Lab Manager

Deborah Brunke-Reese is the Research Project Manager in the Motivation Lab.  She earned her B.S. in Biology and Chemistry at Illinois State University, continued graduate studies in Immunology at the University of Illinois and is currently enrolled in Penn State’s Graduate Certificate Program in Project Management.  Her professional experience has been as a molecular biologist/cellular immunologist in academic research as well as pharmaceutical research in support of FDA Clinical Trials at a biotechnology company.  More recently, she was employed as a clinical research coordinator at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking, volunteering in the community and spending time with her family.

Post-Doctoral Fellows

Jenna Gilchrist, Ph.D. conducts research on the regulatory function of emotions, specifically self-conscious emotions, in sport and exercise contexts. Jenna also examines health behaviors among breast cancer survivors as well as the behavioral and psychosocial factors related to skin cancer prevention. She earned her PhD in 2018 from the University of Toronto (advisor: Dr. Catherine Sabiston). Her dissertation examined the role of pride in regulating sport and exercise behavior. Dr. Gilchrist plans to seek a tenure-track faculty position in the United States or Canada.
The Department of Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Development, at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar with interest in psychology, physical activity, health disparities, and cancer prevention and control. The fellow will join a research team with active NIH- and NSF-funded projects developing mobile technology to promote physical activity for cancer prevention and evaluating the use of evidence-based interventions to promote physical activity for cancer survivorship, with a focus on rural populations. The research conducted includes community- and population-based studies, with extensive cross-sectional and longitudinal data. Biospecimen and qualitative data are also available for subsets of these studies. The scholar will gain experience, knowledge and skills in developing and implementing physical activity interventions and will have opportunities to lead and/or co-author publications. S/he will perform population health research activities, including developing and implementing research protocols, designing and conducting studies, performing advanced data analyses, preparing manuscripts and grant proposals, and presenting results at scientific meetings. Opportunities to develop ancillary studies within larger ongoing studies are available. Qualifications include a doctoral degree in kinesiology or exercise science, psychology, public health, behavioral science, population health, epidemiology, biostatistics or a closely related field. Strong analytic skills and a proven record of scholarly achievement are essential. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. To apply and be considered for the position, candidates must complete an online application and upload a cover letter, CV, a statement of research interests and career goals, and three professional references. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. David E. Conroy (conroy@psu.edu) and Dr. Scherezade K. Mama (skmama@psu.edu).
Apply at psu.jobs/job/84642.

Graduate Research Assistants

Ashley B. Sanders received her BS and MS in Exercise Science from Colorado State University, where she studied low-dose interventions targeting physical activity maintenance in pre-diabetics. She is now in her second year of the Kinesiology doctoral program and in her second year with the Motivation Lab. Ashley recently received a two year fellowship through NIDA which allows her to research the relationship between physical activity and substance use in single vs polysubstance using college students. In her free time she hikes, trains for half marathons and enjoys cheering on the Nittany Lions football team.
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.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Kelsey Bittel is majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2020. Kelsey joined the Motivation lab in Fall 2018. “I joined the lab to learn more about Exercise Psychology and the lab work that goes behind all the research. During my free time at PSU, I am one of the coaches for the Penn State Club Swim Team and am also a member of the Kinesiology club.” After graduation, Kelsey intends to go to graduate school to get her masters in either Exercise Psychology or Sport Psychologist.
Marissa Chiauzzi is majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Psychology with an anticipated graduation date of May 2019.  Marissa joined the Motivation lab in Fall 2018. She joined this lab because she is interested in what motivates people to engage in physical activity and how this affects their lifestyle. During her free time at Penn State, she enjoys hanging out with her friends at Marvel Club, working out, and attending sporting events, especially football. She also loves to watch movies, read, and is a huge New York Giants fan. After graduation, Marissa plans to take a year off and volunteer in a Physical Therapy clinic and later attend a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.
Abby Faust is majoring in Biomedical Engineering with an anticipated graduation date of spring 2021. Abby first joined the Motivation Lab in January 2018 through the Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) program. During the application process, the research of the Motivation Lab caught her eye because its intervention-based work focuses directly on helping people improve their health. After graduation, Abby hopes to attend medical school and become a pediatrician or a plastic surgeon. On campus, she in involved with the community service organization ServeState. Through this organization, she volunteers around the State College community. In her free time, she enjoys re-watching Game of Thrones, reading, and drinking lots of coffee.
Erin Holt is majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology.  Her anticipated graduation date is May 2019.  Erin started in the Motivation lab in 2016.  She joined the research team to combine her two studies of interest with her passion of physical activity. As a Fitness Instructor at Penn State, helping people to get motivated to exercise one of her main interests. In addition to teaching classes, Erin is involved as a Penn State THON Captain and a member of the Schreyer Honors College. She enjoys the incredible amount of opportunities that Penn State has to offer. After graduation, Erin hopes to attend a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program and pursue a career in PT and research in the future.
Elena Montenegro is majoring in Kinesiology with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021. Elena joined the Motivation Lab in Spring 2017 through the WISER/MURE/FURP program and, in November, will present some research of her own at the WISER/MURE/FURP Undergraduate Research Symposium. In her free time, she plays on the Club Field Hockey team, attempts new recipes, and cheers on the Penn State football team. After graduation, Elena hopes to go into pediatric occupational therapy.
Jordan Napkora is majoring in Kinesiology with an anticipated graduation date of May 2019. Jordan joined the motivation lab in August 2018. She joined the lab because she wanted to learn more about what motivates people to live (or not live) a healthy lifestyle. In her free-time she enjoys weight lifting, cheering on Penn state football, watching horror films, and trying new foods. She is also involved in the Pre- Physical therapy club and Kinesiology club. After graduation, Jordan hopes to attend a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program where she can pursue her dream career of becoming a physical therapist.
Morgan Rader is majoring in Kinesiology with an anticipated graduation date of May 2020. Morgan joined the Motivation lab in August of 2018. I joined the Motivation lab because I have a strong passion for living a healthy lifestyle and am very interested in finding out why people are motivated (or not motivated) to lead an active life. At Penn State, I enjoy working out and taking fitness classes on campus. I also enjoy going to sporting events with my friends and supporting Penn States athletics. After graduation, Morgan intends to go onto nursing school and eventually practice as a nurse anesthetist.
Allysa Tome is majoring in Kinesiology - Movement Science Option with an anticipated graduation date of May 2020. Allyssa joined the Motivation Lab in August 2018. She joined this lab because she enjoys living a healthy and active lifestyle. She in interested in studying what motivates someone to be physically active. Allyssa works as a Facility Attendant at the gyms aronud campus, is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, and loves to attend F45 classes as part of her daily workout. She also enjoys going to the football games on the weekends to support the Nittany Lions. After graduation, Allyssa hopes to attend a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program and pursue a career in physical therapy.
Caitlan Surgeon is majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology option with an anticipated minor in Health Policy and Administration. She anticipates graduating in May 2020. Caitlan joined the motivation lab in Spring 2017 though the WISER/MURE/FURP program. She is a member of Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and Students of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Marvel club). She is also a Resident Assistance and works as a Crew leader in the dining commons. She enjoys reading, dancing, playing video games and talking to her family. She adores animals and has a dog named Nala. After graduation, Caitlan intends to continue on to Medical School to get her M.D. She aspires to become an Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

K Awardees (Mentoring Team)

Penn State Partners

External Partners

Recent Lab Alumni