Department of Kinesiology

	Katherine Thomas Thomas, Ph.D.
	Associate Professor
	Department of Kinesiology
	Iowa State University
	242 Forker
	Ames, IA 50011-1160
Office: 515-294-8677
e-mail: ktthomas@iastate.edu

Research Interests

My research is focused on children's physical activity in schools. To this end I study skill and knowledge acquisition in students and their teachers, school policy and practice related to physical activity, and the factors underlying physical activity in children (e.g., body composition, skill, fitness). I have published 5 books, two of which are in the third edition. I have had nearly continuous external funding since 1982 for over $1 million.

Teaching

Currently I am chair of the department's teacher education committee. I teach elementary physical education methods, curriculum, motor development and youth sport at the graduate and undergraduate levels. I have taught research methods (graduate), measurement (undergraduate) and adapted physical education (graduate and undergraduate). We recently approved a M.S. level certification in physical education.

Service/Outreach/Professional Activity

From 2003-5 I was the first co-chair of Iowa Partners: Action for Healthy Kids a coalition working to improve nutrition and physical activity in schools. I am on the advisory committee for American Heart Association Iowa Affiliate. I am former secretary of Research Consortium of AAHPERD. I serve on the Team Nutrition Core Committee.

Personal Interests

My horse has deemed me barn goddess and he rarely throws me over the fence.
Occasionally I drag myself around the golf course with vintage clubs.
In an attempt to make the chores of daily living more fun, cooking and laundry are also hobbies.
As wonderful as those are, my greatest pleasure is from my husband, our children and grandchildren.