Dr. Kip Webster Named Fulbright Scholar, Bringing Motor Development Research Across the World
11.2.17
BATON ROUGE, LA - Fundamental motor skills are an essential component of early childhood development and are related to lifelong physical activity and health behaviors. LSU School of Kinesiology’s Dr. Elizabeth “Kip” Webster is considered a top specialist in physical activity behaviors and motor skill competency in pediatric populations. In November 2017 she will travel to the Czech Republic as a Fulbright Scholar.
“I am very honored to have the opportunity to work as a Fulbright Scholar with the
Faculty of Education at Palacký University,” Webster said. “This is a great opportunity
to share my research on early childhood motor development and physical activity with
a distinguished group of researchers who share similar research interests and goals.”
The Fulbright Specialist Program, a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is a unique opportunity for U.S. academics and
established professionals to engage in two- to six-week consultancies at host institutions
across the globe.
“Fulbright Specialists are described as a diverse group of highly experienced, well-established
faculty members and professionals who represent a wide variety of academic disciplines
and professions. In order to be eligible to serve as a Fulbright Specialist, candidates
must have significant experience in their respective professional field.”
Webster is spending 16 days in Olomouc, Czech Republic giving two oral presentations,
three practical lessons for students and visiting primary schools in the area. The
Department of Primary and Preprimary Education in the Faculty of Education at Palacký
University in Olomouc will also be arranging round-table discussions. The topics will
be focused on exchanging experiences in the field of education as well as future
work related to primary and pre-primary teachers of physical education Additionally,
she will work with graduate students and researchers on the Test of Gross Motor Development
– 3rd edition. A fundamental motor skill assessment that systematically analyzes a
variety of skills children typically learn and develop in early childhood in which
her research has been involved with.
“I believe this is a great opportunity for collaboration between Louisiana State
University’s School of Kinesiology and Palacký University’s Department of Primary
and Pre-Primary Education. Moving forward, examining these important areas of research
from a global perspective has the potential for gaining a better understanding of
cross-cultural differences in motor development and increasing knowledge on programming
that may effectively change health behavior in diverse groups of children,” said Webster.
Elizabeth (Kip) Webster, PhD, a Griffin, GA native, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University. In 2009, she graduated from Berry College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Her graduate work was conducted at Auburn University in the School of Kinesiology where she received a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Psychology and a Doctoral degree in Exercise Science with a dual-specialization in Physical Activity & Health and Motor Behavior. Her doctoral work focused on the integration of classroom-based physical activity and their influence on academic behaviors, physical activity, and mediators that promote participation in these activities (i.e., obesity and motor skill competency). In 2013, Dr. Webster joined the Center for Physical Activity and Health in Pediatric Disabilities as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan. During this time she assisted with the revisions of the 3rd edition of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), along with other projects that focused on: a) infant physical activity/ motor competency and b) NHANES data pertaining to preschool motor skill proficiency.
Dr. Webster’s research interests are focused on physical activity behaviors and motor skill competency in pediatric populations. Her research primarily examines school-based programs that target positive health-related outcomes, such as reducing childhood obesity and increasing physical activity, fitness, motor skill competency, and psychological variables related to health. Additionally, Dr. Webster researches the relationship between physical activity/ motor skill competency and academic achievement to promote more inclusion of physical activity into the school day, as well as school and state policies that directly relate to improving pediatric health.
About SOK
The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity,
sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through
excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS,
Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers
in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses,
athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College
of Human Sciences & Education.
Visit the School of Kinesiology at lsu.edu/chse/kinesiology
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division
of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education,
the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology,
the School of Library & Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University
Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs, 18
graduate programs, and 7 online graduate degree programs, enrolling more than 2,020
undergraduate and 879 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the
highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving
quality of life across the lifespan.
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at lsu.edu/chse