Daphne S
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of Georgia

Expertise

exercise psychology, exercise physiology, motor behavior, biomechanics, and kinesiology

Bio

As a doctorate student in exercise and sports 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 have also spent time researching exercise physiology, exploring how we produce movement and 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.

Review paper: 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.

Exercise Data Collection: Biomechanical Evaluation of a Squat

This study could evaluate different suggestions that strength and conditioning coaches use to provide feedback during squat form. We could break down primary studies to identify what the research suggests is the most effective way to perform a squat and track movement parameters using technology. This same type of study could be performed with any type of sport movement to see what makes an athlete perform at their highest level.

Physiology and Neurology Research Paper: The neurology behind movement

This project could look at the neurology behind how we move, understand how our body selects a movement to produce and 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 and Teaching Assistant position at UGA and assist in teaching undergraduate classes in kinesiology.