Dr. Sonya L. Sanderson

Health and Human Performance Department Professor

Dr. Sonya L. Sanderson
Email
(615) 898-5266
Room 203, Alumni Memorial Gym (AMG)
MTSU Box 96, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Office Hours

Fall:  Office Hours (available to students): MW – 11:00 am - 1:00 pm TR – 12:45 pm – 2:45 pm. Other times by appointment. 

Spring:  Office hours (available to students):  M-F 11:15 am - 1:15 pm. Other times by appointment. 

Global Expertise

Countries and/or Territories of Expertise

    Languages Spoken

      Areas of Global Specialization

        Departments / Programs

        Degree Information

        • DA, Middle Tennessee State University (2002)
        • MAED, Austin Peay State University (1992)
        • BS, Austin Peay State University (1991)

        Areas of Expertise

        Bone Mineral Density, adaptive sports, physical education, physical activities, movement education

        Biography

        I am a native of Nashville, TN. I attended Glencliff HS (just a few years ago, ha). I received a volleyball and track scholarship to attend Austin Peay State University, in Clarksville, TN, (1987-1992) where I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s. I taught and coached for six years in Clarksville-Montgomery Co, before coming to MTSU to pursue my Doctorate in the late 90’s. After being a GTA for volleyball at MTSU for a couple of years, I left to teach and coach in Rutherford Co....

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        I am a native of Nashville, TN. I attended Glencliff HS (just a few years ago, ha). I received a volleyball and track scholarship to attend Austin Peay State University, in Clarksville, TN, (1987-1992) where I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s. I taught and coached for six years in Clarksville-Montgomery Co, before coming to MTSU to pursue my Doctorate in the late 90’s. After being a GTA for volleyball at MTSU for a couple of years, I left to teach and coach in Rutherford Co. for three years and ended my public-school career in Metro-Davidson Co. (2005). In 2005, I moved to South Georgia to teach at Valdosta State University (VSU).   I was at VSU for 14 years, prior to coming to MTSU to be the Chair of the Health and Human Performance Department (2019-2023). During my years at VSU, I served as the interim department head for the Kinesiology and Physical Education Department for three years and as the Undergraduate Coordinator for 12 years.   I love being back in middle Tennessee! I have tons of opportunities for numerous activities to participate in, such as playing volleyball, supporting MTSU athletics, going to local festivals, cheering on the Titans/Predators/Nashville Soccer/Nashville Speedway, etc.   I am excited to begin working more with the physical education teacher prep students starting fall 2023. Working with students is the reason I got into education. I have always wanted to “pay it forward”.

