Rhonda Scherer completed her Masters in Physical Education from the University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE) in May of 2007.  She loved UH so much that she came back to pursue a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Individual Differences at UH COE where she currently has a great support team.  Her advisor, Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences (PHLS) professor and Executive Director of the BOUNCE (Behavior Opportunities Uniting Nutrition Counseling and Exercise) program Norma Olvera, invited her years ago to assist with the program and peaked her interest in research.  

Scherer has worked hard to bring the BOUNCE summer program to UH Downtown (UHD).  “I have worked with BOUNCE for over 10 years now and I am looking forward to bringing the program to the UHD campus this summer,” said Scherer.  “This is a natural collaboration between our campuses and I am excited to be able to be involved with the day to day activities.  I have learned a great deal about myself and my determination where education is concerned and I have grown as a result of this program.”

Scherer was the first aerobics instructor at UHD 23 years ago and has continued to serve in this area.  As the Associate Director for Sports & Fitness at UHD, she is involved with the offering of all Sports & Fitness recreational opportunities on campus.  “Five years ago I introduced a hybrid PE program at UHD and have taught over 500 students on the benefits of being fit for life,” she said.  “I couldn't imagine being in any other field.”

Scherer credits Olvera for making the largest impact on her academic career because she was the first professor ever to invite her and her fellow classmates to get involved outside of their classroom experiences.  “I thought that was just awesome and so unique,” she said.  “I jumped on the opportunity and have learned a great deal as a result.” Scherer also said that Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (DELPS) associate professor Catherine Horn and PHLS associate professor Weihua Fan made statistics understandable for the average person. All the professors at UH have definitely made this the experience of a lifetime.

Olvera, agrees wholeheartedly with Scherer. "It is a great opportunity to have the BOUNCE summer program at the University of Houston Downtown this year,” said Olvera. "BOUNCE is quite excited to have UH Downtown as a partner and share resources to promote healthy living among Hispanic and African American adolescent girls and their families."

Scherer’s research interests include motivational behaviors where exercise and wellness are concerned. She is particularly focused on the minority population because of their greater risk for the various ailments associated with a sedentary lifestyle. She has published articles on successfully offering a university Physical Education class in a hybrid format.