Overview
My research is focused on developing evidence-based physical activity interventions for older adults with an eye to preserving functional independence and quality of life. I am particularly interested in developing exercise programs to promote physical and psychological well-being among older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Medicine
·
2021 - Present
Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care,
Medicine
Senior Fellow of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
·
2020 - Present
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
"One Size Doesn't Fit All": Design Considerations for an Exercise Program to Improve Physical Function in Older Veterans with Serious Mental Illness.
Journal Article Int J Environ Res Public Health · January 29, 2025 Older adults with serious mental illness (SMI) (i.e., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder) have compromised physical function that adversely affects their quality of life. Exercise is an effective intervention to improve function in o ... Full text Link to item CitePerceived Barriers and Benefits of Exercise Among Women Survivors of Sexual Violence by Physical Activity Level and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Status.
Journal Article Violence Against Women · November 2024 An online, cross-sectional survey of women survivors of sexual violence (SV; N = 355) gathered information on perceived barriers and benefits of exercise, along with exercise level and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study reports exerc ... Full text Link to item CiteSex-specific associations between self-reported physical activity and PTSD among survivors of sexual violence.
Journal Article J Behav Med · April 2024 This study examined sex-specific associations between sexual violence (SV) type and physical activity, and identified associations between PTSD symptoms and physical activity, all among cisgender men and women survivors of SV. Cross-sectional data from men ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Patterns of Biological, Cognitive, and Physical Aging in Cancer Survivors and Controls and the Role of Sleep Health: Relevance for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by University of California - Los Angeles · 2023 - 2028Duke CTSA (TL1) Year 5
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2024Physical Resiliencies: Indicators and Mechanisms in the Elderly Collaborative (PRIME Collaborative)
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2017 - 2024View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign ·
2008
Ph.D.