Faculty, student win awards
ESU Media Relations
Thursday, December 4, 2008
An organization that promotes the health and fitness of Kansas children is recognizing an Emporia State University professor. Joella Mehrhof received the 2008 Vicki J. Worrell Service Award from the Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance during the organization’s annual meeting Oct. 30.
Mehrhof is a professor in ESU’s Department of Health and Human Performance. Her record of service to KAHPERD extends over 25 years, during which time she has served as the association’s president, has been active on many committees, has edited the association’s newsletter, and has been the manager of its annual convention.
In her role as convention manager, Mehrhof has secured over $15,000 in sponsorship funding to support KAHPERD conventions.
As one of the oldest professional associations in Kansas, KAHPERD’s goal is to advance research and education within the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance.
Graduate research
Yunqi Zhao is the recipient of this year’s Harold Durst Graduate Research Award from Emporia State University. Zhao, from Liaoning in the People’s Republic of China, is currently working on his master’s degree in biology with a concentration in microbial and cellular biology through ESU’s Department of Biological Sciences.
Zhao will be honored at ESU’s 2009 Research and Creativity Forum, April 8. In addition to a cash stipend which will enable him to complete the research necessary for his thesis, Zhao’s name will be added to the Harold Durst Graduate Research Award plaque on display in the Office of Graduate Studies in Plumb Hall.
Zhao plans to graduate in August 2009.
The award was created by Harold Durst to provide financial support for creative activities and research by graduate students. Durst was dean of graduate studies and research at ESU from 1974 to 1985. He died in 1986.