Dr. Adams has been an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Health since 2007. After receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, Dr. Adams elected to return to her home state, NJ to pursue her career in higher education. Kean University was an ironic choice since her mother, step-father, and academic advisor at the University of Miami are all proud Kean alumni.
 
    Prior to earning her Doctorate, Jessica worked as a teacher for eight years. She taught Health and Physical Education for five years. Her teaching experiences have been quite diverse including public and private schools grades pre-K through 12 in VA, FL and Athens, Greece. During her years teaching, she also coached soccer, field hockey, cross country, volleyball and track and field. She also spent three years teaching Health and Weight Training courses at Broward Community College in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and personal training certification courses for the National Council on Strength and Fitness based out of Coral Gables, FL.

    Throughout her academic career, Jessica took advantage of a wide array of professional opportunities provided by her mentors. As a student, she had the opportunity to co-author papers and present at professional conferences. Her advisors were supportive of her participation in a field based research project with Divers Alert Network and Duke University. After a week of intensive training at the Environmental Physiology Lab at Duke, she was sent to Grand Cayman to collect real time data on recreational and professional scuba divers. She was also responsible for assisting local chamber operators on the island tracking dive-related illnesses and recompression outcomes. This led to a paid laboratory based research position the following summer at the Duke University Medical Center Environmental Physiology Lab. Due to the support of her mentor at Duke, she co-authored “Fit for Scuba: a strength and conditioning guide for scuba divers” with her husband. Jessica continues to write for Alert Diver a dive safety magazine reviewed by professionals at Divers Alert Network and Duke University. She hopes to emulate her advisors by maximizing student involvement outside of the traditional classroom setting.

    Dr. Adams is currently teaching biomechanics, kinesiology, and evaluation in physical education on both the Ocean and Union campuses. She tries to apply her practical experiences as a researcher, teacher, coach, and fitness instructor to add a practical component to these scientific courses. Dr. Adams has recently resurrected the Physical Education Majors Club that now has active membership on both the Union and Ocean campuses. Serving as Student Advisor on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NJAHPERD) has provided her students with a wealth of professional development opportunities. Dr. Adams is also responsible for the Physical Education program provided to the students at the Kean University Childcare Center. The Physical Education Majors at Kean University have taken full advantage of every opportunity presented to them. Her students are currently involved in research, writing, professional presentations, and various other professional development opportunities.