Motivation Lab & Friends Dinner at SBM 2024 (Philadelphia, PA)
Research Staff
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Gabby Ryan is the Research Project Manager in the Motivation Lab. She earned her B.A. in Psychology at Bloomsburg University, and her M.A. in Experimental Psychology at Towson University. She joined the lab in 2023 to gain further experience with interventions in the context of human subject research. Her current interests include research methodology, data management, and data analysis. Outside of her career, she pursues personal goals, plays with CSA, and spends time with friends/family.
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Alyssa Cutshaw is a Human Research Technologist IV in the Motivation Lab. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in sociology from Penn State University. She joined the Motivation Lab to gain more experience in psychological research, writing papers, and application of advanced assessment techniques. She plans on using this experience to apply to clinical psychology doctoral programs in the future. Her current research interests include examining biopsychosocial influences on mental health and behavior with interest in intervention applications that can help with adverse behaviors. Outside of work, she likes to listen to crime podcasts, read books, and spend time with family/friends.
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Karen Runkle is a Human Research Technologist II in the Motivation Lab. Karen's role primarily involves research participant recruitment, engagement, and retention. She will work with lab staff to manage clinical research programming and IRB approved processes.
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Computational Scientist
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Dr. Ian Kim is a computational scientist with experience in the design and development of computational models of behavior changes and health intervention applications. His interests include dynamical systems and artificial neural networks to identify behavioral patterns in people with (or with increased risk for) chronic conditions. He received his Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine from University of Southern California; and MFA in New Media from The Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, Ian is an avid long-distance runner, a hobby he finds fulfilling and an opportunity to contribute to charitable causes.
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Post-Doctoral Scholar
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Shiyu Li is a postdoctoral scholar after receiving her Ph.D. in Translational Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in December 2023. Prior to that, she obtained her M.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her B.Ed in Kinesiology from Beijing Sport University, China. Shiyu’s research interest lies in optimizing behavioral lifestyle interventions for obesity prevention and management. Specifically, her research focus on understanding the mechanisms behind self-monitoring and how to leverage self-monitoring technologies for long-term health behavior change. Outside of work, Shiyu enjoys biking, hiking, and any outdoor activities that bring her inner peace.
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Please contact Dr. Conroy if you are interested in a postdoctoral fellowship to obtain specialized training and experience to prepare you for an independent research career.
Graduate Students
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Jingchuan (Jing) Wu is a doctoral candidate in Kinesiology who joined the lab in 2021. He earned his B.S. in Psychology at Eastern Mennonite University, and his M.A. in experimental psychology at Brandeis University. His research interest is on exploring the effects of physical activity on psychological health and wellbeing in aged populations, and strategies and technology to promote active and healthy lifestyles in middle and old age adults. In his free time, he likes to cook, travel, and play board games.
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Yingjia (Belle) Liu is a doctoral student in Kinesiology who joined the Motivation Lab in 2023. She earned her B.S. in Sports Rehabilitation at Shanghai University of Sport, and her M.S. in Physical Activity for Health at the University of Edinburgh. Her current research interest is in developing and testing intervention strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, and playing computer games.
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We have openings for new graduate students interested in pursuing an MS or PhD degree in Kinesiology. Apply at hhd.psu.edu/kines/graduate/visit-and-apply/application-and-admissions-process.
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Undergraduate Research Assistants
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Kennedy Jackson is majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Psychology with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2023. Kennedy joined the Motivation lab in January 2021. Kennedy joined the lab because she thoroughly enjoyed the KINES 321: Psychology of Movement Behavior course and wanted to continue in-depth learning on the subject, as well as learn more about the wide range of reasons and sources of motivation for engaging in physical activity. She believes this lab experience will allow her to connect content from two subject matters of interest: Kinesiology and Psychology. Outside of the lab, Kennedy is a mentor for BLUEprint, a peer mentorship organization for underrepresented students, and an Activities Coordinator for the Diversity and Inclusion Student Association in the College of Health and Human Development. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending sporting events, and listening to music. After graduation, Kennedy intends to go to medical school, with the hopes of pursuing a career in Sports Medicine or Obstetrics/Gynecology.
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Emily Carestia is a senior working towards finishing my bachelors of science in kinesiology-movement science option. She just finished her applications for physical therapy school which she will attend after graduating in the spring. She will work with Gabby on the TRY AIM trial . She currently serves as the Pre-PT club secretary and the Exercise is Medicine chair for the Kinesiology Club. She enjoys playing with her dogs when she is home, watching the Eagles play, and listening to music.
