Student Profiles

PhD in Physical Education, Kinesiology

Ross Jordan headshot
Ross D. Jordan

Hometown:
DeSoto, Texas
 
Academic Background:
Morehouse College
Teachers College, Columbia University
 
Topics of interest/research:
Inclusion and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Physical Education 
 
Selected Publications/Presentations/Awards/Achievements/Internship:

  • Hodge, S. R., Jordan, R. D., & Smith, K. (2023). Intersectionality, disability, justice, and critical pedagogy. In D. L. Goodwin & M. Connolly (Eds.), Reflexivity and change in adaptive physical activity: Overcoming hubris (pp. 123-135).  Routledge—Disability, Sport and Physical Activity Cultures Series.

What brought you to this program? What is a highlight of this degree at OSU?
The opportunity to grow as a scholar, but also as a person was what allowed me to accept being in this program so easily. This program has allowed me to learn from my advisor, Dr. Samuel R. Hodge and collaborate with many like-minded colleagues. The highlight of this degree has been the opportunity to travel to different states and countries with multiple opportunities to enjoy new experiences. Also, to experience the very things that we read and write about in real-life has provided a lot of exposure and enjoyment. 

Ibrahim Almahaireh headshot
Ibrahim Salem Almahaireh

Hometown:
Tafilah, Jordan
 
Academic Background:
The Ohio State University, USA. August 2021– Until now.
Ph.D. in Physical Education and Sports Coaching, Kinesiology
Loughborough University, UK. September 2020 – September 2021.
Master of Science, Exercise Physiology
University of Physical Education, Hungary September 2019 – December 2019. Diploma, International Coaches Course in Swimming (ICC).
University of Jordan, Jordan September 2016 – September 2019.
Bachelor of Arts, Physical education
University of Physical Education, Hungary September 2019 – December 2019. Diploma, International Coaches Course in Swimming (ICC).
University of Jordan, Jordan September 2016 – September 2019.
Bachelor of Arts, Physical education
 
Topics of interest/research:
Sport and Exercise Science, Physical Education, Adaptive Teaching and Health.
 
Selected Publications/Presentations/Awards/Achievements/Internship:

  • Recently Published Papers:
    • Apple puree as a natural fructose source provides an effective alternative carbohydrate source for fuelling half-marathon running performance. European Journal of Sport Science, 1-10.
  • Presented at The Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (OAHPERD). Topic: The Effects of Carbohydrate Source on Half-Marathon Running Performance, Physiological Parameters and Gastrointestinal Distress
  • KNPE 2601 Teaching Sport, Leisure, and Exercise assisting in class. Autumn 2022 –Present.
  • Awarded twice as the best coach of the year and the youngest coach in the country for elite level, from the minister of youth and sports 2019.  
  • Awarded funding from the Oberteuffer and Barr scholarship, The Ohio State University. August 2023.
  • Assistant Swim Team Coach Volunteer - The Ohio State University August 2021 –Present.

What brought you to this program? What is a highlight of this degree at OSU?
When I chose Ohio State for my graduate kinesiology studies, I did it because of some of the best faculty in the world, and the doctoral program is a mainstay as one of the best in the United States. In addition to that the global ranking for the University.  
    
Especially for me as a professional swimming coach, sports Coaching is a one-of-a-kind degree that trains highly motivated coaches with the professional skills needed for success when working with today’s athletes at The Ohio State University. I had the opportunity to work with The Ohio State University swim and dive team as a volunteer Swimming coach besides my Ph.D. studies which allowed me to balance between my academic side and my coaching practice side. Working with world-class coaches and athletes alongside my Ph.D. helps me apply what I’m learning in the classroom to practice.
     
Ohio State has state-of-the-art research facilities at its fingertips and field experience opportunities that provide the development you need to become successful in your career. I’m learning from nationally renowned faculty and professional coaches. Also, OSU helped me discover new skills and challenge myself to reach my full potential and become a better coach to my athletes.

Sam Meyerhoff headshot
Sam Meyerhoff

Hometown:
Baltimore, Maryland
 
Academic Background:
B.S. Physical Education Teacher Education from Towson University
M.S. Kinesiology, Physical Education from The Ohio State University
 
Topics of interest/research:
LGBTQ+ Experiences in Physical Education, Adventure Based Learning, and Social-Emotional P.E. Practices
 
Selected Awards:

Presentations:

  • OHAPEHRD Summer Institute 2023
  • DEI: Beginning to Create a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive PE Space
  • Adventure Based Learning and Social Emotional Learning
  • Adventure Based Learning Beyond the Activities
  • Embodied LGBTQ+ Experience: Coming Out Stars
  • OHAPEHRD State Conference 2022
  • ABL and SEL the Hidden Bridge
  • Embodied LGBTQ+ Experience: Coming Out Stars

Scholarships:

  • Craft Achievement Award 2023-2024 
  • The Oberteuffer Fund 2023-2024

What brought you to this program?  
The opportunity to further my studies in physical education brought me to OSU.  As a person a part of the LGBTQ+ community, creating spaces for students and teachers to understand and empathize with people different from themselves is of the utmost importance to me.  Through my studies at OSU I have been able to and will continue to further my knowledge and critical understandings, working to further equity and justice in the subjectivity of P.E.