From Research to Recognition: ISU Student and Associate Professor Awarded at Sport and Kinesiology Conference

You may be used to seeing athletes win trophies for their performance on the field, but it’s rare to get a peek behind the curtain at those who help make sport events a success with planning and logistics. Recently, a graduate student and Idaho State University professor brought home awards for their work at the 2026 Conference of the Western Society for Kinesiology and Wellness (WSKW), in collaboration with the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Idaho.

Matti MacAllister, graduate teaching assistant and student in the athletic administration program, was awarded the Robert Carlson Award for Outstanding Review of Literature Poster by the WSKW for her presentation at the conference.

MacAllister’s research focus on social justice and equity in sports led to her first formal research presentation at the conference, titled “Silenced or Amplified? How Identity and Institutional Structures Shape the Reception of Social Justice Advocacy in Professional and Collegiate Sports”.

“My interest in this area began during my undergraduate Issues in Sport course, where I wrote my first research paper on the USA Gymnastics abuse scandal. Since then, I have continued to explore the ways power, identity, and institutional structures shape experiences within sport,” said MacAllister. 

Her current work takes a look at the Great Sports Myth, which is the assumption that sports are an apolitical arena, and how that affects athletes’ freedom of expression. 

She also discussed her work’s reception at the conference.

“Receiving this award was incredibly meaningful to me because it recognized the first piece of research I had ever formally presented. The topic is one I am deeply passionate about, so having that work recognized was both validating and encouraging as I continue to explore my interests as a researcher. The experience reinforced my desire to pursue research in sport sociology and social justice, and it gave me confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to these conversations.”

MacAllister has no plans to slow down, either. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Sport Management with a specialization in sport sociology after graduation—none of which could’ve happened without the help of her ISU advisors and staff.

“I want to build on my current research interests in social justice, equity and freedom of expression in sport while further developing my skills as a researcher and educator. My success in the program, both as an undergraduate and graduate student, would not have been possible without the faculty members who have supported, challenged and encouraged me throughout my academic journey,” said MacAllister. 

“Camille Long, my faculty advisor for the literature review I presented at WSKW, provided invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout the research process. Similarly, I would not have known about the WSKW conference or had the opportunity to present my research without Dr. Elaine Foster, who continually encourages me to explore new ideas, critically evaluate my perspectives, and develop those ideas into meaningful, presentable research.”

Elaine Foster, an associate professor in sport management, also brought home a trophy: the Outstanding Collegiate Educator award from SHAPE Idaho. Not only did Foster serve on the SHAPE Idaho board as the higher education representative, she was also this year’s conference coordinator and president-elect for the WSKW. With the responsibility of wearing many hats, Foster shared about her experience of putting the event together.

“WSKW was already planning to host the 2026 conference in Boise, and the SHAPE Idaho board was considering the same. So, I suggested that we host a joint conference, bringing a regional conference and state conference together. With the collaboration of the two organizations, we were able to offer a fuller conference with a variety of breakout sessions and opportunities for the attendees to connect with a variety of Kinesiology professionals.”

Camille Long and Tayler Elizondo, both clinical instructors at ISU, were also able to present their work alongside Sean Dahlin, an associate professor of athletic administration. 

“As a first-time attendee, WSKW offered a meaningful platform to present my research and receive constructive feedback across disciplines,” said Elizondo.

ISU student Benjamin Scott, currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, was also able to present his work titled “The Rural Coach: An Opportunity to Improve Health Through Play.”

“It was extremely interesting to hear what other professionals in the field are doing and how they are approaching current issues that different groups and populations are facing,” said Scott. “ISU has been pivotal in my development as a professional. I have always felt extremely supported and encouraged by the faculty both in my graduate and undergraduate studies.”

Scott plans to stay in Idaho and enter the field of medical education, with the aim of teaching at a medical institution in the state. 

“ISU, like all of the higher education institutions in the state, has a responsibility to promote best practices in health and physical education, particularly in Idaho. Many of us regularly attend and present at conferences to help make this happen. Additionally, we work with teachers, coaches and schools in our areas to train ISU students who will become future practitioners,” said Foster.

Foster also spoke to how ISU’s athletic administration program sets students up for success at conferences and beyond.

“In 2010, when I was a graduate student in the department, I attended my first professional conference with some of my professors and classmates. This experience connected me with many folks in kinesiology who ultimately have been instrumental in my development as an academician. I have been able to take students to conferences like WSKW and SHAPE Idaho, thanks to grant funding from the School of Education. These opportunities have sparked deeper interest and learning in the students, helped them network and provided opportunities to present their work and ideas.”

For more information, check out ISU’s sport management and athletic administration program websites.