Before attempting a goal, before reaching beyond perceived limits, we conceive an idea of the outcome.  Some people are motivated by imagining that moment of attaining the goal, some focus on the freedoms that may follow it, and some are driven by the fear of failure. For the college athlete, any combination of the above may apply to the game, but finding the healthiest way to develop and keep a winning attitude while pursuing a university degree, can be daunting. Ashley Samson is an Assistant Professor in Kinesiology and Sport Psychology Consultant for Athletics at CSUN.  She works with student athletes for optimal performance, but winning is not the entire goal.  The objective is a balanced life and a satisfying career – whether athletics is pursued or another choice is made after graduation. Read more

Prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation through the lifespan are the focal points for CSUN Athletic Training Students (ATSs) in the classroom, labs and clinic.  The expertise they are developing will serve throughout their careers to keep athletes strong and healthy beyond the game. Shane Stecyk is the Director of the CSUN Athletic Training Program in the Department of Kinesiology.  “One of the clinical sites where our ATSs gain clinical experience is right here at CSUN in Athletics.”  The collaboration between the College of Health and Human Development and Athletics adds to the broad range of experiences students will take into the profession. Although Athletic Trainers (ATs) are employed in many non-sport settings (performing arts, military, coporate, etc.), approximately half of our certified membership is employed in various sport settings (club sports, high schools, colleges and professional sports). Read more

Issues like global warming and urban impacts naturally bring up concerns about pollution and consumption. Participants at the 9th Annual CSUN Environmental and Occupational Health Technical Symposium considered not only the need for change, but the environmental challenges that will accompany large-scale changes to various forms of renewable energy production.  More than 235 students, faculty and alumni attended the symposium on March 5. This year’s event was called “Energy Alternatives for California's Future: Environmental Health Aspects.” Read more

Determined to fight one of the most preventable diseases among children–dental caries (cavities)–California State University, Northridge professor Terri Lisagor led a team of students in November to rural Guatemala to teach families there about nutrition and oral hygiene and to be a part of a team that provides basic dental services. Read more