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Dr. Jane Watkinson is a professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and she serves as the director of the Patricia Austin Centre at the University of Alberta.  She completed her Ph.D. degree at Michigan State University under the direction of Dr. Janet A. Wessel.  Dr. Watkinson has continued the rich research tradition established by Janet Wessel, with a prolific record of presentations, publications, and grants related to curriculum and instruction for children with cognitive disabilities.  Her major contributions to the literature include Project PREP on the acquisition of play skills by children with mental retardation, several papers on the inclusion of students with mental retardation in “regular” physical education programs, and several papers on individualizing instruction for the physically awkward child.  Dr. Watkinson has provided leadership to the North American Federation on Adapted Physical Activity (past president), Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education Recreation, the Canadian Alliance for Active Living, and the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute.  She serves as associate editor for Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly.  She currently serves as chairperson of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, and previously served as associate dean and acting dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta.  Dr. Watkinson has earned recognition as a CAHPER Scholar from the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and as McCalla Professor at the University of Alberta.