Daphne S
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of Georgia

Expertise

kinesiology, exercise psychology, exercise cognition, exercise physiology, motor behavior

Bio

As a doctorate student in exercise and sport psychology, I am fascinated by the interplay of physical activity and cognition - whether that be in the classroom or on the field. Some of my favorite research projects have involved measuring how we can use physical activity to enhance our creativity, movement, memory, and executive function. I currently attend The University of Georgia where I work in the Cognition and Skill Acquisition Lab. During my Masters, I conducted research in Auburn University's Brain and Behavior Lab where we study the impact of neurological and psychological disorders on an individual's voluntary movement. I love learning and helping others pursue their passions, and I would be thrilled to walk alongside a like-minded student as a mentor. Please feel free to reach out and ask questions about my expertise, qualifications, or anything else that might help you decide which mentor would be the best fit for you.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Green Exercise and Stress

This study could evaluate how one's level of physical activity - both in an indoor setting and an outdoor setting - impacts them psychologically. Research trends suggest that one's engagement in outdoor physical activity provides more cognitive and psychological benefits than indoor physcial activity. Exploring "green exercise," green space, and one's access to these settings might inform campaigns regarding what type of exercise they should promote most heavily.

Movement and Memory

This study could evaluate the influence one's physical activity levels may have on their educational outcomes (either over a period of time or in a single testing scenario), and explore potential correlations between cognition and movement. Possible measurement tools could include the IPAQ, cognitive tests, and school transcripts.

The neurology behind movement

This project could look at the neurology behind how we move to identify how our psychological motivations to move are enacted through physiological processes.

Coding skills

SPSS, R

Teaching experience

During my Master's program, I worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and a middle and high school PE teacher. I currently hold a Research Assistant position at UGA and assist in teaching undergraduate classes in kinesiology.