The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Department of Health and Kinesiology (HK) has been shaping researchers and practitioners since 1874. Part of the College of Applied Health Sciences, it offers graduate programs spanning health, rehabilitation, and human movement, the department draws students serious about both research and practice — with faculty mentorship and an interdisciplinary community at the heart of the experience.
We caught up with Nicolette Suchon, a Wisconsin native with a background in teaching and coaching, who completed her PhD in Kinesiology in 2025 and is now a tenure-track assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse – to give you a firsthand look at what graduate study in the department is really like.
Her path reflects exactly the kind of journey the department is built for: someone with deep applied experience who came in to develop a research identity, found the right faculty match, and left positioned for an academic career. She shares what the program gave her below.
I have no previous research experience. Will I still be accepted into PhD in Kinesiology program?
Yes, you can be accepted. There are no prerequisite courses required for admission. The personal statement carries the most weight, asking you to identify which faculty member you want to work with and why you’re a good fit for their work. Intellectual alignment with a faculty member matters more than a formal research CV.
Suchon came in with years of classroom and coaching experience but limited formal research skills. What mattered more was finding the right faculty fit.
The Pedagogical Kinesiology Lab is led by Drs. Kim Graber and Amelia Woods, along with Associate Professor Kevin Richards – scholars whose work on teacher preparation and socialization define the field.
“I was drawn to how their research and teaching matched my interest in preparing future educators and saw the program as a place to grow toward an academic career,” she says.
Can I handle the coursework without a research background?
Yes, the program is built to develop your research skills, even if you’re starting from scratch. The Kinesiology PhD requires a minimum of 64 credit hours, with a strong emphasis on advanced statistics and research methods. Suchon found those early courses demanding and intimidating, but they became the most formative part of her doctoral training. “They not only prepared me for my dissertation, but also completely shifted how I understand and value research,” she says.
When asked how those skills built in the program help at her current job, she says, “They gave me the foundation and confidence to think critically, design meaningful studies, and engage with research in ways I couldn’t before.”
At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, students can build strong relationships with peers, with a genuine sense of shared support. Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
What is social life like for newcomers?
It’s a welcoming, community-driven environment where you can build connections, discover interests, and prepare for what comes next. For Suchon, her lab mates quickly became like a second family – supportive and constantly encouraging her to do her best, making her time at Illinois meaningful.
A big part of settling in was Julie Jenkins, the graduate administrator, who made a point of knowing every student by name. “From my first year, she knew my name and always greeted me with excitement,” Suchon says. “She made time to connect, and she played such a big role in making Freer Hall feel like home.”
Does the program include hands-on experience?
Yes, it does. The department runs iPALS (Illinois Physical Activity and Life Skills) – a free summer program with Champaign Unit 4 Schools delivering physical activity, nutrition education, and social-emotional learning to children from low-income households.
Suchon was involved across multiple summers, eventually stepping into the Program Director role in her final year. “That experience taught me a great deal about the complexities of running a program – from organization and communication to problem-solving and adaptability,” she says.
For Suchon, the program went beyond academics, offering real-world insight and the confidence to step straight into a faculty role. Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
How strong is the program’s career support?
The department pairs structured professional development with direct faculty mentorship that continues after graduation. Department-sponsored conferences build networks that translate into real research collaborations. Working alongside faculty also gives students a ground-level view of what an academic career looks like in practice.
“Many of those relationships have led to ongoing collaborations in my research,” says Suchon. Her advisor stayed invested well past the dissertation too and continues to play an active role in her career development. “Whether it was working through ideas, navigating research, or just checking in, I always knew I had someone in my corner,” Suchon says.
What do you wish you knew before starting your PhD program?
Build your support system early – it will carry you through the hard stretches, Suchon advises. The department offers pre-doctoral training through frequent seminars and symposiums where peer relationships form that last well beyond graduation.
“Having a strong support system makes the challenging moments more manageable and the great moments feel even more meaningful,” Suchon says.
Learn more about University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Department of Health and Kinesiology.
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