Education

2018 University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, B.A.
2020 University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, M.Ed.
2025 Georgia State University, Ph.D.

Courses Taught

Biokinetics and Conditioning
Physical Education and Fitness for Special Populations
Personal and Family Health

Career Specialties

Wellington De Luna's has a Ph.D in Kinesiology and his academic interests focus on the behavioral aspects of physical activity, parasport, strength and conditioning in special populations, and sport coaching. He also conducts research in goalball; a Paralympic sport specifically designed for athletes who are blind or visually impaired.

Professional and Community Activities

Wellington De Luna serves as the head coach of the Puerto Rican National Goalball Team and has contributed to the field of parasport and physical education through peer-reviewed publications, practitioner articles, and invited presentations. Selected works include:

De Luna-Vazquez, W., Shapiro, D., Moreno, A. (2024). Coaching Behaviors in Goalball: Perceptions of Athletes with Visual Impairments. International Sport Coaching Journal. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2024-0028

De Luna-Vazquez, W., & Estrada-Oliver, L. G. (2024). Cooperative Learning to Enhance Social and Emotional Learning among Hispanic English Language Learners in Elementary Physical Education. Strategies, 37(4), 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2024.2350910

De Luna-Vazquez, W., Sur, M. H., & Shapiro, D. R. (2023). Using Paralympic School Day and Sport Education Model to Increase Awareness and Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 94(5), 5-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2023.2185327

Honors and Awards

2025 Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship – Presented by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) for academic excellence and leadership in health and physical education.
2024 Dissertation Award - State Doctoral Scholars Program Fellowship - Presented by the Southern Regional Educational Board (SREB)
2024 Adapted Sports Programs in Recreation and Education Award (ASPIRE) Coach of the Year – Presented by the American Association of Adapted Sports Program.
2021 Doctoral Training Grant - Funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Department of Education, Doctoral Training Grant. Training Leaders to Improve Education and Health Outcomes of Individuals Served by IDEA: A Multi-Institutional Mentorship Consortium.