EWING, NJ June 15, 2023 – The School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) today announced an article authored by Kinesiology Professor, Avery Faigenbaum, PhD, has won the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 2022 Best Paper of the Year Award.

The winning article explores the intersections between physical and mental health, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on youth fitness. Faigenbaum explains, “Notably, a vast majority of youth worldwide are not accumulating the recommended minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, and COVID-19 affected the everyday lives of children in an unprecedented manner. Mental health problems affect 10-20% of youth worldwide, and concerted efforts are needed to raise awareness about the link between physical health and mental health.”

Faigenbaum coauthored the piece with Leonard Zaichkowsky, PhD, and Tamara Rial Rebullido, PhD. Zaichkowsky is Faigenbaum’s long-time mentor. Another article coauthored by the TCNJ Professor won ACSM’s 2020 Best Paper of the Year Award.

Dr. Anne Farrell, Professor and Chair of TCNJ’s Kinesiology Department, remarks, “Our department is honored to have Dr. Faigenbaum's work recognized by such an esteemed institution. This is another example of how TCNJ's kinesiology faculty and students extend their scholarship beyond campus borders to impact the field at large.”

TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dean Carole Kenner explains, “This is another example of how the School’s Kinesiology faculty take the lead in national exercise science scholarship. We’re thrilled Dr. Faigenbaum’s articles have won ACSM’s top paper awards two out of the last three recognition cycles.” The School rebranded in 2022 to reflect its robust and diverse, cross-disciplinary health science curricula.

TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences educates aspiring health professionals to become future leaders across the healthcare industry. Faculty work closely with local healthcare partners to provide students with applicative skills and foundational knowledge. The nationally acclaimed school is dedicated to preparing individuals—through programs in nursing, public health, exercise science and physical education teaching—for the many rewards of guiding people, communities, and populations toward improved health outcomes. The School is nationally recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.

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