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        Presentations

        • Martinez, J. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Co-Presenter), Share the Wealth Education Conference, Jekyll Island, Georgia., "Preparing Critically Conscious Teachers for 21st Century Classrooms: Examining History, Theory, and Practice in Schools and Communities," Share the Wealth Education Conference, Jekyll Island, GA. (January 25, 2019).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Califf, V. R., CPRESA/GAHPERD Workshop, "Games, Games, Games, everywhere!," GAHPERD, Valdosta, GA. (May 7, 2018).
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        • Martinez, J. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Co-Presenter), Share the Wealth Education Conference, Jekyll Island, Georgia., "Preparing Critically Conscious Teachers for 21st Century Classrooms: Examining History, Theory, and Practice in Schools and Communities," Share the Wealth Education Conference, Jekyll Island, GA. (January 25, 2019).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Califf, V. R., CPRESA/GAHPERD Workshop, "Games, Games, Games, everywhere!," GAHPERD, Valdosta, GA. (May 7, 2018).
        • Chen, H., Sanderson, S. L. (co-presenter), Asola, E. F. (co-presenter), Griner, L. (co-presenter), SHAPE America, "The effects of exergaming on fitness, physical activity, and motivation," SHAPE America, Nashville, TN. (March 22, 2018).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Asola, E. F., Share the Wealth, "Korfball: A Game for All Ages and Abilities," GAHPERD, Jekkyl Island, GA. (January 27, 2018).
        • Asola, E. F., Sanderson, S. L., GAHPERD, "Exciting Field Hockey Games and Activities for Upper Grade Level Students," GAHPERD, Athens, GA. (October 8, 2017).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Asola, E. F., GAHPERD, "Knock it Off!," GAHPERD, Athens, GA. (October 8, 2017).
        • Griner, L., Sanderson, S. L., GAHPERD, "Rock Solid or Rock Bottom: The Future of Fitness Levels in College Aged Students," GAHPERD, Athens, GA. (October 8, 2017).
        • Anderson, P., Sanderson, S. L., The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), "Predictors of Bone Mineral Density among Intercollegiate Female Athletes," The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Denver, CO. (May 28, 2017).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Asola, E. F., GAHPERD Southeast District Physical Education Workshop in Collaboration with Coastal Plains RESA, "Pass, Shot, Korf!," GAHPERD Southeast District Physical Education Workshop in Collaboration with Coastal Plains RESA, Valdosta, GA. (May 2, 2017).
        • Asola, E. F., Sanderson, S. L., GAHPERD Southeast District Physical Education Workshop in Collaboration with Coastal Plains RESA, "The ABC’s of Teaching Badminton from 4th through 12th Grade.," GAHPERD Southeast District Physical Education Workshop in Collaboration with Coastal Plains RESA, Valdosta, GA. (May 2, 2017).
        • Green, J. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L., Share the Wealth Education Conference, "Apps, Apps Everywhere: Are You Smarter than Your Phone?," GAHPERD, Jekyll Island, Georgia. (January 26, 2017).
        • Crume, D. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L., Share the Wealth Education Conference, "Bring Your Noodles (Bodies), We Have Your Soup. Dances for all ages and abilities," GAHPERD, Jekyll Island, Georgia. (January 26, 2017).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Asola, E. F., Share the Wealth Education Conference, "Got Pole, Got Ball, Then You Have Angleball!," GAHPERD, Jekyll Island, Georgia. (January 26, 2017).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Griner, L. (Presenter), Share the Wealth Education Conference, "Large Groups? NO Problem!," GAHPERD, Jekyll Island, Georgia. (January 26, 2017).
        • Asola, E. F., Sanderson, S. L., Share the Wealth Education Conference, "Modified Team Handball Activities for Large Class Sizes of All Ages," GAHPERD, Jekyll Island, Georgia. (January 26, 2017).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Asola, E. F., Chen, H., PAGE Future Georgia Educator College Fairs, "IMPACT: Innovated Methods for Physical Activity through Coaching and Teaching," PAGE Future Georgia Educators Association, Valdosta, GA. (November 15, 2016).
        • Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Asola, E. F. (Presenter), Georgia’s American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Let’s KORF It Up!," Savannah, Georgia. (November 6, 2016).
        • Asola, E. F., Sanderson, S. L., Georgia’s American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Team Handball for All Ages: No Longer a Spectator Sport," GAHPERD, Savannah, Georgia. (November 6, 2016).
        • Green, J., Sanderson, S. L., Georgia’s American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Technology’s Impact on Physical Activity Levels in High Schools," Savannah, Georgia. (November 6, 2016).
