Research and labs in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

Research in education, health and human sciences

University of Idaho College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS) conducts research in education, health, human movement, sport and recreation, leadership and human development. Through 12 research labs and specialized facilities, undergraduate and graduate students work alongside faculty on research that addresses real-world challenges in Idaho and beyond. 

Research areas

EHHS faculty and students conduct research across a range of education, health and human sciences topics, including:

• Education, teaching and learning
• Educational leadership and counseling
• Human development
• Exercise physiology and human performance
• Biomechanics and human movement
• Physical activity, health and wellness
• Sleep and recovery
• Women's health
• Sport and recreation management
• Adventure and experiential education
• Community and applied research 

Research labs and facilities

Our research labs give students and faculty access to specialized facilities, equipment and hands-on research opportunities. Explore our research areas to discover the questions our faculty and students are investigating, the facilities supporting their work and ways to get involved.

• Human performance and sports medicine 
  Investigate exercise, nutrition, physiology, injury prevention, performance and recovery to improve health and human performance.
• Dance and integrative movement 
  Explore movement through artistic, scientific and health-focused research, including dance, embodied practices and movement-based approaches to well-being.
• Exercise physiology and health sciences 
  Study how physical activity, inactivity, sleep, nutrition and other health behaviors affect cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological health.
• Sport leadership and innovation 
  Explore leadership, management and innovation in sport and recreation and develop research-informed approaches to organizations and communities.
• Physical activity and health promotion 
  Develop and evaluate strategies that promote physical activity, healthy behaviors and well-being in schools, workplaces and communities. 

Research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students

Research is an integral part of the EHHS student experience. Undergraduate and graduate students can work with faculty mentors on research projects, gain experience with research methods and contribute to projects that address current challenges in education, health and human sciences.

Students may have opportunities to:

• Join faculty-led research teams
• Work as research assistants
• Earn course credit for research
• Apply for research assistantships and other funded opportunities
• Conduct independent or faculty-mentored research
• Present research at conferences
• Contribute to research publications
• Apply research experience to graduate school and careers

Whether you are exploring research for the first time or pursuing advanced research as a graduate student, EHHS provides opportunities to develop research skills and work alongside faculty experts.

Partner with EHHS on research

EHHS research extends beyond the university through partnerships with schools, health professionals, organizations, businesses, agencies and other community partners.

Community and industry partners can:

• Collaborate with faculty and students on research projects
• Participate in studies and pilot programs
• Partner on program evaluation and applied research
• Collaborate on education, health or workforce initiatives
• Apply research findings to community needs

Contact us at ehhs@uidaho.edu to learn how you can get involved. 

Research services for the community

Some EHHS research labs offer testing and other services to community members, organizations and teams. Services may include:

• Body composition and exercise testing
• DEXA scans
• BOD POD body composition testing
• Pilates sessions

Services, availability, scheduling and fees vary by lab. Visit individual lab pages for details. 

Creating impact through applied research

EHHS research connects discovery with practical applications in classrooms, workplaces, health settings and communities. Faculty and students use research to develop and evaluate programs, understand human health and behavior, improve education and inform professional practice.

Through undergraduate research, graduate research, faculty scholarship and community-engaged projects, EHHS contributes knowledge that can be applied across Idaho and beyond. 

Research at Idaho's R1 university

University of Idaho is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

For EHHS students, being part of an R1 research university means opportunities to work with faculty researchers, participate in research projects and use specialized facilities and equipment. It also connects EHHS research to the university's broader research enterprise and statewide mission.

Learn about research at U of I

Support EHHS research and labs

Donor support helps EHHS provide students with research opportunities, maintain specialized equipment and advance projects that address education, health and community needs across Idaho and beyond.  

As our programs grow, philanthropic investments ensure we can maintain modern technology, updated lab spaces and hands-on learning environments that keep our research relevant and impactful. 

Contact us to learn more about how you can support EHHS research and facilities