Name: Joel Reece
BYU–Hawaii employee since 2013.
My job at BYU–Hawaii is professor in the Faculty of Sciences.
I grew up in West Jordan, Utah.
I chose to teach at BYU–Hawaii because it felt right by the Spirit. During the interview process, I had an experience that made me question if this was the right job for me. At that moment of doubt, I specifically remember the Spirit whispering to me, "Don't close the door on me yet. Wait until you see what I have to offer." As I heard those words, my mind had a flashing glimpse of what being here would look like. I felt invited by the Savior and wanted to be a part of it.
My favorite thing about teaching is seeing others find joy in learning.
The best-kept secret at BYU–Hawaii is the saunas in the CAC locker rooms.
My most cherished memory at BYU–Hawaii: I can't pick just one... but every time a former student stops by my office and says aloha, I cherish it! It is so fun to catch up and hear how things are going in their lives.
My advice to incoming first-year students is to participate in anything planned by Seasider Sports & Activities, like intramurals! It is so fun! Intramurals provide a great environment to meet new people, get exercise, relieve stress, and try new things.
My advice to graduating seniors is: Be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ. Being a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ will help you more than anything else after you graduate. It is the only way to true happiness.
What sparked my interest in my field: In high school, I met with my academic advisor to help me decide on a career path in college. She asked me what I wanted to be. I really wanted to be a stockbroker, but didn't know the right name for it, so I told her I wanted to be a "stocker." She may have thought I meant "stalker," because she proceeded to ask if there was anything else I was interested in. I said I liked sports, so she sparked my interest in Exercise Science.
On Saturday morning, you’ll find me coaching my kid’s youth sport
The next big trip I’m interested in is to go to Japan with my son, Dallin, after he returns from his mission.
You’ll never find me without an idea! I love thinking about potential research projects, ways to teach, and business ideas.
My favorite holiday is: Whenever my friend, Dan, makes a wild, unorthodox shot playing noonball, we say it must be his birthday. So, my favorite holiday is Dan's birthday, but only when we are on the same team.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to: it doesn't matter, as long as I'm with my family. We could go anywhere, and we could have a good time. Traveling with my family has been so fun to support each other in different activities, visit family, and have lasting memories.
One item on my bucket list is: Buy a house to live in.
What’s one thing that can easily make your day better? Going to the temple.
If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be a sad life because the variety of food is one of the best things in life!
What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them? I love sports. Participating and spectating are both great! I grew up with sports. My dad coached me when I was young. Sports have been an incredible vehicle for life lessons and can be a metaphor for life.
I’m currently reading “Finally Free”. It is the autobiography of Michael Vick, a former professional football player in the NFL.
What projects are you currently working on: Students in our HHS research class are beginning a study called Project T.H.R.I.V.E. This stands for transforming health through resilience, inclusiveness, values, and evaluation. Phase one of the project is to do a student health assessment of physical health, wellness, presenteeism, resilience, and nutrition.
Another group of students just finished a project about food insecurity on campus and two of them, Tori Cromarty and Shaylee Taylor, will be presenting our findings in Thailand in March.
An organization I volunteer with, 'Amanaki Fo'ou, goes to Tonga every summer for diabetes prevention and treatment. The past couple of years I have helped students in HHS, that have strong connections with Tonga, get involved. We recently received a generous donation to help two more students this year to get involved.
Another professor, Tseggy, and I just finished a project, with help from a couple of students, about the influence of Mike Sharavjamts, aka “Mongolian Mike.” He is the first Mongolian to play NCAA basketball and has a chance to be drafted in the NBA
