{"id":26562,"date":"2026-08-10T19:29:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T19:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss-dev\/research\/physical-activity-epidemiology-laboratory\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T14:01:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T14:01:02","slug":"physical-activity-epidemiology-laboratory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/research\/physical-activity-epidemiology-laboratory\/","title":{"rendered":"Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mission of the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory is to improve the health of Americans through empirical research, increasing public awareness, and policy advocacy on issues in relation to physical activity intervention, physical activity correlates, physical health, and obesity.<br>\nThe mission will be achieved through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conducting empirical research on the effects of innovative physical activity interventions on individuals\u2019 health behaviors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessing physical activity, physical fitness, movement skills, physical activity correlates, and body composition in the laboratory and field settings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quantifying the impact of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and obesity on individuals\u2019 health&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Studying correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among various populations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examining the dynamic relationships between children\u2019s physical activity, physical activity correlates, health-related physical fitness, and obesity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establishing an innovative physical activity intervention site using active video games<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investigating the potential of active video games as a solution of promoting children\u2019s physical activity participation and physical fitness, enhancing movement skills, fostering cognitive and social development, as well as reducing childhood obesity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training highly qualified graduate students in the area of physical activity epidemiology to expand the research capacity in this area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Industry Partnership with UTK Researchers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Physical Activity Epidemiology Lab announces the sponsorship provided by Sunergon Software LLC for a pilot study conducted by John Oginni, a PhD Candidate under the supervision of Dr. Zan Gao, PhD, titled \u201cAI-Based Personalized Exercise Prescription Through Mobile Health on Physical Activity and Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Feasibility Study<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/research\/physical-activity-epidemiology-laboratory\/industry-partnership-with-utk-researchers\/\">Learn More About Our Partnerships<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Featured Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recently, Gao et al. presented a research abstract titled \u201cEffects of Personalized Exercise Prescriptions and Social Media through m-Health on Cancer Survivors\u2019 Physical Activity and Quality of Life\u201d for presentation at the 2023 ACSM annual meeting. The following are the highlights of the project:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The multi-component m-health intervention (personalized exercise prescriptions and social media) significantly increased cancer survivors\u2019 daily steps than the control condition adopting usual practice post-intervention.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The multi-component m-health intervention led to greater increases in physical health than the control condition.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The social media intervention had greater increased social support than the control condition post-intervention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The multi-component m-health intervention also had greater increased physical health than the social media intervention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<b>Purpose: <\/b>To examine the effects of a multi-component m-health intervention (wearable, apps and social media) on cancer survivors\u2019 physical activity (PA), quality of life, and PA determinants, compared to exercise prescription only, social media only, and attention control conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Methods: <\/b>A total of 126 cancer survivors (X\u0305 age = 60.37 \u00b1 7.41 years) were recruited from within the U.S. The study duration was 6-months. The participants were randomly placed into 4 groups. All participant received a Fitbit tracker and were instructed to install its companion app to monitor their daily PA. They 1) received previously established weekly personalized exercise prescriptions via emails, 2) received weekly Facebook health education and interacted with one another, 3) received both conditions 1 and 2, and 4) were part of the control condition: adopted usual care. Cancer survivors\u2019 PA daily steps, quality of life (i.e., physical health and mental health), and PA determinants (e.g., self-efficacy, social support) were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Results: <\/b>The final sample size included 123 cancer survivors. The results revealed only the multi-component condition had greater improvements in PA daily steps than the control condition post-intervention (<i>p<\/i> &lt; 0.05; 95%CI: 368 to 2,951). Similarly, those in the multi-component condition had significantly greater increased physical health than the control condition (<i>p<\/i> &lt; 0.05; 95%CI: -0.41 to -0.01) over time. In addition, the social media condition had significantly greater increased perceived social support than those from the control condition (<i>p<\/i> &lt; 0.05; 95%CI: 0.01 to 0.93). No other significant differences on other outcomes were identified.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Discussions: <\/b>The study findings suggested that the implementation of a multi-component m-health intervention had positive effects on cancer survivors\u2019 PA steps and physical health. Also, offering social media intervention has the potential to improve cancer survivors\u2019 perceived social support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4NkrAEUEYGQ?feature=oembed\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory is equipped with a variety of active video games, activity monitors and equipment including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Active Video Game systems (4 Wii Switch, 4 Xbox One Kinect, 2 LeapTV); 9 smart TVs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 VR Bike gaming station<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>InBody Body Composition Analyzer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quest 3 VR headsets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>100 Digit Walker pedometer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fitbit Activity Trackers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Actical activity monitor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portable Stadiometer,&nbsp;weight scales&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer workstations and 1 printer\/copier\/fax<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elliptical machine, treadmill, electronic bike<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ironman Segmental Body Composition Monitor,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatic Digital Blood Pressure Monitor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FITNESSGRAM testing kit &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skinfold calipers for body composition assessment&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DV Camcorders and digital cameras<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stopwatch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Micro-cassette Transcriber<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ObserveWare Software<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portable LCD Projectors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lab activities include qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, intervention development and design, evaluation of intervention outcomes and processes, and data analysis. A number of software are housed in the laboratory and used for research, teaching and service. They are installed on a network of computers to facilitate data processing and analyses. The computers are installed with SPSS, SAS, HLM, and SEM for statistical analyses, as well as Mendeley software for the management of scientific references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">People<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Laboratory Director: Zan Gao, PhD&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Co-Investigators <\/b><b><i>at<\/i><\/b><b> The University of Tennessee&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Co-investigator<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Department<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Phone\/Email<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Xiaopeng Zhao<\/td><td>Bioengineering<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jian Lu<\/td><td>Computer Science<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weizi Li<\/td><td>Computer Science<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Christopher Brett, MD<\/td><td>UTMC Cancer Institute<\/td><td><a href=\"mailto:cbrett@utmck.edu\">cbrett@utmck.edu<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ashton J. Brooks, MD<\/td><td>UTMC Cancer Institute<\/td><td><a href=\"mailto:AJBrooks@utmck.edu\">AJBrooks@utmck.edu<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory Partners&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Co-investigator<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Institution<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Email<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ping Xiang, PhD, Professor,<\/td><td>Texas A &amp; M University<\/td><td><a href=\"mailto:ping@hlkn.tamu.edu\">ping@hlkn.tamu.edu<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>David Stodden, PhD, Professor,<\/td><td>University of South Carolina<\/td><td><a href=\"mailto:stodden@mailbox.sc.edu\">stodden@mailbox.sc.edu<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Du Feng, PhD, Professor,<\/td><td>University of Nevada at Las Vegas<\/td><td><a href=\"mailto:du.feng@ttu.edu\">du.feng@ttu.edu<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Senlin Chen, Ph.D., Professor<\/td><td>Louisiana State University<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ken Lodewyk, PhD, Professor<\/td><td>Brock University, Canada<\/td><td><a href=\"mailto:klodewyk@brocku.ca\">klodewyk@brocku.ca<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Anne Blaes, MD, Professor<\/td><td>School of Medicine, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tao Zhang, PhD, Professor,<\/td><td>University of North Texas<\/td><td><a href=\"mailto:Tao.Zhang@unt.edu\">Tao.Zhang@unt.edu<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lisa Chow, PhD, Professor<\/td><td>School of Medicine, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Denis Pasco, Ph.D., Professor<\/td><td>European University of Brittany<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rui Zhang, PhD, Professor<\/td><td>School of Medicine, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities<\/td><td>612-626-8654,&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:zhan1386@umn.edu\">zhan1386@umn.edu<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Haitao Chu, PhD, Professor<\/td><td>Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weihua Guan, PhD, Associate Professor<\/td><td>Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Julian Wolfson, PhD, Associate Professor<\/td><td>Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Erjia Cui, PhD, Assistant Professor<\/td><td>Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hee Yun Lee, PhD, LCSW, Professor<\/td><td>School of Social Work, University of Alabama<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Graduate Assistants<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Research Assistant<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Year<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Employment<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>John Oginni&nbsp;<\/td><td>2022-present<\/td><td>Doctoral student<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jessh Mavoungou<\/td><td>2024-present<\/td><td>Doctoral student<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Past graduates under Dr. Gao\u2019s mentorship<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Charles Huang<\/td><td>2009-2012<\/td><td>Professor at Wayland Baptist University, TX<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>You Fu<\/td><td>2009-2011<\/td><td>\nAssociate professor at University of Nevada \u2013 Reno, NV\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jung Eun Lee<\/td><td>2013-2018<\/td><td>Professor at University of Minnesota at Duluth, Duluth, MN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zachary Pope<\/td><td>2014-2018<\/td><td>Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nan Zeng<\/td><td>2015-2018<\/td><td>Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, US<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Daniel McDonough<\/td><td>2017-2021<\/td><td>Postdoc, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wenxi Liu<\/td><td>2017-2021<\/td><td>Assistant professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Xiwen Su<\/td><td>2017-2019<\/td><td>Ph.D. student in Rehabilitation Science in Boston University<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Suryeon Ryu<\/td><td>2020-2024<\/td><td>Postdoc researcher, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wanjiang Zhou<\/td><td>2021-2023<\/td><td>Ph.D. student in University of Wisconsin<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Lab Members<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Nikolas-Acevedo-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Nikolas Acevedo\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nikolas Acevedo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-IMG_4563-2-1-296x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Zarmina Amin\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zarmina Amin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Postdoc Researcher &amp; Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Tyler-Arnold-Lab-Member-300x296-1.jpg\" alt=\"Tyler Arnold\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tyler Arnold<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Sarah-Bauernfreund-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sarah Bauernfreund\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sarah Bauernfreund<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Emma-Bradstreet-Lab-Member-290x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Emma Bradstreet\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emma Bradstreet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Baylee-Brown-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Baylee Brown\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Baylee Brown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-William-Davis-Lab-Member-294x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"William Davis\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>William Davis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Duchess-Erhardt-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Duchess Erhardt\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duchess Erhardt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Rachel-Erich-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Rachel Erich\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rachel Erich<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/madison.jpg\" alt=\"Madison Feddock\" class=\"wp-image-26596\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Madison Feddock<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/chandler.jpg\" alt=\"Chandler Godfrey\" class=\"wp-image-26598\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chandler Godfrey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Doctoral Student &amp; Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Samantha-Hopper-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Samantha Hopper\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Samantha Hopper<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Huang-Meirong-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Meirong Huang\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meirong Huang<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Emma-Jackson-1-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Emma Jackson\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emma Jackson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Kloee-Johnston-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Kloee Johnston\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kloee Johnston<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Savannah-Lee-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Savannah Lee\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Savannah Lee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Gabriel-Lillard-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Gabriel Lillard\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gabriel Lillard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Jessh-M-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jessh Mavoungou\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jessh Mavoungou<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Research Assistant &amp; Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Matthew-Miller-290x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Miller\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Matthew Miller<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Caleb-Molder-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Caleb Molder\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caleb Molder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/john.jpg\" alt=\"John Oginni\" class=\"wp-image-26599\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>John Oginni<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Research Assistant &amp; Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Lily-Panepinto-Lab-Member-277x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lily Panepinto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lily Panepinto<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Sha-Qu-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sha Qu\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sha Qu<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Visiting Scholar &amp; Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Jackson-Riggenbach-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jackson Riggenbach\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jackson Riggenbach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-favicon-300x300-1.png\" alt=\"No photo available\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Melanie Shiller<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Yu-Ting-You-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Yu-Ting You\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yu-Ting You<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/molly.jpg\" alt=\"Molly Wilson\" class=\"wp-image-26600\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Molly Wilson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-Yue-Zhao-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Yue Zhao\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yue Zhao<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Lab Member<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Group Photos<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-4 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-2026-Spring-300x191-1.jpg\" alt=\"Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory members in orange lab shirts, Spring 2026\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-group-photo-2-Fall-2025-300x176-1.jpg\" alt=\"Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory members in orange lab shirts, Fall 2025\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-group-photo-presentation-Fall-2025-300x207-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lab members listening to a research presentation around a conference table\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-2024ACSM-1-300x137-1.jpg\" alt=\"Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory members at the 2024 ACSM Annual Meeting\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Postdoctoral Researcher Hosted<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zarmina Amin, Postdoc researcher, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2025-present<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suryeon Ryu, Postdoc researcher, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2024-2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mohamed Hassan, Faculty, Helwan University, Egypt, 2021-2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunyue Ye, Post-doc at Zhejiang University (now Associate Professor and Associate Dean at Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China), Hangzhou, China; 2017-2018<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Visiting Scholars Hosted<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yue Zhao, Associate Professor at Beijing Sport University, Beijing China, 2025-2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><u>Meirong Huang<\/u>, Professor at China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China; 2024-2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sha Qu, Associate Professor at Beijing Sport University, Beijing China, 2024-2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jin Li, Associate Professor at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, China; 2022-2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hiroshi Kohno, Professor, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan, 2022-2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jianing Liu, Shanghai University of Sports, China, 2019-2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kyota Takami, Professor, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan, 2019-2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chunmei Zheng, Associate Professor at Shangdong University, Jinan, China; 2016-2017<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ying Zhang, Associate Professor at Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China; 2015-2016<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yue Zhao, Associate Professor at Beijing Sport University, Beijing China, 2024-2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Xianxiong Li, Professor at Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China; 2015-2016<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Xinhua Chen, Associate Professor at Nantong University, Nantong, China; 2014-2015<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dachao Zhang, Professor at Henan University, Kaifeng, China; 2013-2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zhoumin Liu, Associate Professor at Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, China; 2013-2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zuguo Tian, Professor at Hunan University, Jishou, China; 2012-2013<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Facility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>4.1. Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory is located within HPER building in The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Campus. Within this laboratory is specialized equipment used to conduct empirical research within the area of physical activity epidemiology and intervention. Specifically, the laboratory is equipped to examine how implementation of novel technology, such as activity video games, VR, wearables, and smartphone applications, can aid in the improvement of physical activity participation and physical\/psychosocial health outcomes among a diverse array of individuals within the general and clinical population.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-4 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-facility-1-after-4.1-150x150-1.jpg\" alt=\"Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory exergaming stations with screens and exercise equipment\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-facility-2-after-4.1-150x150-1.jpg\" alt=\"Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory exergaming stations with screens and exercise equipment\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-facility-4-after-4.1-150x150-1.jpg\" alt=\"Participant playing an active video game in the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-PAEL-facility-5-after-4.1-150x150-1.jpg\" alt=\"Participant using a virtual reality headset while riding a stationary bike\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-VR-Exercise-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Participants exercising on a treadmill and a bike, one wearing a virtual reality headset\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-VR-Exercise-Interaction-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Researcher assisting a participant cycling with a virtual reality headset in front of a large screen\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.1 Project Title: <\/b><b><i>Impact of Active Video Games on Underserved Children\u2019s Health<\/i><\/b><b>.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2008-present<br>Funding source: NICHD, RWJF, American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; Texas Tech University, University of Minnesota, University of Utah, The University of Tennessee,<br>PI: <b>Gao, Z.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.2 Project Title: Mindful Movement for Physical Activity and Wellbeing in Older Adults. 2022-present<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2014-present<br>Funding sources: The University of Tennessee, University of Minnesota<br>PI: <strong>Gao, Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.3 Project Title: Effects of technology based physical activity programs on preschoolers\u2019 health and cognitive function<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2014-present<br>Funding sources: NHLBI, The University of Tennessee, University of Minnesota<br>PI: <strong>Gao, Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.4 Project Title: Effects of e-Health (health wearables, exercise app, and social media) on Physical Activity and Health among Cancer Survivors<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2023-present<br>Funding sources: The University of Tennessee, University of Minnesota<br>PI: <strong>Gao, Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.5 Project Title: Effects of virtual reality exercise on young adults\u2019 health outcomes<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2016-present<br>Funding sources: The University of Tennessee, University of Minnesota<br>PI:<strong> Gao, Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.6. Project Title: Effects of Exergaming on College Students\u2019 Physiological and Psychosocial Outcomes<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2015-present<br>PI: <strong>Gao, Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.7. Project Title: Evaluating Health Outcomes of AI-Based Fitness Wearables and App Programs in Older Adults Living Alone with Cognitive Decline<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2026-present<br>Funding sources: ASU Roybal Center; NIA<br>PI: <strong>Gao, Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>5.8. Project Title: Effects of AI-enhanced mHealth Programs in Promoting Physical Activity and Health among