Dr. Senlin Chen is a Professor of Kinesiology at LSU, Director of the PK Lab. His research centers on curriculum interventions, health behavior promotion, and motivation and learning in physical activity settings. Dr. Chen’s PK Lab crew has conducted a series of research projects to address childhood obesity prevention interventions (ProudMe Me, ProudMe Summer) and chronic health disparities (MAP LA) with funding support from the NIH, USDA, LDH, LABoR, OLOL/LSU Foundation, SHAPE America. Dr. Chen has actively engaged students in research projects and his work has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Qiaoyin Tan, known as Joy, is a doctoral researcher in PK Lab. She has received prestigious honors including the National Scholarship for University Students and Outstanding Graduate awards. Her research focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to support obesity prevention among adolescents, with several publications in reputable journals and active participation in national and international conferences. Joy is passionate about translating technology into real-world health solutions. Fun fact: outside the lab, she teaches pop dance and yoga, blending movement and science in creative ways.
Jena is a senior studying Kinesiology here at LSU on a Pre-Physician Assistant track. She has worked in the PK Lab as an Undergraduate Researcher since August 2023, working both in the lab and out in the field. Throughout her time here at LSU, she has presented at Discover Day 2024 and 2025, educating others of the research through ProudMe and MapLA. She was selected to present her research at the Louisiana State Capitol in June 2025 for the Louisiana Undergraduate Research Association (LaURA). Jena is currently pursuing her Honors Capstone, where she is relating childhood obesity to SNAP benefits in Louisiana through ProudMe and additional research.
Pengfei Yang
Pengfei Yang is a first-year Ph.D. student in the School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Education from Wuhan Sports University in China. His research focuses on physical education teacher education (PETE) programs and the integration of AI technologies in physical education. Before joining LSU, he gained experience in basketball coaching and physical education teaching, which inspired his passion for promoting more personalized, collaborative, and engaging learning environments. Outside of research, he enjoys playing basketball, working out at the gym, and staying active outdoors.
Dongin Son
Paul Son (Dongin Son) holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Physical Education and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in the PK Lab under the supervision of Dr. Chen. Specifically, his work focuses on the social and behavioral determinants of health, with particular emphasis on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and screen time. His research aims to create meaningful insights that promote the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
Yuxin (Larry) Nie is PhD student working under Dr. Chen at PK Lab LSU. He is a former strength and conditioning coach of the Chinese rhythmic gymnastics national team. His research field includes public health behavior, physical activity and fitness, and youth health development. Yuxin hopes to apply what he learns into practice and help children establish lifelong healthy behaviors. In the process of participating in childhood obesity prevention, he hope to further put theory into practice and enhance theoretical learning in practice.