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PAW Lab People

Laboratory Director

Samantha Ehrlich, PhD

Associate Professor
Physical Activity Epidemiology
HPER 330
865-974-4663
sehrlic1@utk.edu


Current Students

Jordan Lewis, MPH

Jordan Lewis is a PhD student in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, specializing in Physical Activity Epidemiology. Jordan completed her MPH in Epidemiology and BSPH in Public Health at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Her long-term career goal is to become an expert in the measurement of complementary health behaviors, specifically physical activity and dietary intake, and how these behaviors jointly impact metabolic health. Jordan has published research in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health and Preventive Medicine. She currently serves as a Research Associate for the Time to Move Randomized Crossover Trial. Jordan enjoys going for walks with her husband, Hayden, and dog, Bennie.


Sara Yousefi, MS

Sara Yousefi is a PhD student in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, specializing in Physical Activity Epidemiology. She earned her master’s of science in Kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass), where her research focused on human-animal interaction influences on physical activity. Sara explored the role of dog ownership and dog walking in enhancing physical activity levels and improving mental health among older adults. During her time at UMass, Sara served as a Teaching Assistant for various courses, including Introduction to Kinesiology, Human Performance, and Nutrition. She is currently a Research Assistant for the Time to Move Randomized Crossover Trial. Sara enjoys exploring new recipes in the kitchen and finds peace in outdoor swimming.


Mikayla Greene 

Mikayla Greene earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Georgia, where she discovered her passion for using exercise to support individuals during important life stages. This led her to pursue avenues focused on the intersection of exercise and women’s health, particularly maternal health, and maternal mental health. Mikayla is pursuing her master’s degree in Exercise Physiology under Dr. Lyndsey Hornbuckle-Lampkin in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a Research Assistant for the Time to Move Randomized Crossover Trial. Mikayla enjoys volunteering in community spaces, staying active through exercise, and spending quality time with her two dogs.


Former Student

Bethany (Rand) Hallenbeck, PhD

Bethany (Rand) Hallenbeck, PhD, former student and current collaborator on the Time to Move Randomized Crossover Trial, is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research.


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