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I believe that a healthy population is built on great neighborhoods and inclusive environments. As a Postdoctoral Scholar at Johns Hopkins University, I study the relationship between environments and health through my research, teaching, and service.
With a background in adapted physical activity, I am passionate about inclusion. I believe that by adapting equipment, instruction, and environments, we can meet the needs of individuals. These strategies can also be applied at the population level. My approach to inclusion focuses on adapting social and environmental factors to meet the needs of the population. My research takes place in the spaces people live, work, and play. I aim to capture real world experience by using innovative methodology such as Google Street View audits, mobile inertial measurement units, and photo-voice. This allows my research team discover real-world barriers and potential solutions. My primary research goal is to promote fair and inclusive environments that enhance the lives of older adults who are aging with or into disability. Prior to Johns Hopkins, I earned my PhD in Kinesiology and Epidemiology from the University of Michigan and my MS in Kinesiology at Oregon State University. During my time at these institutions, I learned from and taught alongside peers with disabilities. I am deeply committed to improving the lives of our population and strive to build a culture grounded in equity and inclusion. Please reach out if you want to discuss disability frameworks, our latest publications, or just to connect: @ETwardzik |
Positions held
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2024-
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Assistant Professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
School of Kinesiology |
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2021-2024
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Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore MD
Department of Epidemiology |
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Education
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2016-2021
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PhD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
School of Kinesiology and School of Public Health Major: Kinesiology and Epidemiology Dissertation title: Optimizing Post-Stroke Functioning: Using Mixed Methods to Understand the Role of Built and Social Environments for Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Lived Experience |
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2014-2016
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MS, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR
College of Public Health and Human Sciences Major: Kinesiology, Adapted Physical Activity Thesis title: Transition from Part C to Part B services for children diagnosed with developmental delay in the state of Oregon: a secondary data analysis |
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2009-2013
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BS, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
School of Kinesiology Major: Movement Science |
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Book Chapters
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Buta, B., Twardzik, E., Samuel, L, Cudjoe, T., Teano, A.L., Langdon, J., Thorpe, R., Walston, J., Xue, Q. Social Determinants of Physical Frailty. In: J. Ruiz & O. Theou (Eds.). (2024) Frailty: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Assessment, Management, and Prevention. New York: Springer.
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Clarke, P. J. & Twardzik, E. The Role of the Built Environment for Healthy Aging: Barriers and Enablers. In: K Ferraro & D Carr (Eds.). (2021). Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences, 9th Edition. London: Elsevier.
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Clarke, P. J., Twardzik, E., D’Souza, C., & Meade, M. Aging with a Disability. In: Lollar, D. J., Horner-Johnson, W. & Grobe, K. (Eds.). (2020). Public health perspectives on disability: epidemiology to ethics and beyond, 2nd Edition. Springer Science & Business Media.
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Honors and Awards
2022 ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award, ProQuest Information Services, Ann Arbor, MI
2021 Honorable Mention, AKA National Doctoral Scholar Award, American Kinesiology Association
2020 Annual Meeting Student Scholarship, Student Assembly, American Public Health Association
2020 Rackham Travel Grant, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2019 Kinesiology Travel Award, Kinesiology Graduate Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2019 Paul A. Hunsicker Memorial Award, Kinesiology Awards Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2018 Disability Section Student Member Award, Disability Section, American Public Health Association
2018 Epidemiology Student Travel Award, Epidemiology Graduate Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2018 Stan Kemp Scholarship, Kinesiology Awards Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2017 Kinesiology Travel Award, Kinesiology Graduate Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2017 Student Incentive Award, Disability Section, American Public Health Association
2017 Rackham Travel Grant, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2016 Rackham Travel Grant, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2015 Emerging Scholar Symposium Recipient, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities
2014 James B. Angell Scholar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2009 Curt Twardzik Memorial Scholarship, Calumet High School, MI
2008 Grant Recipient, Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association
2021 Honorable Mention, AKA National Doctoral Scholar Award, American Kinesiology Association
2020 Annual Meeting Student Scholarship, Student Assembly, American Public Health Association
2020 Rackham Travel Grant, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2019 Kinesiology Travel Award, Kinesiology Graduate Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2019 Paul A. Hunsicker Memorial Award, Kinesiology Awards Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2018 Disability Section Student Member Award, Disability Section, American Public Health Association
2018 Epidemiology Student Travel Award, Epidemiology Graduate Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2018 Stan Kemp Scholarship, Kinesiology Awards Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2017 Kinesiology Travel Award, Kinesiology Graduate Committee, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2017 Student Incentive Award, Disability Section, American Public Health Association
2017 Rackham Travel Grant, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2016 Rackham Travel Grant, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2015 Emerging Scholar Symposium Recipient, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities
2014 James B. Angell Scholar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2009 Curt Twardzik Memorial Scholarship, Calumet High School, MI
2008 Grant Recipient, Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association
