Publications

Publication in Press:
Zosel, K., Monroe, C., Hunt, E., Laflamme, C., Brazendale, K., Weaver, R.G. (in press). Examining Adolescents’ Obesogenic Behaviors on Structured Days: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Obesity.
I co-authored a publication about the validity of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to measure indoor stair walking. RFID and Bluetooth sensors (accelerometers with the proximity function) were placed at landings across three floors within a stairwell. Participants (n = 29) were randomized to stair walking or sedentary control and concomitantly wore RFID tags at the hip, chest and neck. An accelerometer worn at the hip captured criterion physical activity data. Percent agreement for floor detection between the Bluetooth and RFID readers (38.6%) was consistent with known limitations of Bluetooth proximity sensing. It is concluded that, during self-paced stair walking in young adults, RFID devices provide valid data on participant movement and estimated energy expenditure. The article can be found here.
I am a co-author on the publication, Psychological Aspects of Stair Use: A Systematic Review. I was responsible for collecting, reviewing, and synthesizing over 800 peer-reviewed journals for this study. This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) method to identify and summarize the psychological aspects of stair use. Outcomes of interest included psychological outcomes related to objective measures of stair use, such as perceived difficulty walking stairs, and subjective of stair use measures such as perceived difficulty walking stairs. Please view the full article here. 

Presentation

Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities Symposium
 
At the 2019 CURO Symposium I had the opportunity to present my research about the psychological aspects of self-reported stair use. This presentation focused on the effects of training programs, general symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with stair walking, and the fear of falling and perceived difficulty walking stairs. I primarily focused my research on older adults and those with chronic leg pain. I had the opportunity to strengthen my presentation and public speaking skills through this experience.

Other Projects

PAL Program Involvement 
 
The PAL program is an academic and physical activity enrichment program for elementary school students in Athens, Georgia. The program lasted five years and was implemented in two elementary schools. I had the opportunity to lead observations every week. I also conducted the grant evaluation for this program. By analyzing five years worth of data, I gained valuable experience in process evaluation and data analysis.
Personal Research Project
I also have expanded my research experience into the areas of reproductive and women’s health through independent projects.  I used Georgia specific  data to analyze the relationship between the initiation of long acting reversible contraceptives (intrauterine devices and subdermal arm implants) and sexually transmitted infections. I also interested in how race and gender plays a role in dual-method use.