Kristina Neely, Ph.D. – Director
Kristina A. Neely, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Director of the Brain and Behavior Lab. Her expertise is in human neuroscience, with a focus on how the brain controls movement in adults. She is especially interested in motor tasks that involve a cognitive component, and tasks that are associated with specific brain regions.
Research Focus: Dr. Neely is interested in using motor output to index and evaluate cognitive and mental health in adults. She uses an interdisciplinary and translational approach to discover how movement, cognition, and mental health intersect.
KATHRYN RIIS, PH.D. STUDENT
Kathryn Riis is a doctoral student with a background in Exercise Science (B.S) and Biomechanics (M.S.) from Auburn University. Her research focuses on understanding and enhancing the physical and mental health of clinical populations, particularly those with autism, through the promotion of physical activity. Outside of the lab, she serves as the co-chair of the Kinesiology Student Academic Advisory Committee and is a senator for the Graduate Student Council at Auburn University.
JANKI PATEL, PH.D. STUDENT
Janki Patel is a doctoral student with a background in in Exercise and Sport Science (B.S.) and Athletic Training (M.S.). She worked as an athletic trainer for two years, where she gained valuable practical experience. Her research interests include sport psychology and mental health in athletic contexts. She has a special interest in kinesiophobia and burnout in athletic trainers.
CONNOR CANTRELL, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOW
Connor joined the lab in fall 2022. He is an undergraduate research fellow leading a project examining the whole-body postural control during a cognitive task (i.e., a dual-task paradigm). He is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Business. He plans to attend medical school after graduation.
CAMPBELL FARR, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Campbell joined the lab in fall 2022. He is interested in how posture may impact working memory. He is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and plans to attend medical school after graduation.
JACK GADDY, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Jack joined the lab in fall 2022. Jack is interested in the interaction between cognition and action and has been instrumental in our lab outreach and community engagement efforts. He is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Psychology. He plans to attend medical school after graduation.
OLIVIA HOLLINGSWORTH, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Olivia joined the lab in 2023. She is interested in motor control, and how yoga interventions may improve mental health. She is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and plans to attend medical school after graduation.
MADDY CRISSEY, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Maddy joined the lab in Fall 2023 and is interested in mental health and motor control. She is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Psychology. She plans to attend medical school following graduation.
EMMA CLEVELAND, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Emma joined the lab in Spring 2024 and is interested in manual dexterity. She is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Business. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school.
COLTON BRYANT, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Colton joined the lab in Spring 2024. He is majoring in Exercise Science and plans to attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.
