Faculty research interests are focused on biopsychosocial determinants of exercise and health, determinants of obesity-related behaviors in at-risk populations, gratitude in natural science education, and health disparities in diet and physical activity behavior.
Current Faculty Projects
A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Student-Athletes’ Experiences on an Academically Elite College Campus
Perkins-Ball A
This study explores the experiences of student-athletes’ college experiences, with a particular focus on athletic identity, campus involvement, and the academic stigma of being a student-athlete in a highly selective university. This two-part study consists of an internet-based survey, followed by focus group interviews. The aims of this study are: 1) to explore the level of athletic identity and perceived academic capability among college student-athletes, 2) to understand perceptions of campus climate its influences on student-athletes’ behaviors, and 3) to generate preliminary data used to design and pilot a program to address the needs of student-athletes on elite college campuses.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Stress Disparities among College Students
Diep C*, Kabiri L,* Perkins H, Perkins-Ball A, Rodriguez A
* Denotes co-PI
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Stress Disparities among College Students is a descriptive study of nutrition, PA, and stress among college students between the ages of 18-25 who attend a college in the greater Houston area. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nutrition, PA, and stress among college students in the greater Houston area. It explores disparities by living situation, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors. We hypothesize that the COVID-19 pandemic will have an adverse impact on nutrition, PA, and stress and that there will be disparities among college students, including poorer nutrition, decreased PA, and higher stress among racial/ethnic and low-income students. (Phase 1 of data collection complete, currently analyzing, prepping for dissemination, and planning for Phase 2)
Future Faculty Projects
Future projects TBD...