Sabbatical Report
2014 - 2015:
Visiting Scientist – Sanford Research and Other
Professional Activities
Project Descriptions With Discussion of Progress
Made While on Sabbatical
James A. White, Ph. D., Associate
Professor, Department of Human
Performance, Sport and Health,
Bemidji State University
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Sabbatical Report – For Academic Year 2014 - 2015:
Visiting Scientist – Sanford Research and Other Professional Activities
Project Descriptions With Discussion of Progress Made While on Sabbatical
James A. White, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Department of Human Performance, Sport
and Health
Please Note: Responses to proposed sabbatical activities are stated in Bold
Italics.
1) Visiting Scientist – Sanford Research
Sanford Research is a non-profit research organization formed through a partnership
between Sanford Health and the University of South Dakota. Sanford Health is an
integrated health system headquartered in Fargo, ND and Sioux Falls, SD. It supports its
five centers of excellence, including the National Institute for Athletic Health &
Performance Center (NIAHP) and The Center for Health Outcomes and Prevention
Research (CHOPR).
NIAHP partners with sport and sports medicine national governing bodies in developing
new educational initiatives, guidelines, and policy for safe and appropriate exercise,
training, and sports participation. CHOPR, under the direction of Dr. Amy Elliot, has four
divisions: Health Disparities, Methodology and Data Analysis, Evaluation Services, and
Women's Health. CHOPR specializes in population, translational, and clinical research.
Their primary research focuses on infant mortality, childhood obesity (physical activity and
diet), fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, childhood cancer, teen pregnancy, and infertility.
Through my work over the past 2 years with Mr. Warren Larson, Director of Public Affairs
for Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota, I have begun to foster a relationship with
Sanford Research, BSU, and this region. During my sabbatical, my intent would be to
continue to strengthen this relationship. In conversations with Dr. Elliot, Dr. Grey Owl, and
Dr. Jessica Hanson, lead members of her research team, my sabbatical will focus on
research efforts aimed at reducing health disparities and improving quality of life.
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Specific projects I plan to pursue:
 Take the lead in data analysis and preparation of a manuscript and/or
presentation related to a research project titled: Use of Technology to Collect
Data on Risk Behaviors in College Women. This collaborative, interdisciplinary
research project partners Sanford researchers with BSU /staff in two academic
departments, (Nursing and Human Performance, Sport & Health), and the
Student Center for Health and Counseling. The project will utilize electronic
diaries to collect alcohol, sexual activity, and contraception data in female
college students.
Progress Made: This is was inter disciplinary effort to collect data and
present research findings on Bemidji State Students.
 This project resulted in 2 student presentations at BSU’s
Scholarship and Achievement Day, a faculty led Honors Lecture
and a poster presentation at a national level conference.
 The article titled the Use of Technology to Collect Data on Risk
Behaviors in College Women was submitted to the Journal of
American College of Health but was not accepted for publication.
After some revision it was submitted to the Journal of
Cyberpsychology. However, it again was not accepted.
 A draft of the article submitted for review is included as evidence
of this collaborative work.

Design and implement a study examining the effectiveness of FIT, a web-based
platform Sanford and WebMD developed as part of a national initiative, where a
holistic approach is aimed at the promotion and activation of healthy choices for
children and families. Through FIT, healthy lifestyles are promoted in homes,
schools, daycares, clinical settings and throughout the community, with
technology, engaging programs, and utilizing key role models in a child’s life.
Progress Made: Provided an evidence based evaluation process (i.e.
tools/metrics, methods) for Sanford FIT.
 I was asked to locate examples of evidence based survey tools
based on the questions provided by Sanford program managers
and researchers.
 The examples of questionnaires that could be used were
organized in packets of surveys, organized around FOOD, MOVE,
RECHARGE AND MOOD.
 An email Donna Hardie, Program Development CoordinatorSanford Children's Health and Fitness Initiative thanking me for
assisting this program develop an evaluation plan for the
Sanfords FIT initiative is included as evidence.
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
Assist Dr. Victoria Grey Owl, PhD, RD, with her work in the areas of nutrition
science, diet quality and dietary intake, and their role in chronic
diseases/conditions, specifically Type 2 diabetes and obesity in adults and
youth, including weight management, education and health promotion.
Progress Made: I attended a conference with Dr. Grey Owl and other
Sanford researchers in Eagle Butte, SD located near Pierre SD that was
hosted by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe at the Oglala Lakota College. The
conference titled Researching, Restoring and Rebuliding Our Oyate for a
Longer Life was conference aimed to highlight research/programming
efforts aimed to reduce health disparities, including Type II Diabetes and
obesity in the American Indian Population.
 Included as evidence is a copy of the conference agenda and a
“thank you” for attending note.
 Did not work on a specific research study with Dr. Grey Owl

