About
I am interested in finding innovative, pragmatic solutions to the barriers to fulfilling wellness and movement autonomy. My specific area of research interest focuses on understanding the social, environmental, and political barriers to the physical activity and sport engagement of disabled individuals across their lifespan.
Through a radical pragmatic lens, I use my expertise in mixed methodology to employ both qualitative and quantitative methods in pursuit of justice-oriented strategies and policies that reduce the systemic barriers to physical activity and sport.
Through participatory/emancipatory frameworks, I am interested in co-producing research that closely aligns with the actual community needs of disabled individuals and their families to ensure that equal opportunities are provided.
Features
The SHAPE America Research Council is delighted to shine a spotlight on Andrew Colombo-Dougovito, Ph.D., who was named a Research Fellow in 2021. Dr. Colombo-Dougovito is an associate professor at the University of North Texas. His research focuses on the justice-oriented strategies and policies that reduce the systemic barriers to physical activity and sport.
We hope you enjoy reading the Q&A below to learn more about his background and work!*
Andrew Colombo-Dougovito, Assistant Professor of Sport Pedagogy and Motor Behavior in the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation in the UNT College of Education, was presented the Young Professional Award in Adapted Physical Activity at the International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity in association with the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity in Charlottesville, VA.
Work Experience
Projects
[Professional Development] I am currently learning python, SQL, etc. through Coursera and Google.
[Oral History] In the ADAPTED Project, I will collect the shared works of the adapted physical activity and education professions to examine their successes as well as their failures. Additionally, perhaps most importantly, I will interview prominent scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders to capture their experiences and histories. During the generation of information, I will develop a digital archive to preserve these histories for future generations. I will, also, analyze the collected data for common threads about the past to provide a foundation for the profession to move forward. In doing so for the trade, I will also create a reference for those outside the profession—the public—to gain insight into the adapted physical education and activity world.
[Book Proposal] A colleague and I are drafting a proposal for a second edition of the 2008 Disability, Sport, and Society text.
[Book] This book provides an accessible space for interdisciplinary scholarship and narrative through an analysis of the power of media and sports, focusing on the intersectionality of identity, politics, social justice, and social movements within this context. Contributors examine how identities coalesce in sports and discuss the ways in which sports provide spaces for marginalized communities and create unique platforms that shift how society defines identity. Athletes’ identities and actions—and mass media’s representation thereof—can influence both the perceptions of society as a whole and how individuals view themselves, contributors argue. Each chapter delves into how different aspects of identity, including race, gender, disability, and sexuality, have developed and influenced social change, with a strong focus on lived experiences of both scholars and athletes from marginalized communities. Scholars of media studies, communication, sociology, and kinesiology may find this book particularly useful.
Side Projects
[Livestream & Podcast] Critical conversations about our build world. Each episode explores the intersection of disability, movement, wellness, and society. Released every other Monday; the new season starts on Nov. 7.
[Newsletter]
[Personal Development] I like to design things and dabble in photography. I'm, in no way, a professional...but I love the challenge.
Writing
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Speaking
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Education
Awards
Fellow status is reserved for members who have made significant and sustained contributions to scholarship (research, creative, or scholarly activity) and related service in the areas of interest to SHAPE America. The purpose of Fellow status is to promote scholarship as an integral component of SHAPE America as well as to:
- Recognize accomplishments in scholarship by SHAPE America members
- Recognize and promote participation in the research activities of SHAPE America
The Doris R. Corbett-Johnson Leaders for Our Future Award recognizes younger members who have demonstrated outstanding potential in scholarship, teaching, and/or professional leadership. This award is chosen in two membership categories, "college and university" and "non college and university."
This award recognizes the development of “passionate enthusiasm and inspiration” in young adapted physical activity professionals. It was initiated by Dr. Claudine Sherrill, with the help of Dr. Karen DePauw and Dr. Gudrun Doll-Tepper in 1993. The goal of the award is to encourage, recognize, and support young professionals interested in APA. Eligibility for the Young Professional Award is restricted to professionals less than 40 years of age. One Young Professional Award is made by IFAPA and a second one by the local organizing committee of the Symposium.
Adapted PE/Activity Graduate Student of the Year honors exemplary graduate level students in the field of adapted PE/PA who has demonstrated significant service and contributions to individuals with disabilities.
The Ellwein Award was established in memory of Mary Catherine Ellwein, a loved and respected member of the Curry faculty. This award is given to a Doctoral student in any program with a love of learning, willingness to take intellectual risks, ability to explore alternative ways of seeing and knowing, concern for issues of social equity and justice, ease and facility in communication, and active involvement in contributing to the Curry community.
Certifications
The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) is dedicated to serving the training needs of colleges and universities, healthcare institutions, technology and research organizations, and governmental agencies, as they foster integrity and professional advancement of their learners.
Volunteering
Support initiatives to protect climbing areas in the US.
Assist with events and "trail days".
Assisted the head coach with training sessions.