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Camryn Chaffee is a Master's in Public Health student with a concentration in Global Health with an undergraduate in Biobehavioral Health and a minor in Global Health. She will graduate with both degrees in Spring 2024. She joined the lab in Fall 2023 to gain research experience and to complete her capstone project and honor's thesis. She will apply for a fellowship position in the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and hopes to work in either a state health department or public health organization after graduation. She is also a member and coach of the Penn State Club Gymnastics team.
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Caroline Conroy is majoring in Psychology with minors in Kinesiology and Sports Studies, and intends to graduate in Spring 2024. She joined the Motivation Research Lab in August 2023 to continue learning about exercise psychology and gain research experience and skills for grad school. After graduating, Caroline hopes to continue in the lab for an additional year before pursuing a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Outside of the lab, Caroline is a member of Club Gymnastics, Volé Dance Co., and the International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi.
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Sara Cross is majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Psychology at The Pennsylvania State University with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2025. She joined the Motivation Lab in August 2023 to gain research experience and expand her knowledge following a successful semester with Dr. Conroy in his Kinesiology 321 course. After graduating, Sara intends on attending graduate school to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. In her free time, she loves to Powerlift, play & watch sports, as well as spending time outdoors.
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Kaleigh Crow is a Sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sport Studies and intends to graduate Spring 2026. She joined the Motivation Research Lab in February 2024 to learn more about exercise psychology and gain research experience skills for graduate school. Kaleigh hopes to continue working in the lab throughout her time at Penn State before pursuing a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Outside of the lab, Kaleigh serves as the secretary for the Liberal Arts Ambassadors, a member of the Jared Box Project and the Blue and White Society.
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Alexa Maiorano is majoring in Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University and intends on graduating in Spring 2024. She joined the motivation research lab in January 2022 to expand her knowledge on how to motivate people to be physically active and gain some experience with research. After graduating, Alexa plans on continuing her education and obtaining her Doctorates Degree in Physical Therapy. In her free time, she loves to watch sports, run, and spend time with friends and family.
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Ava Paxson is a senior studying Kinesiology on the Movement Science track. She intends to graduate in Spring 2024, and continue her education in the field of sports medicine. She joined the Motivation Lab to gain further insight into research and obtain skills related to medical research. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoys volunteering for THON, spending time with friends, and cheering on her Philly sports teams.
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Co-Sponsored Pre- & Post-Doctoral and Faculty Mentees at Other Labs or Sites
- Robert Booker, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral Scholar, Dept of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University (K99 HL168338)
- Brett Gordon, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral Fellow, Oncology, Nutrition & Exercise Group, The Pennsylvania State University
- Erica O'Brien, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Healthy Aging (K99 AG075259)
- Danielle Ostendorf, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (K01 HL161417; previously F32 DK122652)
- Courtney Stevens, Ph.D. - Research Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Darthmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University (K08 CA259632)
- Susan Veldheer, D.Ed. - Assistant Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University (KL2 TR002015 and UL1 TR002014)
- Former K/F-Award Mentees
- Natasha Burse, M.P.H. - Predoctoral Fellow, Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University (K99 CA253762) now at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Jonathan Hakun, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, The Pennsylvania State University (R00 AG056670)
- Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, M.D. - Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine (Section of Geriatrics), University of Chicago (K23 AG049106)
Penn State Partners
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External Partners |
Recent Lab Alumni
- Amanda Rebar, Ph.D. - Senior Lecturer, Central Queensland University (Australia)
- Jaclyn P. Maher, Ph/D. - Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Chih-Hsiang (Jason) Yang, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina
- Ian Kim, PhD - Computational Scientist, The Pennsylvania State University
- Taylor B. Turrisi, M.S. - doctoral student, The Pennsylvania State University
- Ashley West, Ph.D. - Senior Behavioral Designer, Lirio, LLC
- Emily Frith, Ph.D. - Human Factors Scientist, Exponent
- Alexandra M. Lee, Ph.D. - Manager, Clinical Research, WW, Inc.
- Jimikaye B. Courtney, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Jenny Olson, Ph.D. - Senior Methodologist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Motivation Lab Team (University Park edition), Fall 2022
