Department of Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University

08/06/2026

Creating meaningful impact through occupational therapy 💚

This summer, Ella Hardesty () has been completing her Level IIA fieldwork at Garcia House, an inpatient behavioral health and substance use treatment center. One of her biggest projects has been helping expand Hidden Rack, a client-run clothing resource that provides essential items while creating opportunities to build work skills, confidence, and independence.

As an Occupational Therapy student, Ella is putting her passion for client-centered care into practice and helping create a lasting impact for the Garcia House community. Read on to learn more about Ella’s summer experience ➡️

Q:How are you applying what you’ve learned from your studies to this summer experience?
A: Everything we’ve been learning about client-centered, occupation-based care in the OT program has come to life during this experience. I’ve been able to apply occupational therapy principles by creating opportunities for clients to build executive functioning, work readiness, social participation, and daily living skills through meaningful occupations.

Q: What is your favorite part about your summer experience?
A:Without a doubt, the people. I’ve loved getting to work alongside such an incredible interdisciplinary team and learning from professionals with different backgrounds and perspectives. It’s also been SO rewarding to build relationships with clients and watch them grow throughout their time at Garcia House. Helping expand Hidden Rack into a resource that will continue making a difference for future clients has made the experience even more special.

Q: What communities or groups of people do you hope to impact in your eventual career and life?
A: I’m super passionate about supporting people through some of life’s biggest transitions. This summer has strengthened my passion for working in behavioral health, mental health, and substance use recovery, and it’s shown me how meaningful occupational therapy can be in helping people rebuild routines, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

07/07/2026

Congratulations to Josiane Broussard, associate professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science; she's Colorado State University's newest Monfort Professor!

The Monfort Professorship, established by the Monfort Family Foundation, honors early-career faculty members who demonstrate exceptional contributions to teaching, research, creative artistry, and/or scholarship, with the potential to make significant impact on CSU, nationally and internationally. Monfort Professors retain the designation for two years and receive a total of $100,000 in research support.

Broussard has made significant strides in understanding the impacts of sleep and circadian timing on human health, from hormones to cognition to molecular biomarkers. She built a highly productive research lab, which generates findings that directly inform chronic disease prevention in real-world populations. It is one of the few facilities in the U.S. capable of conducting inpatient circadian protocols with the depth and rigor required for molecular analysis.

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Myah Luther, an outstanding grad in the Department of Health and Exercise Science studying Health Promotion.

Myah has packed her time at CSU with multiple off-campus jobs, HES Club, volunteering for the Homecoming 5K and C.A.N.S. Around the Oval, and as a member of the CHHS Dean's Ambassadors Program.

You've overcome a lot and done so much, Myah, and we are so proud of you!

Read more about Myah:
col.st/9iai5

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Morgan Johnson, an outstanding grad in Health and Exercise Science!

Studying at CSU has boosted Morgan's confidence and now only has she excelled at her studies, she's also worked as a personal trainer for and has worked with the Physical Activity for Treatment and Prevention lab on campus.

We're so proud of you Morgan and can't wait to see what you'll do next!

Read more about Morgan:
col.st/wz0nw

05/13/2026

Finals week inspo courtesy of HES Fest 💚💪💛

Next stop: Summer break, and Commencement for our Ram Grads! 🎓 You’ve got this HES Ramily!

04/08/2026

Set a reminder and get stoked for his year’s HES Fest happening May 8 on the Intramural Fields! 🎉💪

Shoutout to the and all our HES Rams who made the events throughout the years so special, and who will undoubtedly make this year a blast.

See you in a month, Ramily, we can’t wait! ☺️

03/26/2026

If you're interested in learning about the science of sleep, check out this podcast episode with our very own Dr. Josie Broussard, director of the Sleep and Metabolism Laboratory!

The next time you ask yourself, "Am I getting enough sleep?" be sure to give this a listen 🎧 🔗 col.st/r064i

Health and Human Science Matters · Episode

02/16/2026

Whether she’s diving into hands‑on labs or hyping up her friends at the , HES Ram Morgan Johnson is all about building community through health and wellness 🏋️🐏

A passionate student with a heart for helping others, Morgan brings dedication and joy to everything she does.

Get to know Morgan in our Q&A with her! ⬇️

Q: How did you discover Health and Exercise Science at CSU?
A: I discovered Health and Exercise Science at CSU during my college application process as I knew I wanted to study health and wellness. I remember the opportunities provided within the program as well as their involvement in the community through research really excited me!

Q: What does HES mean to you?
A: To me HES means friendship, support, and ambition. In this major I have met my best friends, I have been encouraged by faculty members to keep going and growing, and I have been driven by my peers to pursue opportunities that may have otherwise intimidated me. HES is not just a department but it is a community with a radiant atmosphere that you can’t help but be excited by.

Q: What has been your favorite HES class and with whom?
A: I have taken so many great HES classes over the course of my time at CSU so it is hard to choose a favorite. However, I am taking Female Health and Athletic Performance (HES-360) with Kimber Finan and Dr. Lyndsey DuBose right now and it has been incredible! It has by far been the most engaging and hands-on class I have taken, which makes the cool stuff we are learning about even cooler! Definitely take it if you can!

Q: What communities or industries do you hope to positively impact after graduation/in your career?
A: I will be working with students with disabilities this spring and I really hope I am able to make a positive impact within this community and hopefully continue to do so following graduation.

I am also hoping to work with the senior population in my career and would love to make a difference in this community as well. But, no matter where I end up I hope to make an impact however I can!

02/10/2026

Calling all HES Research Rams 📣 CHHS Research Day is just one month away on Tuesday, March 10!

Whether you're an undergrad or grad student, we want you to represent! Submit your research poster by February 24 🔗 col.st/cietx

We can't wait to see you there 🔜