Assistant Professor

Department of Health Promotion
University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Public Health

Professional Summary

• 2021-present, Instructor, Department of Health Promotion, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center
• 2018-2021, Graduate Assistant, Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University
• 2014-2016, Instructional Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University
• 2008-2011, Graduate Assistant, Department of Dance, Case Western Reserve University

Education

• 2021, Doctor of Philosophy—Health Education, Texas A&M University
• 2022, Master of Public Health—Epidemiology, Texas A&M University
• 2021, Graduate Certificate—Maternal and Child Health, Texas A&M University
• 2021, Graduate Certificate—Health Coaching, Texas A&M University
• 2011, Master of Fine Arts—Contemporary Dance, Case Western Reserve University
• 2006, Bachelor of Science—Biology, Texas A&M University

Certifications

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) 2019
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification 2021

Research Interests

Michelle Strong is an advocate for building resilience among military families and is interested in social determinants of health as they relate to the military lifestyle. Her current work focuses on improving the military life experience for military families and building strong communities of support and solidarity. She previously researched teaching and training methodology related to modern dance and encouraging the growth of the whole dancer, mind, body, and spirit. She is a passionate educator and loves meeting new people, hearing their stories, and supporting them as they realize their potential and find their strengths.

Selected Publications

• Strong, MRB. (2021). Depression, Social Networks, and Social Support During the Perinatal and Postpartum Period Among Military-Affiliated Women. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. 
• Strong, M. (2016) Encouraging Dancers to Cross-Train. National Dance Society Journal, Vol. 1, No. 1, 34-40.
• Strong, M. & Pooley, A. (2017) Structuring a successful dance class: Strategies to promote effective and enjoyable learning. National Dance Society Journal, Vol. 2, No. 1, 13-19.

Selected Presentations

• Strong, M., Patterson, M. Spadine, M., Heinrich, K., & Walsh, S. (2020, June 28-July 1). The community of CrossFit: An examination of the role of community support relative to confidence in CrossFit participation [poster presentation]. American Academy of Health Behavior annual meeting, Sonoma, California, USA. (conference canceled)
• Strong M., Pooley, A., (2018) The evaluation of caffeine: examining the various relationships between dancers and caffeine [poster presentation]. International Association Dance Medicine & Science. Helsinki, Finland
• Pooley, A; Strong M. (2017) Exploring Cardiorespiratory Challenge levels in Modern Dance Combinations [poster presentation]. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.  Houston, TX
• Strong, M; Pooley, A (2016) Conditioning in Modern Dance Technique Class. American College Dance Association. Steven’s Point, WI
• Strong M; Pooley, A (2016). A Holistic Approach to Warm-up. Performing Arts Medicine Association. New York, NYC
• Pooley, A; Strong, M (2015). A Modern Dance Class Fusing Classical Technique with Muscular Endurance and Strength Acquisition. Performing Arts Medicine Association. Orange County, CA