Current Research

Research Interests

• Parks and greenspace for physical and mental health
• Park Prescriptions and NatureRx
• Physical activity and built environment
• Community engagement for healthy places

Walking in Nature (WIN) for Cancer Survivors

This program is a 12-week outdoor exercise program for cancer survivors living in and around Manhattan, Kansas. The goal is to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life by making physical activity more accessible and enjoyable. More information for those interested in participating in the study (pdf).

Physical Activity to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk in Adults with Serious Mental Illness (PARCS) Study: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The PARCS Study is a NIH funded randomized clinical trial testing an evidence-based park physical activity (PA) intervention incorporating certified peer specialists (CPSs) leading adults with serious mental illness (SMI) in outdoor PA. Adapted from previous exercise protocols, and grounded in Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) the PARCS Study tests a 12-week park-based PA intervention (60 min CPS-led, 3 days/week) vs a waitlist (usual care) control, as part of current peer group services. The aims of this project are: 1) To test the feasibility and acceptability of the park-based PA intervention incorporating CPSs in adults with SMI, 2a) to assess the effectiveness of the intervention on SCT mechanisms of action (PA self-efficacy, goal setting, and PA social support), and 2b) to test the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on minutes of PA, and fitness in adults with SMI. The long-term goal of this project is to maximize the reach and clinical impact of evidence-based PA interventions to reduce cardiometabolic risk among SMI populations through use of existing mental health services and community parks.

College Nature and Mental Health Study

Exposure to nature and nature-based physical activity has many physical, mental, and social health benefits. These benefits may be particularly important for college students who experience various stressors and health challenges. The purpose of the College Nature and Mental Health Study is to better understand college students' exposure to nature, their health behaviors, their physical and mental health, and their access to resources.

Coping and Nature Survey (CANS)

Engaging with nature has been shown to improve physical and mental health and well-being. Many turned to nature to engage in physical activity, as a way to cope with stress and aid in emotional, psychological, and spiritual restoration during the heigh of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, access to nature is not equitably distributed, and residents of under-resourced communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Data are needed to illuminate how diverse communities are accessing nature to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we hypothesize that inequities in material and social conditions related to access to nature may contribute to inequities in the ability to cope with the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this project is to assess perceptions of the material and social opportunities, constraints, and barriers encountered when attempting to engage with nature. The survey will elicit information about actual and desired myriad uses of nature to cope with the stress resulting from COVID-19.