Public Health Awareness and Education Campaigns in particular related to diet and the climate
- Assessing Health and Nutrition Literacy in Vulnerable Populations
- Improving Patient-Provider Communication, in particular about chronic disease.
Publications/creative works
Books, Book Chapters, and Monographs:
Kish-Doto, J. & Poehlman, J.A. (2021). Social marketing as a Public Health Intervention. In C. Fourali & J. French. (Eds.) Palgrave Social Marketing Encyclopedia. Palgrave Macmillan Cham. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14449-4_89-1; Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Kish-Doto, J., & Francavillo, G. R. (2024). Public health professionals’ views on climate change, advocacy, and health. Journal of Communication in Healthcare, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17538068.2024.2441547;
Other Papers (Published Commentaries/Letters, Conference Proceedings):
Kish-Doto, J., & Gloria, C. T. (2024). Change is in the air: considerations for how we communicate about climate change and health. Journal of Communication in Healthcare, 17(2), 191–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/17538068.2024.2357948; Kish-Doto, J. (2023). O.11.5 – (WIP) Planting the seed of nutrition communication: Nursing students and plant-based diets: Presenter(s): Julia Kish-Doto, Marymount University, United States, Patient Education and Counseling, 109(S), 42, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.10.104. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738399122005766); Kish-Doto, J. (2022) Shifting the misinformation perspective: from combatting, challenging, and fighting to acknowledging, advocating, and communicating, Journal of Communication in Healthcare, DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2022.2121200 […]
Amy Allnutt
Credentials:
B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Dayton, Dayton OH 1991
M.S in Exercise Physiology from the University of South Carolina, Columbia SC 1992
Ph.D. Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois 2020
Biography:
As the Director of the School of Health Sciences at Marymount University, I oversee undergraduate and graduate programs in Health Sciences, Public Health Education and Promotion, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology. I also serve as an Assistant Professor in Health and Human Performance. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, I bring a comprehensive perspective to academic program management, research, and student mentorship. My academic and professional background includes extensive expertise in fitness and exercise physiology, with a research focus on obesity medicine, weight stigma, exercise programming for special populations, and health/fitness assessments. This experience informs my commitment to improving health equity and access, particularly among underserved and underrepresented populations. A cornerstone of my career has been the development and implementation of innovative academic initiatives. I designed a service-learning course for undergraduate students and successfully transitioned our Public Health and Health Promotion program to an online delivery mode, ensuring academic rigor and competitive quality. My leadership extends to university governance, where I chaired the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, guiding curricular changes to meet evolving educational needs. I have a strong record of mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students in research, supporting their dissemination of findings at conferences such as the Virginia Collegiate Honors Council and national forums like the American College of Sports Medicine. My own research on weight bias has led to podium presentations at national conferences and curricular changes aimed at reducing bias among health science students before they enter the workforce. Since 2021, I have led over 30 students on rural health trips in partnership with Remote Area Medical (RAM), providing medical care to underserved communities. These experiences have solidified my commitment to addressing health disparities and fostering professional development for health science students. Currently, as an affiliate scientist with Marymount University’s Center for Optimal Aging, I am collaborating on the Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Health Aging (ALOHA) project with an extensive team of various experts to bring health passports to the older community members of Arlington VA. This interdisciplinary research aligns with my expertise in health assessments and highlights the value of collaboration in advancing impactful research.
Teaching Areas:
HPR 210: CPR and First Aid
HPR 302: Fitness Testing and Assessment
HPR 304 :Developing Physical Training Programs
HPR 500: Exercise Physiology
Research Areas:
Weight stigma, autism, fitness interventions, older adults, longevity
Publications:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4230-4742
[…]
Alexei Wong
Academic Credentials
Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology
Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
Florida International University, Miami, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Biography
Arterial function in aging, hypertension, and obesity – The effects of exercise training and nutritional interventions on cardiovascular health -Impact of exercise training and nutritional supplements/strategies on muscular adaptations and body composition in both healthy and diseased cohorts.
Other Information
Teaching Area
Research Interests
Publications
[…]
Sara Pappa
Academic Credentials
PhD, MCHES
Biography
Dr. Sara Pappa is an Assistant Professor in the Health and Human Performance Department.
She holds a BS in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Cincinnati, an MA is
Exercise Physiology from Kent State University and a Ph.D. in Health Education from the
The University of Cincinnati. In addition to teaching, she manages the regional falls prevention
the initiative, including the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance. This work is supported by a
a federal grant from the Administration on Community Living. Current research initiatives include
evidence-based falls prevention programs for older adults and professional preparation of
health educators. In previous roles, she worked in local public health departments in Fairfax
County and in Ohio. She has extensive experience in managing public health projects at the
local, regional and state levels. Her experience includes implementing and evaluating health
promotion programs and policies; conducting community health needs assessments;
developing and evaluating community health improvement plans; media outreach and public
relations; grant research, writing and administration; coalition development and leadership;
and strategic planning.
