JackieHaramis

Hi all. My name is actually Jackie Kus (former name Haramis, just haven't gone to HR to have it changed). I am a Resident Director in the Department of Residence Services by day and an avid sports enthusiast/rollergirl by night. I comfortably go by Jackie, Jax, Kus, Jkus, or O. Sassin'. I skate for the Rubber City Rollergirls in Akron, Ohio. My derby name is "Jackie O. Sassin'" and we promote supporting the city of Akron through charitable causes focused primarily on women and children of the community! As a non-profit, we are an amateur sports team with a purpose :)

I graduated from undergrad with a BA in Sociology. I completed my master's work at Kent State University in Higher Education in 2007. I began taking classes in Educational Psychology in 2009 and realized that it was not a fit for me, so I applied for the HIED program and it has been a fruitful experience.

My research interests lie with a number of things including feminist theory, transition, athletic identity, sports psychology research, athletic retirement, identity development, and recently have really gotten into reading research on nutrition. The many ways my life would be different if I had made different turns in my road! Needless to say, my dissertation topic is going to be studying college softball players and the transition out of sport (sport retirement). As a former player, my research interest stems from personal experience and I cannot get enough reading in when I jump into the literature. I think that will keep me dedicated towards completing the project---study what you love. So, I am :)

I have a cat named Bruce (aka Bruce Wayne, aka The BATMAN) because he looks like he has a batman mask on his face when you look at him. He's adorable and my little rescue baby.

I also have recently taken up running recreationally, so if there are any other runners, sport enthusiasts, or foodies out there, I'm always looking for new friends :)