Dr. Tr'Vel T. Lyons is an associate researcher at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, where he contributes to the Center for Education, Identity, and Social Justice. A first-generation education scholar, Dr. Lyons holds a Ph.D. in Urban Schooling from UCLA, where his dissertation, "Cacti in the Classroom," explored supportive learning environments for Black boys in their formative ninth-grade year.
Alongside his academic pursuits, Dr. Lyons is an avid sprinter and the founder of We Still Sprint Club, a community initiative focused on fitness, resilience, and camaraderie through hill sprints. Through the club, he emphasizes the mental and physical discipline that sprinting brings, drawing parallels between the commitment required in both his research and athletic passions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Lyons enjoys mentoring, hiking, and sharing new music every Friday. His life’s mission weaves his academic focus and love for sprinting, fostering both educational advancement and Black joy.
In part 1, we discuss his educational research background and how he got into physical activity as a tool for wellness, longevity, consistent healthy habits, and building community for healthcare professionals.