Dr. Bethany Forseth Hanson, PhD, FASCM
Dr. Bethany Forseth Hanson is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Behaviors for Family Health Lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In this role, Bethany conducts research, teaches, mentors, and is involved in professional activities at the national level. The mission of Dr. Forseth’s work is to leverage individual health behaviors to help children and their families live healthier lives for longer. Through her work, Dr. Forseth develops programs that empower community members and organizations to help provide health behavior programming to support children, women, and their families as they strive to lead healthier lives.
Dr. Forseth’s leadership and excellence in her work is demonstrated by her track record in receiving grants from her institution and from the National Institutes of Health, totaling more than $3.5 million for her direct work and an additional $4.9 million for groups she partners with – all aimed at improving mental and physical health within communities. Additionally, Dr. Forseth has published over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts and led 52 national/international scientific presentations along with countless presentations to local community partners. With her expertise, Dr. Forseth serves on the US Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Youth and was selected for the prestigious position as Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Bethany is active in the nonprofit community, volunteering with multiple organizations including HappyBottoms (the local Kansas City diaper bank) and Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Bethany is in her 8th active year in The Junior League of Kansas City, MO. Her League career has spanned three Leagues Milwaukee, Omaha and Kansas City ("JLKC"), allowing her to lead through roles on Finance, Community, Fundraising, and Nominating. She currently serves as JLKC's Board Assistant. In 2022, Bethany received the "Above and Beyond" award for her role co-leading the JLKC Book Club, and in 2023 received a Legacy Training Fund Grant Award from JLKC to provide a "library" of Book Club selections for League Members.
Dr. Forseth holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Throughout her League and professional experiences, Bethany's work has had broad-reaching impacts for communities across the U.S.