I am a health promotion and behavioral scientist and director of the Lifestyle Lab at the OSUCCC – James. I study how lifestyle behaviors influence cancer-related health outcomes to develop innovative lifestyle interventions to prevent disease, improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

The work at the Lifestyle Lab is motivated by the fact that at least 18% of all cancers and about 16% of cancer deaths in the US are related to excess body weight, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and alcohol consumption. To advance the science, I leverage mobile health (mHealth) technologies to examine the complex relationships between real-world environments and health behaviors and their impact on health outcomes. mHealth technologies refer to the use of mobile devices and wireless technology to collect data on behaviors and symptoms and to deliver care. In research, information is monitored and shared via mobile technology — such as wearables, health-tracking apps and text messaging.

I combine quantitative, qualitative, and design methods to advance science. I use mHealth technologies such as fitness trackers and health apps to improve our understanding of lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and sedentary behavior where people live, work, play, and age. For example, fitness trackers allow us to passively sense and understand how individuals behave (physical activity, sleep, etc.) and react (heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc.) in real-world environments. I also use ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) to collect information that may not be possible through passive sensing alone; for example, EMA can be used to understand fatigue patterns throughout an individual’s day. Lastly, my work integrates design and qualitative methodologies to identify empathic solutions to real-world problems.

The Lifestyle Lab strives to conduct transdisciplinary research that leads to a meaningful societal impact. The Lifestyle Lab is a venue for undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, healthcare providers, scientists and others to collaborate on behavioral science, mHealth and lifestyle research. I welcome volunteers who share the lab’s mission and are passionate about developing innovative methods through design, technology, and science to empower individuals to live healthier within their means.

I authored or co-authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Psycho-Oncology, Journal of Clinical of Oncology and Pediatric Physical Therapy. I am also a member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine.