From student to professor, Devon Tapp is back on the University of Delaware’s campus.

She’s joined the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences in the College of Health Sciences as an assistant professor and director of the Health Coaching program.  

“It’s nice to see familiar faces; I really am excited to be back,” Tapp said.  

It’s a true full-circle moment for Tapp, who earned her bachelor’s in health behavior science as a student-athlete on UD’s Division I Rowing Team in 2018.

“Rowing gave me the confidence I didn’t have going into college,” she said. “It also pushed me to excel in the classroom and motivated me to pursue greater education opportunities.”

Before pursuing her master’s, Tapp also worked abroad at a rehabilitation hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, supporting children whose grandparents were affected by Agent Orange-related genetic disorders.

“I wanted to create a new normal for healthy behaviors and adapt programs with sustainability and available resources in mind,” said Tapp.

Tapp earned a master’s in health promotion at UD in 2021 and a doctorate in health science, specializing in population health at Thomas Jefferson University in 2025. She returned to UD’s campus in the spring of 2025 to finish the Health Coaching Graduate Certificate.

“It feels amazing to now work alongside the same faculty who supported and inspired me. Their mentorship and hands-on approach helped shape my path, and I hope to carry that forward in my time at UD.”

This spring, Tapp is teaching a graduate course, “Chronic Disease Management,” and an undergraduate course, “Personal Health Management: An Approach for a Lifetime.”

She describes her teaching style as “student-centered.”

“I want to ensure students’ assignments connect to the population or industry they want to pursue,” she said. “Students are more engaged when they can apply what they’re learning to something they’re passionate about.”

In her role as director of the Health Coaching program, Tapp plans to enhance outreach and community partnerships.

With support from Assistant Professor Shannon Speed, this spring, students will have expanded practicum opportunities with ChristianaCare, CardioKinetics, the Family Life Project, the ROTC, and UD Recreational Services.

“My goal is to broaden practicum opportunities so students in the health coaching program gain experience working across varied populations and settings.”

She also hopes to expand partnerships with UD alumni, working in the health coaching field.

Tapp discovered her passion for teaching upon joining the College of Health Sciences as an adjunct faculty member at Stockton University. At that time, she worked as director of health outreach, education, and health services at Stockton University.

“It was my favorite part of my day job and made me realize I wanted to pursue teaching full-time.”

She also previously worked as a total wellness coordinator for the National Football League, overseeing clinicians addressing topics ranging from emotional well-being to environmental and financial wellness.

A Double Del, Tapp lives in Wilmington with her partner, whom she met while a student-athlete at UD.

Since completing her doctoral degree, which had occupied much of her free time, Tapp has been enjoying the chance to explore new hobbies. She recently joined an intramural volleyball team.