Susan Rinaldi is the Program Officer for Exercise and Sport Science Initiative, ESSI, at the University of Michigan. Susan supports and contributes ESSI team members in accomplishing its goal of growing integrated and comprehensive sport-and-exercise related research and education. Susan serves as one of the principal points of contact for ESSI in facilitating and coordinating the program supports with grant administrators, industry partners, and research programs and projects. In her role, Susan will develop and oversee communications and marketing strategies and provide input and support for ESSI’s educational goals. One key education area for ESSI is the development of new, exemplar undergraduate courses focused on exercise and sport science topics and analytics. Susan enjoys partnering with faculty, staff, and students in building innovative academic structures and programs that support new knowledge in inclusive, accessible, and equitable educational environments.

Before joining ESSI, Susan served as a director for student academic support based on inclusive and equitable access in higher education where she managed professional and student staff and provided oversight of Content Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and Learning Skills Tutoring, summer transition programs for first time and rising second year students and partnered with faculty to develop new course structures and support. For more than twelve years, Susan’s leadership has supported university students at all levels (undergraduates and graduate) through the design and implementation of innovative program services, holistic program models, and high student and program outcomes to close educational equity gaps. She has also found a passion for ensuring and supporting professional development with those that she has worked with and alongside (e.g., professionals, educators, and undergraduate and graduate student staff).

Susan holds a master’s degree in Educational Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan.

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