Our Team

Jacob Gallagher, PhD

Director, Health Intervention Research Team

Assistant Professor, Kinesiology Department

Iowa State University

Dr. Jacob Gallagher is an Assistant Professor in the Kinesiology Department at Iowa State University. He received his B.S. in exercise physiology and psychology (double major) from the College of St. Scholastica (Duluth, MN) and M.S. in exercise physiology from Minnesota State University (Mankato, MN). He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in Health and Human Physiology. During his doctoral training, he worked in the Behavioral Medicine Lab (advisor: Dr. Lucas Carr), where he worked to design and evaluate a physical activity intervention for rural men. He also worked on research projects related to occupational physical activity and student health coaching. As a postdoctoral research scholar, he expanded his interest to focus on family health as well. He is particularly interested in using health interventions to address health holistically primarily by targeting physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep, but also through improving mental health, diet, and social health.

graduate Students

Kyuri Hong

I’m a second-year Ph.D. student in Department of Kinesiology and Health in Iowa State University. During my undergraduate studies, I majored in Sport Science with a strong interest in sport management and industry, and I gained research experience examining the role of AI in the sports industry. I then pursued a master’s degree in physical education, where I obtained a certified secondary school teaching license in physical education. My primary research area has been physical activity and measurement, with a focus on 24-hour daily activity analysis and validation studies using accelerometers and smart devices. I aim to develop and evaluate evidence-based interventions that promote healthier movement behaviors and reduce health disparities. My long-term goal is to apply my experience in physical education and research to support sustainable health and well-being.

Researchgate Link:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kyu-Ri-Hong/research

Alaina Elliott-Wherry

I am a second-year doctoral student in Kinesiology and Health. I received my B.S. in psychology and sociology (double major) with a minor in gender studies from Mount Mercy University (Cedar Rapids, IA) and MPH with an emphasis in community and behavioral health from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. During my master's, I focused on community-engaged research (CEnR) and projects with children and youth with special health care needs, local health departments, and community-based organizations. My role prior to this involved evaluating evidence-based practices and supporting behavioral health care providers across the state who work with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). My research interests are rooted in using CEnR, mixed methods, and multilevel interventions to address health disparities and promote physical activity amongst individuals living with SMI in Iowa.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaina-elliott

Google Scholar account: https://tinyurl.com/AElliott-Wherry-Google-Scholar

Email: anew@iastate.edu

Miah Busse

I am a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Iowa State. I received my B.S. in Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences from Winona State University (Winona, MN) and my M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University Mankato (Mankato, MN). During my undergraduate and master’s programs, I spent a lot of time participating in small-scale research that involved many different types of exercise testing. My interests include researching and implementing physical activity and health programming and interventions among the general population, specifically in youth and adolescents. My long-term goal is to teach at a university while also implementing health intervention programs in the community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miah-busse-75247b374/

Email: mbusse@iastate.edu

UNdergraduate Students

Jenna Rogers

I am a senior at Iowa State University, studying Kinesiology, focusing on pre-physical therapy. I am originally from West Des Moines and aspire to become a travel physical therapist, combining my passion for health and wellness with the opportunity to explore new places. In my free time, I enjoy working out and reading. I’m excited to work with others on research projects and contribute to the field of physical therapy!

Lucy Younk

I am a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Kinesiology on the pre-physical therapy track. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with the goal of working in a facility specializing in neurological injury recovery. In addition to Dr. Gallagher’s Health Intervention Research Team I also collaborate with Dr. Welk on the Walk With Ease Program, gaining valuable experience in both clinical and community-based research. Outside of academics, I enjoy running, strength training, and traveling.

Paige Kerr

I am a junior undergraduate student currently studying biology on a pre-med track at Iowa State University. I am interested in contributing to improving our healthcare system, uplifting women, and helping to harbor a comfortable and safe learning environment wherever I am. After graduating from Iowa State University, I plan on attending medical school and explore my interest in Emergency Medicine and trauma services.

Paige Kerr

I am a pre-medical student who just graduated from Iowa State University this May with a B.S. in psychology and minors in genetics and biology on the pre-med track. I am currently taking a gap year before applying to medical school in the upcoming application cycle, with the aspirations of becoming an OBGYN. After writing a research paper on women's health in high school, I became very passionate about the need for and importance of good women's healthcare and have become fascinated by reproductive health. As such, I joined Dr. Gallagher’s Health Intervention Research Team to explore the opportunities and challenges in perinatal care. I am also currently pursuing an EMT certification and working with teens and young adults with special healthcare needs at Child Serve.

Jordan Dewes

I am a junior at Iowa State University studying Kinesiology and Health on a pre-physical therapy track. After graduation, I am pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with the end goal of working in a clinical setting with a variety of different patients. In addition to Dr. Gallagher’s Health Intervention Research Team, I am a peer mentor for the Kinesiology department and involved in the Pre-Health Club, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, and Letters of Love.

Jandiel Flores

I am a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Kinesiology on the Pre-PA track. After graduation, I plan to attend PA school. Outside of academics, I serve as the President of Lambda Theta Phi and I am also involved in other clubs and Latino student organizations. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting, going to the gym, watching sports, spending time with friends and family, and staying involved on campus.

Alex Helmke

I am a freshman at Iowa State majoring in Athletic Training in the 3+2 program. In pursuit of working with a collegiate or professional team. I am also a member of the ISU weightlifting and ISU rugby club.

Kaylin Dains

I am a sophomore studying Community and Regional Planning with minors in Geographic Information Systems and Political Science. I hope to someday be either a city or transportation planner somewhere in the Midwest. I am part of this team as part of the First Years Honors Mentor Program through the honors program. This research is interesting to me because I like to see the differences in lifestyles of people dependent on their location. Outside of school, I like crocheting, sewing and bouldering.