Jennifer M. Plos, Ed.D., AT-Ret

Kinesiology

Jennifer M. Plos, Ed.D., AT-Ret

Professor

Department: Kinesiology
Academic Programs: MS in Kinesiology - Kinesiology & Sport Management Programs, Undergraduate Kinesiology - Anatomy & Physiology II
Research Areas: Athletic training advocacy, delayed onset muscle soreness, prevention and care of injuries, coaching education, and suicide prevention training
Phone: 309-298-1506
Email: JM-Plos@wiu.edu

Resume/CV

About Me

I was a certified Athletic Trainer for over 25 years and held the position as the Head Athletic Trainer at Alverno College before transitioning to academia initially as the Clinical Education Coordinator and finally as the Director of the Athletic Training Program at Western Illinois University (WIU) until the program ended in 2022. I also coached softball at the high school and collegiate levels and worked as a Physical Therapy Technician prior to coming to WIU. I currently teach a variety of courses in the the undergraduate and graduate programs within the Department of Kinesiology.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a concentration in pre-med and certificates in athletic training and coaching from the University of Wisconsin - Parkside, where I was also a Division II collegiate softball player. A labral tear in my right shoulder during my collegiate playing days led me down the path to finding the profession of Athletic Training that would become my career. The empathy, along with the quality treatment and rehabilitation I received from my Athletic Trainer inspired me to become an Athletic Trainer.

I found my passion for Athletic Training and Coaching Education when I obtained my Master’s degree in Exercise Science from Western Illinois University, while serving as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for the baseball and men’s and women’s soccer teams as well as a Teaching Assistant for the Athletic Training Education Program. In 2007, I completed my educational pursuits with a Doctorate in Health Care Education from Nova Southeastern University. My dissertation focused on the evaluation of athletic training clinical instruction via the perceptions of various stakeholders.

My primary areas of interest include athletic training advocacy, delayed onset muscle soreness, prevention and care of injuries, coaching education, and suicide prevention training, but I am open to assisting students in a wide variety of research areas and topics.

Warning: I am a Wisconsin native that cheers for the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and other Wisconsin teams. I enjoy eating fresh squeaky cheese curds, brats with sauerkraut, kringle and a good Wisconsin style Friday Fish Fry. I have an easy to recognize Wisconsin accent and I love going "up north" any chance I get.

Education:

Doctor of Education in Health Care Education
Nova Southeastern University

Dissertation: Evaluation of Athletic Training Clinical Instruction via the Perceptions of Various Stakeholders

2007

Master of Science in Physical Education: Exercise Science option
Western Illinois University

Thesis: The Effects of Combined Nonthermal Ultrasound and Ice on the Prevention of the Pain and Joint Angle Changes Associated with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

2000

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences: concentration Pre-Med with certificates in Athletic Training and Coaching
University of Wisconsin - Parkside

Research Project: Circadian Cycle and Reaction Times in Softball Players

1995

Awards:

Teaching

Award Winner: 2017-2018 Provost’s Award for Academic Excellence – Excellence in Teaching Award – Western Illinois University.
Award Winner: 2017 College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) Outstanding Teaching Award – Western Illinois University.
Award Winner: 2008-2009 Provost’s Award for Academic Excellence – Excellence in Teaching Award – Western Illinois University.
Award Winner: 2008 College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) Outstanding Teaching Award – Western Illinois University.

Service

Award Winner: 2021 Provost’s Award for Excellence in University/Community Service Award – Western Illinois University.
Award Winner: 2020-2021 College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) Outstanding University/Community Service Award – Western Illinois University.

Research and Publications

Plos, J.M., Polubinsky, R.L., Narvaez, M., & Flaherty, N.M. (2023).
Helmet Fitting: One Size Does NOT Fit All!
Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 36(4), 8-21.

Plos, J.M., Crowley, K., Polubinsky, R.L., & Cerullo, C. (2021).
Implementing Suicide Prevention Training into an Athletic Training Curriculum: An Introductory Model.
Athletic Training Education Journal, 16(2), 87-100.

Plos, J.M., & Polubinsky, R.L. (2014).
Coach, are you ready to save a life? Injury and Care Knowledge Check for Sudden Cardiac Arrest,
Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 27(2), 3-9.

Polubinsky, R.L., & Plos, J.M. (2013).
Sports medicine knowledge for coaches: Keeping the shoulder healthy in the weight room.
Journal of Coaching Education, 6(1), 61-75.

Polubinsky, R. L., Plos, J. M., Piper, T. J., & Nelson, J. (2010).
Intervention Strategies for Functional and Structural Low Back Pain.
Athletic Therapy Today, 15(6), 8-14. (Current Journal Name: International Journal of Athletic Training and Therapy).

Plos, J. M., Polubinsky, R. L., & McKown, J. (2008).
Nail-Patella Syndrome in a High School Athlete.
Athletic Therapy Today, 13(1), 13-16.

Polubinsky, R. L., & Plos, J. M. (2007).
Building camaraderie with fun, fitness, and friendly competition.
Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 78(2), 25-30.

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University

Kinesiology