Kristina Neely

Kristina Neely

  • Associate Professor
  • Director, Brain and Behavior Laboratory
  • Exercise Science
  • Exercise, Performance Health and Optimization
  • Kinesiology
kaneely@auburn.edu
171 Kinesiology Building
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Brain and Behavior Lab

Dr. Kristina Neely is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University and serves as Director of the Brain and Behavior Lab. Her research focuses on the neural control of movement in adults, with a particular interest in how cognitive functions—such as inhibitory control and working memory—influence motor behavior. Dr. Neely teaches courses in neuromotor control, neuroanatomy, and research methods.

Education

  • NIH NRSA Postdoctoral FellowUniversity of Florida2012-2013

  • Postdoctoral Research AssociateUniversity of Florida2011-2012

  • Postdoctoral Research AssociateUniversity of Illinois Chicago2010-2011

  • Ph.D., KinesiologyThe University of Western Ontario2006-2010

  • M.S., KinesiologyIndiana University Bloomington2003-2005

  • B.S., Health and WellnessUniversity of Minnesota, Twin Cities1996-2000

Professional Experience

Dr. Kristina Neely earned a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario in 2010, where her graduate research examined how the brain uses visual information to plan and control reaching movements. She completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Illinois-Chicago and the University of Florida, focusing on the neural control of force production, neuroimaging techniques, and movement disorders. From 2013 to 2018, Dr. Neely served on the faculty at Pennsylvania State University, where she established a research program investigating motor control in young adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since joining Auburn University in 2018, her work has continued to explore how cognition, emotion, and mental health influence movement behavior.

Research

  • Investigating how cognitive and emotional processes—such as working memory, inhibitory control, and emotional regulation—influence motor control and movement patterns in adults.

  • Exploring the impact of mental health variables - such as anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation - on movement quality, coordination, and performance.

  • Examining the neurocognitive effects of mind-body exercises like yoga, including changes in cognition and mental health.

Outreach

  • Serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Auburn-Opelika Parkinson's Disease Support Group

  • Serves as the Secretary-Treasurer for the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity