Dimensions of Health Science Studies

Tricia Blalock joined the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University to direct the undergraduate pre-health major Health Science Studies. She teaches Dimensions of Health Science Studies and Essentials of Healthcare Ethics at Baylor University and serves as adjunct faculty for Baylor’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She completed her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology at the University of North Texas, her Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from UTSW Medical Center, her Master of Public Health degree from Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health, and her post-professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University. She is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatrics, a Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults, and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She actively practices in the home health setting. Her research interest include the impact of short term study abroad programs on developing character traits and pedagogy to help future clinicians address the spiritual dimension.

Prior to working at Baylor, she spent twenty two years practicing as a physical therapist in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient, inpatient geriatric psychiatry, and home health. For sixteen of those twenty two years she served as the Director of Rehabilitation for a rural health system overseeing a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation department.

Kimberly Smith joined the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University to work with students completing field experiences and internships in 2012. She also teaches Dimensions of Health Science Studies, the New Student Experience, and Introduction to Leadership at Baylor University. She completed her bachelor’s in Health Science Studies at Baylor University, her master’s in Education Administration at Lamar University, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. Her research interests include digital classroom technology integration, resiliency in higher education students, and pre-health student satisfaction with technology use.

Prior to working at Baylor, she spent eight years in Waco ISD, both as a chemistry teacher at Waco High School and as the District Secondary Science Specialist. There, she created and aligned district science curriculum with state standards, created district benchmark assessments and delivered professional development sessions over science content and best practices for teachers at all secondary campuses. Kimberly also served on assessment committees for student readiness for Pearson and the Texas Education Agency. She was a partner with Texas A&M AggieSTEM and Region 12 Education Service Center.

Following graduation from the Health Science Studies program at Baylor University, she completed her personal trainer certification through NASM and worked as a certified personal trainer for 24 Hour Fitness. While completing her Baylor undergrad, she obtained her EMT-B certification and spent two years with Rural/Metro Ambulance part-time during her junior and senior year at Baylor.