        • Moch, P. L., Nickel, J., Sanderson, S. L., Cohen, B. S., Beycioglu, K., Kowch, E., Okoko, J., Dickey, A., International Research Conference: Innovation and Leadership in Education, "Innovation Seminar Series," Kappa delta Pi and Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (July 5, 2016).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Moch, P. L., International Research Conference: Innovation and Leadership in Education,, "Quick Response Codes: Creating Engaging Classroom Environments," , Kappa delta Pi and Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (July 5, 2016).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Cohen, B. S., Moch, P. L., Boschman, L., International Research Conference: Innovation and Leadership in Education, "Women as Leaders in Education: Glass Ceiling or the Sky’s the Limit," Kappa delta Pi and Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (July 5, 2016).
        • Anderson, P. (Author), Sanderson, S. L., American College of Sports Medicine, "The Affect of Sport Type on College-Aged Female Athletes," Boston, MA. (May 31, 2016).
        • Asola, E. F. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), GAPHERD Southeast District Workshop, "The ABC’s of Teaching Badminton from 4th through 12th Grade," GAPHERD Southeast District in Collaboration with Coastal Plains RESA, Valdosta State University- P.E. Complex. (May 3, 2016).
        • Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Nickel, J. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Cohen, B. S. (Presenter), Beycioglu, K. (Panelist), Kowch, E. (Panelist), Okoko, J. (Panelist), Dickey, A. (Panelist), 2016 International Research Conference: Innovation and Leadership in Education, "Innovation Seminar Series," Kappa delta Pi and Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Online. (April 25, 2016).
        • Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Masci, S. (Presenter), TIES Conference, "Quick Response Codes: Creating Engaging Classroom Environments," Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA. (February 2016).
        • Asola, E. F. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), K. M. S. (Other), Share The Wealth-GAHPERD, "Catch Them Young with Modified Track and Field Activities.," Share The Wealth-GAHPERD, Jekyll Island-GA. (January 22, 2016).
        • Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), GAHPERD, "Applying math concepts in physical education programs," GAHPERD, Marietta, GA. (October 2015).
        • Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), 50th Biennial KDP Convocation, "Having a Ball! Connecting Mathematics to Playground Activities," Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, Orlando, FL. (October 2015).
        • Asola, E. F. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), GAHPERD, "Around the World in “Birdie” Speed: Badminton Games," GAHPERD, Marietta GA. (October 27, 2015).
        • Smith, S. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Georgia’s American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "MoveMeants: Moving with meaning.," Marietta, GA. (October 25, 2015).
        • Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Graduate Symposium, Valdosta State University, "Immoral waiver: The invisible war under Title IX," Valdosta State University Graduate Office, Valdosta, GA. (April 17, 2015).
        • Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Georgia Psychological Society, "Body Image: Is it Black or White?," Georgia Psychological Society, Augusta, GA. (April 4, 2015).
        • Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Cohen, B. S. (Presenter), The International Conference on Poverty, Globalization, and Schooling: A Holistic Approach, "Hunger PANGs: Poverty, Adolescents, Nutrition, and Gangs," University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL. (February 27, 2015).
        • Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Norton, C. M. (Presenter), TIES Conference, "Teaching Online from the Heart of Country Song to the Wilderness: Making Technology Work from Anywhere!," VSU, Valdosta, GA. (February 18, 2015).
        • Waggener, G. T. (Presenter), Patton, L. (Presenter), Benton, M. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), ACSM, "In Situ “exercise is medicine”: The mall walker trial.," ACSM, Orlando, FL. (May 28, 2014).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Kelley, H. M., Georgia Psychological Society, "An Investigation of Personality Factors in Collegiate Pre-Service Teachers," Brunswick, GA. (April 5, 2014).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Students, H., Share the Wealth Physical Education Conference, "Empathy Games/Activities for ALL," Georgia’s American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Jekkyl Island, GA. (January 24, 2014).