As a visiting scientist, I hope to gain experience in grant writing, community
based participatory research methods, preparation of scholarly publications, and
data and statistical analysis. My goal is to exchange knowledge and enhance
skills in basic, clinical, behavioral, and epidemiological areas of disease
prevention research, and to acquire expertise in leading edge interdisciplinary
collaborative research. In discussions regarding my plans for a sabbatical with
Dr. Elliot and Dr. Hanson, the intent is to spend time in Sioux Falls, SD, as well
as time in northern Minnesota.
Progress Made:
 Provided assistance to Dr. Jessica Hanson, Primary CHOPR Faculty
in a grant aimed at reducing prenatal alcohol use in American
Indian women.
 Asked to examine available literature on Social Network Analysis –
some of the highlights I was able to share with her in support of this
federal grant application
 Was asked by Dr. DenYelle Kenyon to participate in a week long
training as an educator – “training leaders” who were a part of the
My Journey program aimed at helping American Indian Youth make
healthy choices.
 Draft of the grant application and My Journey Training Itinerary are
included as evidence
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
I have also had discussions with Michael F. Bergeron, Ph.D., FACSM. He
serves as Executive Director of the National Institute for Athletic Health &
Performance and National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute. He is also a
Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, at Sanford School of Medicine, at the
University of South Dakota (Sanford USD Medical Center). Dr. Bergeron has an
appointment as a Senior Scientist in Sanford Children’s Health Research
Center. He is recognized for his research in exercise, heat stress, and youth
athletic health and leadership. I have had informal discussions about potential
research opportunities with Dr. Bergeron and his research team in Sioux Fall
Progress Made: Was introduced to Dr. Thayne Munce, Associate Director
of Sanford Sport Sciences Institute by Dr. Bergeron
 Was introduced to training staff at the Sanford Fieldhouse – Sport
training facility where I was allowed to observe and assist multiple
training sessions over the course of 9 months
 Was asked by Dr. Munce to lead on a research project involving
injury reports/data from a local ski area. Currently in process of
drafting article for submission to peer-reviewed journal.
 Dr. Munce and I will co-present at the BSU Honors Council Lecture
Series – Fall 2015
 Plan to submit abstract for review for the 2016 American College of
Sports Medicine National Conference in Boston.

Some of the experiences (i.e. grants/new research projects, interdisciplinary
opportunities) I will gain will potentially emerge during the time on sabbatical.
Involvement in these opportunities will translate to more knowledge/experiences
that will be shared in the classroom with the intent of fostering student learning.
Progress Made: Some of the additional activities happened during my
sabbatical include:
 Authored an article RETURNING TO THE WILD;
Tailoring Exercise Programs for an Outdoorsperson Diagnosed with
Chronic Disease – Accepted for Publication in Peer Reviewed
Journal – American College of Sports Medicine- Certified News
(Sept. 2015) – See draft in Evidence
 Earned the Exercise is Medicine (Level III) credential to work with
individuals who are healthy, individuals with health-related
conditions who have been cleared by their physicians for exercise
(Level 1 or 2), and for patients who require clinical support and
monitoring (Level 3)
 Renewed Certifications:
o Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM)
o Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
o American Heart Association- Healthcare Provider
 Conferences attended:
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
Northland American College of Sports Medicine Fall
and Spring Conferences (Mankato & St. Cloud)
 American Indian Health Conference- Eagle Butte, SD
 Strength and Conditioning Conferences (NSCA and
Sanford) Bloomington, MN & Sanford Power, Sioux
Falls, SD
 Sports Medicine Conf. Sioux Falls, SD
o Elected to Northland Chapter of the American College of
Sports Medicine- Board of Directors as the Minnesota
Representative- thru 2016.
o Presented sabbatical work to faculty and administration to the
College of Health and Human Ecology during start-up.
Powerpoint included in Evidence.
The above experiences will strengthen my Professional Development Plan (PDP).
 Area I) Demonstrate Ability to Teach Effectively
 Area III) Evidence of Continuing Preparation and Study
 Area II) Scholarly or Creative Achievement or Research
 Area IV) Contributes to Student Growth and Development.
2) Promote/Market Healthcare Leadership and Administration Degree
Offered in cooperation with Winona State University and Healthcare Leadership Certificate
(proposal) offered by BSU
I plan to use the sabbatical to promote this degree and certificate programs throughout the
state. I plan to present and/or assist in marketing these new options at regional
professional meetings, healthcare facilities, and academic institutions.
 This aligns with my PDP Area V: Service to the University and Community.
Progress Made: The Healthcare Leadership and Administration degree
program offered by Winona State University with electives provided by
Bemidji State graduated its first class of 7 students in the Spring of 2015.
 Currently the HLA program has 60 students enrolled
 BSU has a newly created a Leadership Certificate
 Will continue to monitor in determining interest and need the
Healthcare Leadership Certificate
3) Refresh Clinical Patient/Client Care and General Exercise Leadership
Skills
I will spend time in Fargo, ND refreshing my exercise leadership skills and strengthening
my relationships with local and regional businesses that may offer internship possibilities to
BSU students. I have the permission of managers to observe/participate and or lead group
and individual exercise and education classes at the recently opened Sanford-YMCA,
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Sanford Power Center (Sports Medicine) and at Sanford Health Cardiac Rehabilitation. I
also plan to participate in group fitness classes in the Bemidji area.
Progress Made: Spent a week in Fargo ND working with clinical patientsparticipating out-patient Cardiac Rehabilitation – Sanford Health
 Multiple meetings with allied health professionals working in sport
athletic performance, physical medicine, and weight-loss post
bariatric surgery
 Met with BSU grads who are graduate students pursuing graduate
education in allied health fields.
 Reviewed EKG interpretation
 Patient charting/record keeping

These experiences align with Areas I and III.
4) Collect Information and Help Develop Dept. HPSH Web-Site Redesign
and Streamline HPSH Internship Process
Collect information to expand internship and career pathway information on the
Department of Human Performance, Sport and Health website. Streamline the
internship/practicum advising process for Community Health and Exercise Science
students who seek regional and out of region/state internships.
Progress Made: Provided information to web-page redesign firm hired by BSU.
 I am currently working on internship manual/pathway description that
could be utilized by Community Health and Exercise Science students.
Working in collaboration with BSU faculty in the design process

Allign’s with Area V: Service to the University and Community
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