Digital Health Pulse
Welcome to the Iowa State University Master of Digital Health blog, Iowa State University’s Digital Health Pulse, where we explore the dynamic intersection of technology and health. This blog is dedicated to sharing insights, research, and trends from the rapidly evolving field of digital health. Here, you’ll find discussions on topics ranging from telemedicine innovations and wearable technology to data analytics in healthcare and the future of patient care and health promotion. Our goal is to keep you informed about the latest advancements, inspire new ideas, and provide valuable resources for professionals and students alike who are passionate about driving the future of healthcare and health promotion through digital innovation. Posts will be drafted by the Master of Digital Health program faculty (Drs. Kira Werstein, Kristen Metcalf, and Michelle Rusch), with guest posts by other Department of Kinesiology faculty.
Digital Health Pulse Blog Posts
Anthropology of Technology and the Impact on Human Health
By Kira Werstein, PhD, NBCHWC, Teaching Professor, Master of Digital Health, Director of Graduate Education (DOGE) Iow State University Department of Kinesiology
September 23, 2024
How did you get your breakfast? Did you forage for berries or fetch eggs from the chickens in the coop? Probably not! Over the last few centuries, the rapid advancement of technology has fundamentally reshaped human life.
About the Authors
Dr. Kira Werstein
Dr. Kira Werstein is the Director of Graduate Education for the Master of Digital Health program. She specializes in teaching courses on health, wellness, behavior change, and their intersection with technology. Beyond teaching, her professional mission is to translate psychological research into practical solutions, which she achieves through her work as a clinical health coach and psychology consultant. In these roles, she supports clients in behavior change and advises businesses, sports teams, and organizations on health promotion and performance enhancement.
Dr. Kristen Metcalf
Dr. Kristen Metcalf is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Master of Digital Health program within the Department of Kinesiology. Dr. Metcalf specializes in foundational courses in Digital Health, including courses in research methods and digital health solutions. She earned both her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Health and Human Physiology, with an emphasis in physical activity measurement and health outcomes. Her expertise is in physical activity measurement and wearable devices, with interests in the intersection of technology and health behaviors and health outcomes.
Dr. Michelle Rusch
Dr. Michelle Rusch is an Assistant Teaching Professor for the Master of Digital Health program in the Kinesiology Department. Dr. Rusch has a master’s degree and PhD in the field of Human-Computer Interaction with over fifteen years of interdisciplinary post-graduate academic experience (nine years related to healthcare and simulation). Her previous training and affiliations include a post-doctoral fellowship (Neurology and Industrial Engineering) and assistant research scientist position completed at the University of Iowa in addition to faculty ranked positions in Korea and with the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria (UICOMP). She has interests and experience developing mixed reality applications used to offset effects of cognitive and visual impairments. Major findings from her research are published in top peer-reviewed journalsLinks to an external site. in the areas of human factors, transportation, safety, and neuroscience.
