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Nate S

- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of Georgia

Expertise

kinesiology, exercise psychology, cognition, physical education

Bio

Hello! My name is Nate and I am a PhD student at the University of Georgia! My expertise is in exercise and cognition, meaning I study how physical activity/exercise affect mental performance, cognitive processes, learning, and academic achievement. In particular, I investigate the influence of exercise on cognition in individuals with different developmental or intellectual disabilities. Before coming to graduate school, my background was in Health and Physical Education, so my passion has always been to help students learn and become more healthy, active people! Outside of academia, I am an avid cyclist and a super basketball fan! I enjoy hiking, camping, and other forms of outdoor rec. Music also plays a big role in my life, as I have been playing many instruments since elementary school! And finally, I enjoy playing my Nintendo Switch on long weekends!

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.

Exercise for the Mind

Have you ever taken a study break by walking outside? Do you hit the gym or go for a run to destress? Have you ever worked out before an exam to help you remember items better? In this project we would walk through some of the research on exercise and the brain (and where/how to find reliable information). Psychology is a massive field with a lot of content so we could narrow down what you're interested in. The influence of exercise on anxiety, depression, or memory, motivation, or decision making. This project would allow you to gain a more in depth understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the brain/body, as well as psychological constructs and cognitive processes. Potential outcomes of this project could be a research proposal or paper. But if you want to be more creative, there is enough information on this topic to create a podcast or informative YouTube channel! How will you exercise your mind!

Coding skills

RStudio

Teaching experience

I have mentored undergraduate students through my university laboratory as well as taught in the public school system.

Credentials

Work experience

University of Georgia (2021 - Current)
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Georgia (2023 - Current)
Graduate Research Assistant
UGA Football Performance Nutrition (2019 - 2020)
Intern

Education

University of Georgia
BS Bachelor of Science (2021)
Kinesiology
University of Georgia
MS Master of Science
Kinesiology
University of Georgia
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Kinesiology

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