        • Martinez, J. (Presenter), Tost, J. R., Sanderson, S. L., Wilfred, S. P., Hilgert, L. D., Share the Wealth Education Conference, Jekyll Island, Georgia., "Risk Factors, Gang Membership, and Academic Readiness—Dismantling Deficit Thinking," Share the Wealth Education Conference, Jekyll Island, GA. (January 24, 2014).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Georgia’s American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Pre-Service Professionals’ Attitudes Toward Individuals with Disabilities.," Georgia’s American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Atlanta, GA. (October 2013).
        • Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Norton, C. (Presenter), KDP 49th Biennial Convocation, "Head, Heart, and Hands: Integrating Mathematics with Physical Fitness," Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Dallas, TX. (October 25, 2013).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Benton, M. (Co-author), 41st Annual Meeting, "A comparison between young women and pre-menopausal women’s BMD," The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM), Greenville, SC. (February 16, 2013).
        • Moch, P. L. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Core Matters, "Head, Heart, and Hands: Integrating Mathematics with Physical Fitness," Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA. (November 2012).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Lupinski, K., GAHPERD, "Body Image Dissatisfaction: A Comparison of College Women at a Historically Black College and University and a Predominately White College," GAHPERD, Savanah, GA. (November 11, 2012).
        • Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Lupinski, K. (Presenter), National Convention, "College Women’s Body Image Comparing HBCU and PWI.," American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Boston, MA. (March 2012).
        • Edwards, J., Sanderson, S. L., Share the Weatlh, "iPad use in educational settings.," Valdosta State University, Jekyll Island, Ga. (January 2012).
        • Sanderson, S. L., National Convention, "Osteopenia among Young Females Aged 18-24," American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, San Diego, CA. (March 2011).
        • Cathey, M. (Other), Hagood, S. Y. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Other), Southern District American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Assessing Comfort Levels and Use of Technology in Beginning HPETE Students.," AAHPERD, Greensboro, NC. (February 17, 2011).
        • Raab, S., Sanderson, S. L., Georgia Association of Teacher Educators (GATE) and Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (GACTE) Conference, "Improving Teachers by Understanding Their Perceptions," Georgia Association of Teacher Educators (GATE) and Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (GACTE) Conference, Atlanta, GA. (2010).
        • Raab, S., Sanderson, S. L., The Second International Conference on Education Research, "Improving Teachers by Understanding Their Perceptions.," New Orleans, LA. (October 2010).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Dewar College of Education Opening Sessions, "Service to the University and College Committees," Dewar College of Education, Valdosta, GA. (August 2010).
        • Raab, S. (Presenter), Raynor, A. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), S. (Other), Share the Weatlh, "Bubble activities adn space awareness training for elementary students," Valdosta State University, Jekyll Island, Ga. (January 2010).
        • Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Anderson, P. (Presenter), American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Bone Mineral Density Health for Female Athletes and Active Females," AAHPERD, Tampa, FL. (March 2009).
        • Sanderson, S. L. (Presenter), Anderson, P. (Presenter), American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Do you remember Title IX?," AAHPERD, Tampa, FL. (March 2009).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Valdosta City Schools In-Service, "Modified Physical Activities for the physical educator, special education Para-pro’s and special education teachers," Valdosta City Schools, Valdosta, GA. (2008).
        • Anderson, P. (Presenter), Sanderson, S. L., Southern District American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, "Effects and Predictors of Bone Mineral Density in College-Aged Female Athletes.," AAHPERD, Chattanooga, TN. (2007).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Valdosta City Schools In-Service, "Integrating Physical education into the Classroom," Valdosta City Schools, Valdosta, GA. (2007).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Griffin, M. R., Movement and Health 5th International Conference, "Bone Mineral Density in Women," Olomouc, Czech Republic. (November 2007).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Lowndes County Family Wellness Day, "Community Awareness," Valdosta State University, PE Complex. (2006).
        • Sanderson, S. L., Lowndes County In-Service, "Integrating Physical education into the Classroom," Lowndes Middle School, Lowndes Middle School. (2006).

