University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE) alum Ryan Boyce is currently a Health and Safety Coordinator for TransCanda|Columbia Pipeline Group (CPG).  Boyce was truly honored to accept this role of improving safety in the Houston office.  He also designed the ergonomic/wellness program for the offices throughout the CPG footprint (Charleston West Virginia down to Houston).  The Office of Undergraduate Studies was honored to have him come in and provide tips and techniques to use in the workplace. Boyce demonstrated correct office ergonomics and stressed not sitting for too long.  He also demonstrated office devices such as ergonomic keyboards and workstations to help ease tension on the body during the day. 

During the past year Boyce has had the opportunity to:

• establish an interest in ergonomics (including approval for ergonomic equipment by supervisors for entire teams, change of behaviors, and presentations on the matter)
• coordinate the CPR/AED courses for the employees in Houston
• coordinate and facilitate Smith Driver’s Training for our employees in the Gulf (Houston and Louisiana)
• establish, coordinate and present monthly safety meetings
• improve the emergency evacuation process by reviewing and working with the right stake holders, though empowering and supporting the fire wardens
• create the Houston Safety Committee that is the voice for Houston who reports up to the CPG Safety Committee
• represent the safety team for orientations here in the headquarters though monthly presentations

Clinical Assistant Professor and Health department chair, Kayce Solari Williams believes health and safety promotion and prevention is increasing. Companies and organizations are making it a priority for their employees.  Health majors receive proper coursework and training that prepare them for these types of positions. “This has created a need for qualified health professionals to assist with accountability and success of worksite health and safety initiatives,” said Williams.  “The field-based internship completed prior to graduation enables our students to demonstrate practical application of their training under the supervision of experts in the field like Ryan Boyce.”

Boyce explains, “I had the opportunity to come back almost yearly for BOUNCE [Behavior Opportunities Uniting Nutrition Counseling and Exercise].  I have also had opportunities speak at the internship programs and I even had the opportunity to hire or assist in hiring University of Houston students.”

The love and ambition Boyce has for the field is unlimited. He loves being proactive and encourages everyone to do so as well.  He is a definition of a person who is living out their dream. “My education has afforded me to operate in my calling and an opportunity to live out my personal vision of getting to add value to people on a daily basis,” said Boyce.  “I play a part in people getting back to their families and friends safe and healthy through presentation, education and application.”

As a former alum, Boyce was grateful for the support and mentorship he received from faculty and staff. He credits professor Jill Bush as a faculty member that inspired him during his time at UH COE “she challenged me from the day I hit the door to her classroom… she only accepted excellence and this included showing up to her class ahead of schedule. We got past that first day, but it wasn’t smooth sailing right away. Her Exercise Testing and Exercise Physiology class caused a lot of character building in me.” He also credits professor Joel Bloom who initially encouraged him to do the exercise science track. “He was counselor, professor, encourager, cycling instructor and later friend,” said Boyce.

Boyce has some advice for current students. “Be intentional and operate with purpose while in school. What I mean is be present while in your classes, while studying and completing projects. Build core relationships with your teachers and purpose-driven students/peers.  Not only will these people be key to counseling, mentoring you and challenging you academically, but they will also be people you see later in the field.” Boyce also encourages students to participate in programs the college has to offer such as BOUNCE, projects your professor is involved in, or work for the school in your department. “You will gain great knowledge about the day-to-day operations, what gaps you may need to fill in experience or knowledge, the personal journey of the professional to get to their level, and feedback to improve and encourage the direction of your trajectory.”