Profile

Sierra Dawson is the program director of the NATA-accredited graduate athletic training program at the University of Oregon.  Sierra also teaches the HPHY 322/324 Human Physiology I & II course series to undergraduate students, as well as oversees and directs the associated physiology teaching lab.  Within her first few years as an educator at the University of Oregon, Sierra was presented with a crystal apple from the university president as recognition for excellence in teaching. Sierra’s love for teaching is evident through her work in both the graduate and undergraduate programs within the Department of Human Physiology and her role in department curriculum development.  Beginning in 2010, Sierra and a faculty colleague introduced the ‘Teaching Academy” to the annual orientation for graduate students and instructors in the Human Physiology department.  The goal of the teaching academy is to promote continued development of teaching effectiveness for both novice and experienced instructors alike. Prior to joining the ranks of faculty, her graduate research focused on musculoskeletal injury, cause and prevention in female athletes. Mentorship & collaboration with graduate students has produced publications in journals such as the Journal of Athletic Training, Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, Journal of College Science Teaching and the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation.