Emily Roper, Publication/Information Division Head
Biography: Emily Roper is a faculty member in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in sport and exercise psychology, sport sociology, and health education. Emily earned her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Kent State University (1996), Master of Science in sport psychology from the University of Toronto (1998), and doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee (2001) in sport psychology with an emphasis in cultural studies.
A member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) since 1996, Emily has made 25 AASP presentations. Her dissertation, awarded 2002 AASP Dissertation of the Year, qualitatively examined the experiences of professional women working in academic sport psychology. Within AASP, Emily has served as Co-Chair of the Continuing Education Committee, Chair of the Diversity Committee, abstract reviewer for the annual AASP conference and is currently serving as a reviewer for the Web Content Committee. Emily is also a member of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex special interest group (SIG).
Emily’s research focuses on gender and identity in sport and exercise and the ways in which cultural studies can be used to enhance research and applied work in sport and exercise psychology. She has published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, The Sport Psychologist, Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, Athletic Insight, and Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. Emily (with her colleagues) also has book chapters in Cultural Sport Psychology and Contemporary Sport Psychology.
Position Statement: I appreciate the opportunity to run for the position of AASP Publications/Information Division Head. The primary responsibilities of this position include coordinating material posted to the AASP web site, overseeing the newsletter, and serving as moderator between the AASP Executive Board and editors of both the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology (JASP) and the Journal of Sport Psychology in Action (JSPA).
The AASP website could be described as the public face of AASP, providing the public with access to our association in particular, and the field of sport and exercise psychology in general. The Rees Management Group is responsible for updating information on the AASP web site, as directed by the P/I Division Head.
As a reviewer for the AASP Web Content Committee, I have been responsible for reviewing articles submitted by professionals and students in the field. These articles, published in the Resource Center on the AASP web site, are ‘hands on’ articles for athletes, exercisers, coaches, parents, and sport and exercise psychology practitioners on such important topics as how to choose a sport psychology consultant, exercise adherence tips, mentally preparing athletes to return to play following injury, and establishing a healthy sport family. Such resources provide an excellent outlet for the varied research and applied work being conducted by professionals and students in the field. If we want regular traffic to our web site by those we work to serve (e.g., coaches, athletes, exercisers), we must maintain fresh and ever-evolving content, addressing critical and current issues related to our field. It is also important that we provide accurate information and therefore, with the assistance of our management group, links and postings must be regularly monitored. The web site should also be user-friendly, allowing the public, as well as AASP members, to easily acquire desired information.
It is also the responsibility of the P/I Division Head to oversee the AASP newsletter, which is currently edited by Vanessa Shannon. Like the AASP web site, it must contain important and current information for members. In addition to the regular columns (President’s column, student updates, book/DVD reviews), continued attention must be directed toward soliciting articles that raise awareness to topics and issues that challenge and engage our members. The newsletter should provide an outlet for the many voices of AASP – professionals and students, as well as the varied areas of interest among members. As of Fall 2009, the newsletter is available only through electronic format (web site and email). I believe it is important that AASP maintain this directive and continue to work toward ways in which we can minimize our environmental impact.
The Journal of Applied Sport Psychology (JASP) is an established academic journal that promotes quality research in the field of applied sport and exercise psychology. As of Fall 2009, the new editor is Dan Weigand. The Journal of Sport Psychology in Action (JSPA), edited by Melissa Chase, is designed to promote the application of scientific knowledge to the practice of sport, exercise, and health psychology. Both journals are published by Taylor and Francis, Inc. The P/I Division Head will continue to serve as moderator between both journal editors and the AASP Executive Board.
Again, I appreciate the opportunity to run for the position of AASP Publications/Information Division Head. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to ‘give back’ to an association that has been an integral component of my professional development. Both as a student and professional, AASP has provided me with a number of wonderful learning opportunities – at annual conferences, on committees, and through the professional relationships formed with other members. I feel strongly that I can provide the organization and leadership needed for such a position. Thank you for your consideration.