Other Information
Teaching Area
Research Interests
Publications
[…]
Michael Nordvall
Academic Credentials
B.S., Ithaca College
M.S., Southern Connecticut State University
Ed.D., University of Northern Colorado
Biography
Dr. Michael Nordvall has been a member of the faculty at Marymount University since 1998. He completed his undergraduate work in Health Sciences at Ithaca College, his master’s degree in Human Performance at Southern Connecticut State University, and his doctorate in Kinesiology at the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Nordvall is the director of the kinesiology lab for the Health Sciences Program. He was named the 2008 Honors Fellow with the University’s Honors Program.
Teaching Area
Dr. Nordvall teaches several courses in both the undergraduate Health Sciences and graduate Health Promotion Management programs including Introduction to Health and Exercise Science, Honors Exercise Physiology, Clinical Concepts and Practice in Cardiovascular Disease, and Design of Adult Fitness Programs.
Research Interests
His research interests include the effects of nutritional supplements on cardiovascular and metabolic physiology, performance characteristics of biathletes, and the role of alternative modes of exercise in health.
Publications
For a list of Dr. Nordvall’s publications refer to: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1100-478X […]
Gwendolyn S. Roberts Francavillo
Academic Credentials
B.A., University of Maryland, Baltimore County
M.P.H., The George Washington University
Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)
Biography
Dr. Gwendolyn S. Roberts Francavillo is an experienced, tenured Associate Professor of Public Health in the School of Health Sciences at Marymount University. She has taught and conducted research at universities since 1998 with expertise in stress management, public health ethics, wellness, sexuality, and global health. Dr. Francavillo has an interactive teaching approach to make any topic fun and engaging! A professional endeavor of hers is to establish an interest among her students in research methods and theoretical foundation. Dr. Francavillo has a PhD and Master’s degree in Public Health, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). One of her passions is teaching yoga to varied populations for over 20 years and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). She has received funding, published findings, and presented at national conferences. Dr. Francavillo feels her calling is to help others embrace positivity, feel empowered to take responsibility for their own health, and be the best selves they can be!
Teaching Area
- Health Psychology
- Stress Management
- Global Health and Culture
- Public Health Capstone
- Yoga
Research Interests
- Stress Management
- Public Health Ethics
- Sexual Assault
Publications
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2021). Psychosocial Holistic Stress Management: Innovative Factors and Techniques Associated with a Reduction of Perceived Stress. Presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Public Health Association.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2021). “Soul-utions” for Stress Reduction. Presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Public Health Association.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2021). Health and Immigration Ethics: How Would You Decide? Presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Society for Public Health Education.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2021). Developing an Effective, Interactive Online Intervention to Target Public Health Issues and Risk Behaviors. Presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Society for Public Health Education.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2019, November). Applying an Ethical Decision-Making Framework to Case Studies Involving Public Health Issues and Risk Behaviors. Presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Public Health Association, Philadelphia, PA.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2017). College Students Experience Sexual Assault Disproportionately as a Result of Disparities. Presented at the 2017 annual meeting of the National Wellness Conference, St. Paul, MN.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2017). Educating vulnerable students with evidence-based sexual assault information. Presented at the 2017 Global Perspectives International Conference, Marymount University, Arlington, VA.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2015). Improving prevention and response to sexual misconduct on campus: How the data help us. Presented at the 2015 annual meeting of the American College Health Association, Orlando, FL.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2013). Sexual education, sexual communication, sexual assault knowledge, rape myths, acceptance, and sexual assault experience among deaf and hard of hearing college students. Presented at the 2013 Bridging the Gap Conference, Vancouver, WA.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2013). Sexuality assault knowledge among deaf and hard of hearing college students. Presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Boston, MA.
- Francavillo, G. S. R. (2010). Sexuality education, sexual communication, rape myth acceptance, and sexual assault experience among Deaf and Hard of Hearing college students. Presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Denver, CO.
[…]
Donald Lavanty, J.D.
Academic Credentials
B.A., J.D., The George Washington University
Biography
With expertise in health care law and policy, Professor Donald Lavanty serves as a consultant to health care associations on Medicare and Medicaid. In addition to being a faculty member at Marymount, he is an adjunct professor at the Naval School of Health Sciences and instructs Medical Service Personnel on the issues affecting national health policy.
Professor Lavanty is a lecturer and program moderator for the Johns Hopkins Department of Pathology/Washington G-2 seminars on Medicare Reimbursement as it affects clinical laboratories. He also serves as the moderator for the National Health Care Policy Forum at the annual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry and The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Other Information
Teaching Area
- Business Law
- Health Care Law and Policy
- Business Lay and Ethics
Research Interests
- Health Care Policy
Publications
Author, Political Aspects of Health Care, 2018 […]
Barry Erdeljon
Academic Credentials
B.S., University of Maryland
M.F.A., The George Washington University
Biography
Barry C. Erdeljon joined the faculty at Marymount in 1992. He has been the creative director, designer, producer and provided technology consultation for award-winning museum interactive displays, video productions, and websites. Grant-funded projects include Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Calvert Marine Science Museum, and Freedom House Museum. Mr. Erdeljon has made presentations at museum design and technology conferences.
Mr. Erdeljon makes a difference by contributing his design and technology skills to a wide range of causes and nonprofits. He also provides technology assistance to the video studio and Apple computer labs at Marymount.
Other Information
Teaching Area
- Digital Photography
- Video Production
- Web Design & Social Media Design
- Performance Media Lab
- Senior Media/Graphic Design Portfolio
Research Interests
- Museum exhibits and interactive display designs and technology
- Promotional mini-documentaries
- Web & Social Media design and technology
- Digital photography video production techniques
Publications
Museum Exhibit Design
Captain John Smith Nanticoke River Discover Center, Vienna Maryland
Sully Planation, historic site, Fairfax Virginia
National Urban League, centennial traveling exhibit
Freedom House Museum, Alexandria Virginia
Interactive Display Design
Sully Planation, historic site, in Fairfax Virginia
“Alone in Dixie” — exploration of Sully Farm’s role during the Civil War.
“Slave Quarters” — video exploration of enslaved life at Sully Farm.
Calvert Marine Science Museum, Solomons Maryland
Paleontology photo and video gallery touch screen with geological time spiral
interface and an educational children’s game
Freedom House, domestic slave museum, Alexandria Virginia
“Sold South” — exploration of the economics of domestic slave trading
“Torn Apart” — first person testimonials of former slaves’ experiences
“Cotton Is King” – educational game for elementary school students
Video Productions
“I am empowered” video wall documentary about one hundred years of National Urban League programs and initiatives.
“Moochula – Giving hawksbills hope” documentary about Gales Point villagers and Marymount University’s Dr. Rimkus hawksbill sea turtle preservation efforts.
“National Mall Monuments and Memorials” AIM Higher, Foster Care to Success video series for the National Park Service centennial.
“Slave testimonials” for Freedom House Museum, Alexandria Virginia
“Founding Our Foundation” documentary about Elk Run Anglican Church Site Archeology Preservation Project, Fauquier County, Virginia,
Web Design
Alexandria African American Hall of Fame, website and accompanying diorama displays at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, Alexandria, Virginia.
Howard Zinn Education Project, teachers’ resource website supporting the teaching of people’s history in middle and high school classrooms across the country
OceanSpeak interactive literacy games for oceanspeak.org, author, creative director, producer and programmer of four online interactive literacy games and accompanying “OceanSpeak.org” website design.
Educational resource Website design strategy for U.S. Department of Education with the Copernicus Group consultancy.
Arlington Black Heritage Museum, Arlington, Virginia, virtual web museum, oral histories, and documentary video
Media and Graphic Design
Sr. Magella, History of Marymount University book, Xerox, digital products informational materials, Smithsonian’s Leonard Bernstein Children’s Concert Video collection promotion, Amtrak Capitol and Cardinal trains branding, Realty World, national real estate franchise branding, broker training kits and sales agents tools, and marketing campaigns for Bell Atlantic, Federal Computer Conference, Monumental General Insurance Company, American Society of Association Executives, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and more.
Awards & Recognitions
Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards, Display Design Award of Excellence,
The National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) for Sully Historic Site Exhibit
University & College Designers Association Gold Award for “Sold South”, slave narratives video for the Northern Virginia Urban League’s Freedom House Museum
University & College Designers Association Silver Award for “The Slave Pen” diorama and video display, for Northern Virginia Urban League’s Freedom House Museum
“Moochula – Giving hawksbills hope” documentary screenings at the Belize Inferential Film Festival and the International Sea Turtle Society Symposium
Northern Virginia Urban League Outstanding Achievement Award, for service to the community
Other recognitions include: Advertising Club Addy Awards, Washington Metropolitan Art Director Awards, Direct Marketing Association of Washington Awards, National Direct Marketing Association ECHO Awards, and Insurance Industry Creative Marketing PMA Awards […]
