Dr. Natalie Keirns
<b>Department: </b>Nutrition and Health Science<br><b>Research Area: </b>Preventing chronic disease and promoting health for all by understanding relationships between physical health, healthy behaviors, and psychological and social factors.
Department: Nutrition and Health Science
Research Focus: Preventing chronic disease and promoting health for all by understanding relationships between physical health, healthy behaviors, and psychological and social factors.
Potential Student Project(s):
Student projects will focus on intersections between physical health and psychological or behavioral factors. For example, projects may explore how experiencing stress increases our risk for chronic diseases through risk factors such as blood pressure and inflammation. Much of our work includes topics related to weight and health - for example, weight stigma, eating behaviors, body image, physical activity, and/or weight management. Tasks may include recruiting participants, working with participants at study visits, working with biological samples, organizing and analyzing data, creating research posters, and/or presenting research findings.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate:
Self-motivated, organized, strong work ethic, a curious mind, a passion for health education, attention to detail, works well independently and as part of a team.
Mentoring Plan:
You will work with myself and other students to learn and assist with research activities. The mentorship structure will include one-on-one meetings with myself and group lab meetings with our team of undergraduate and graduate students. Training activities will focus on the development of hands-on research skills as well as skills that translate beyond the lab, such as critical thinking, interpreting research findings and evaluating evidence, public speaking, and professional development. A commitment of 5 hours/week is required and weekly one-on-one meetings may take place in person or via Zoom.
Contact: 765-285-5956, HB 531