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        Awards

        Puckett—Merriman Award, Share the Wealth Physical Education Conference. (January 27, 2022)

        Leadership Academy, The Leaders Lyceum and Employee and Organizational Development. (May 9, 2017).

        Valdosta State University's 2014 Faculty Excellence in Advising Award, Valdosta State University. (August 11, 2014).

        College of Education and Human Services Award for Advising Excellence, Valdosta State University College of Education and Human Services. (May 2014).

        Research / Scholarly Activity

        • Sanderson, S.L. and Anderson, P.S. 2020. Female Athletes And Osteoporosis Risk. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (Jul. 2020), 184.
        • Marciano, D.L. and Sanderson, S.L. 2018. Booking It: Using Children’s Literature to Get Students Moving. Strategies. 31, 4 (Jul. 2018), 33-41.
        • Masci, S. and Sanderson, S.L. 2017. Perceptions of Psychological Versus Physical Abuse and Its Effects on Mental Health Outcomes. Violence and Victims. 32, 2 (Jan. 2017), 15.<...>
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        • Sanderson, S.L. and Anderson, P.S. 2020. Female Athletes And Osteoporosis Risk. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (Jul. 2020), 184.
        • Marciano, D.L. and Sanderson, S.L. 2018. Booking It: Using Children’s Literature to Get Students Moving. Strategies. 31, 4 (Jul. 2018), 33-41.
        • Masci, S. and Sanderson, S.L. 2017. Perceptions of Psychological Versus Physical Abuse and Its Effects on Mental Health Outcomes. Violence and Victims. 32, 2 (Jan. 2017), 15.
        • Asola, E.F. et al. 2016. Including Track and Field Athletic Activities into Elementary PE Curriculum – “Pedagogical Tips to catch them Young.” Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Journal. 48, 3 (Dec. 2016), 21-29.
        • Masci, S. and Sanderson, S.L. 2016. Sexual Harassment: Bridging the Gap between Genders. Inquiries Journal. 8, 11 (Nov. 2016), 9.
        • Moch, P.L. et al. 2016. Enabling Innovation: An Imperative for Meeting 21st Century Challenges in Education. 2016 International Research Conference: Innovation and Leadership in Education (Indianapolis, IN, United States, Sep. 2016), 26.
        • Sanderson, S.L. and Moch, P.L. 2016. Quick Response Codes: Creating Engaging Classroom Environments. 2016 International Research Conference: Innovation and Leadership in Education (Indianapolis, IN, United States, Sep. 2016), 5.
        • Sanderson, S.L. et al. 2016. Women as Leaders in Education: Glass Ceilings or the Sky's the Limit?. 2016 International Research Conference: Innovation and Leadership in Education (Indianapolis, IN, United States, Sep. 2016), 21.
        • Grant, M.A. and Sanderson, S.L. 2016. edTPA for Physical Education Mentor Teachers: Major Themes in edTPA. Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 48, 2 (Sep. 2016).
        • Sanderson, S.L. et al. 2016. Differences in bone mineral density between young versus midlife women. American Journal of Health Education. 47, 3 (Apr. 2016), 149-154.
        • Grant, M.A. and Sanderson, S.L. 2016. edTPA for physical education mentor teachers: An overview of edTPA. Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 48, 1 (Mar. 2016), 20-24.
        • Grant, M.A. and Sanderson, S.L. 2016. edTPA for Physical Education Mentor Teachers: An Overview of edTPA. Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1, 48 (Mar. 2016), 4.
        • Moch, P.L. and Sanderson, S.L. 2015. Physical education and math: Making a sports connection. The Game. Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
        • Moch, P.L. et al. 2015. Hunger PANGs: Poverty, adolescents, nutrition, and gangs. The international conference on poverty, globalization and schooling: A holistic approach proceedings-papers (Orlando, FL, USA, Jul. 2015), 424-440.
        • Sanderson, S.L. and Kelley, H.M. 2014. Personalities of Pre-Service Teachers and Non-Teaching Majors. No. 5, (Dec. 2014), 1-6.
        • Lupinski, K. et al. 2014. Body image dissatisfaction: A comparison of college women at an HBCU and PWC: Implications for health education programming. 1, 9 (Sep. 2014), 7-17.
        • Vargo, L. and Sanderson, S.L. 2014. Compression Stockings and Aerobic Exercise: A Meta-Analysis. Sport and Art. 2, 4 (Aug. 2014), 68-73.
        • Waggener, G.T. et al. 2014. In Situ “exercise is medicine”: The mall walker trial. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise: Supplement (Jun. 2014), S53.
        • Fletcher, L. et al. 2014. Compression Socks to Enhance Recovery in Distance Athletes. Sport and Art. 2, (Jan. 2014), 15-18.
        • Moch, P.L. and Sanderson, S.L. 2013. Head, heart, and hands: Integrating STEM curriculum with physical activity. 45, 2 (Sep. 2013), 16-19.
        • Sanderson, S.L. et al. 2013. Is Big Really Beautiful? Understanding Body Image Perceptions of African Americans Females. 44, 5 (Jul. 2013), 496-507.
        • Sanderson, S.L. et al. 2013. Strategies for Maintaining Appropriate Behavior in Inclusive Physical Education Settings. Strategies. 26, 1 (Jan. 2013), 20-25.
        • Sanderson, S.L. et al. 2012. BMI and EAT-26, predictors for low BMD. 2, 1 (Jul. 2012), 1-5.
        • Lupinski, K. et al. 2012. Ethnic differences in body image: Comparing African American and Caucasian college women. Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Journal. 45, 2 (Jun. 2012), 5-11.
        • Lupinski, K. et al. 2012. Ethnic differences in body image: Comparing African American and Caucasian college women. 45, 2 (Apr. 2012), 5-11.
        • Sanderson, S.L. et al. 2011. Female athletes BMI and predictors of low BMD. 22, 1 (2011), 85-108.
        • Sanderson, S.L. 2011. Bird at the Buzzer. Women’s Sports and Physical Activity Journal.
        • Benton, M. et al. 2011. Comparison of body composition measurement with whole body multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance and air displacement plethysmography in healthy middle-aged women. 32, (Jul. 2011), 1068-1078.

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