Biography and Expertise

Area:

  • Health Promotion
  • Exercise Science

Specialization:

  • physical activity and sedentary behavior epidemiology, pregnancy and postpartum, cardiometabolic health, behavioral interventions, health disparities

My research examines the social and behavioral determinants of physical activity, healthy eating, and obesity. I also study the effects of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles on cardiometabolic risk factors. Overarching themes across my research are maternal-child health and health disparities, and much of my work has been with racially diverse pregnant women. My work to date has focused on building an evidence base to inform the development of interventions that promote physical activity, healthy eating, and weight control to optimize cardiometabolic health, particularly in traditionally understudied populations. I am especially interested in working with women during pregnancy as this is a critical time period where interventions have the potential to positively impact the health of both the mother and child.

My research examines the role of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep on cardiometabolic health. I am particularly interested in working with women during pregnancy as this is a critical time period where interventions have the potential to positively impact the health of both the mother and child.

Research:

  • Determinants Research
  • Health Outcomes Research
  • Intervention Research

Links

Health, Sport, and Human Physiology

Organizational Affiliations

Health, Sport, and Human Physiology , College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa

Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa

Education

Exercise Science, Prevention
PhD, University of Minnesota
Physical Activity
2011, MPH, University of South Carolina