Breast Cancer Survivors<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timeline: 2026-present<br>Funding sources: The University of Tennessee,&nbsp;NIH (pending)<br>PI: <strong>Gao, Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-AVG2-300x185-1.jpg\" alt=\"Participants playing active video games in the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/08\/pae-AVG1-300x225-1.jpg\" alt=\"Participants playing active video games in the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>\n<em><strong>Players are playing active video games<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Publications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-6037-0439\">ORCID<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=fp9Q-EQAAAAJ&amp;hl=en\">Google Scholar<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/?term=Gao+Zan%5BAuthor%5D&amp;cmd=DetailsSearch\">NCBI<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Graduate Students<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory is always looking for passionate, well-qualified graduate students interested in physical activity intervention via novel methodology as well as the examination of the behavioral aspects of physical activity. Specifically, the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory concentrates on the use of technology, such as active video games, health wearable, VR, and smartphone applications, to enhance the physical activity of a diverse array of populations with the objective of improving the physiology systems and psychosocial constructs most important to increased physical activity participation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prospective graduate students may apply for a Master\u2019s Degree or PhD in Kinesiology. Inquiries about open positions are best directed to Dr. Zan Gao, the director of the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory. Teaching and research assistantships are available for well-qualified students and the graduate curriculum can be adjusted to fit the goals, needs, and future career direction of the student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open Positions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/10\/2023_UT_PAEL_GA_positions.pdf\">PAEL GA positions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Undergraduate Students<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Undergraduate students interested in completing research within the field of physical activity epidemiology are advised to contact Dr. Zan Gao for information regarding research opportunities within the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory. The Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory requires undergraduate students to commit to at least one semester within the laboratory. However, longer commitments to the lab are favored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Undergraduate students brought on as an assistant within the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory will aid in ongoing research projects and are encouraged to develop their own research ideas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Directions to the Lab<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once in Knoxville, follow signs or use your GPS to navigate to The University of Tennessee. The HPER Building, which stands for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Building, is situated on the university\u2019s campus (1914 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the time of day and the day of the week, parking on a university campus can be challenging. Look for university visitor parking lots or garages. It might be helpful to check the university\u2019s website for parking information before you go. Some campuses also require parking passes, so you\u2019ll want to be aware of any such requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Walking to the Building:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve parked, use a campus map (either a physical one you\u2019ve picked up or a digital one on your phone) to navigate to the HPER Building. Room 202C is located in the east side of the building. There should be signs on campus to help guide you as well. If in doubt, don\u2019t hesitate to ask a student or staff member for directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Using Mobile Map Applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Input \u201cHPER Building, University of Tennessee, Knoxville\u201d into apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. These apps often have detailed maps of university campuses and can guide you right to the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Lost<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call us at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phone:&nbsp;<a href=\"tel:+18659743340\">865-974-7971<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">National Institutes of Health (NIH)<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nih.gov\">http:\/\/www.nih.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhlbi.org\">http:\/\/www.nhlbi.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">http:\/\/www.cdc.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robert Wood Johnson Foundation<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.rwjf.org\/\">http:\/\/www.rwjf.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Active Living Research<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.activelivingresearch.org\/\">http:\/\/www.activelivingresearch.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Institute of Medicine<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.iom.edu\/\">http:\/\/www.iom.edu\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ncppa.org\/\">http:\/\/www.ncppa.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President\u2019s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.fitness.gov\/\">http:\/\/www.fitness.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safe Routes: National Center for Safe Routes to School<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.saferoutesinfo.org\/\">http:\/\/www.saferoutesinfo.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n<strong>Zan Gao, PhD<\/strong><br>\nDepartment of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies<br>\nUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville<br>\n328 HPER Building, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue<br>\nKnoxville, TN 37996-2700<br>\nPhone:&nbsp;<a href=\"tel:+18659743340\">865-974-7971<\/a>&nbsp;\u2022&nbsp;Fax:&nbsp;<a href=\"tel:+18659748981\">865-974-8981<\/a><br>\nEmail:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:zan@utk.edu\">zan@utk.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The mission of the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory is to improve the health of Americans through empirical research, increasing public awareness, and policy advocacy on issues in relation to physical activity intervention, physical activity correlates, physical health, and obesity. 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