Meet Our Research Team
Our team consists of dedicated professionals who are driven to make a significant impact in the field of behavioral interventions. We are united by our shared vision of promoting positive behavioral changes and improving people's well-being. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to contribute to the advancement of motivational research and the development of effective interventions that inspire positive transformations.
David E. Conroy, Ph.D., FACSM, FSBM
Bickner Chair of Kinesiology
Program Chair, Applied Exercise Science
Director, Motivation Lab
Director, Roybal Center for Promoting Adherence to Behavior Change and Enhancing Cognitive Function
Dr. Conroy is a Professor and the Bickner Chair of Kinesiology, the Program Chair for Applied Exercise Science, and the Director of the Motivation Lab and Roybal Center for Promoting Adherence to Behavior Change and Enhancing Cognitive Function at the University of Michigan. He is also an Emeritus Professor at The Pennsylvania State University. In 2014-2015, he worked at Northwestern University as a Professor of Preventive Medicine and Deputy Director for the Division of Behavioral Medicine and the Center for Behavior and Health (Institute for Public Health & Medicine). He is a Past President (2021-2022) of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Post-Doctoral Scholars
Shiyu Li, Ph.D. is a postdoctoral research fellow within the Motivation Lab. She earned her Ph.D. in Translational Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center in December 2023 and joined the Motivation Lab in January 2024. Prior to that, she obtained her M.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her B.Ed in Kinesiology from Beijing Sport University, China. Her research focuses on developing adaptive interventions to improve engagement with the behavioral self-regulation process, aiming to promote lasting health behaviors for healthy aging. She is also interested in leveraging advanced data science approaches to understand the self-regulation process and translate these insights into effective intervention strategies.
Allyson Tabaczynski, Ph.D. is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Motivation Lab. Ally received both her Doctorate and Masters from the University of Toronto, and her Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island. Her doctoral work involved the development and evaluation of a peer-led physical activity behavior change intervention for people living with and beyond cancer. Ally's research interests include understanding the unique individual, social and environmental determinants of physical activity behavior change and maintenance, and developing scalable, theoretically grounded interventions for developing lifelong physical activity behavior change throughout adulthood.
Research Staff
Shea Boyer is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Motivation lab, working on the TRY AIM Trial. He holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Health & Exercise Science and in Microbiology from Colorado State University and is pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Alyssa Cutshaw is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Motivation Lab. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in sociology from Penn State University. She joined the Motivation Lab to gain more experience in psychological research, writing papers, and application of advanced assessment techniques. She plans on using this experience to apply to clinical psychology doctoral programs in the future. Her current research interests include examining biopsychosocial influences on mental health and behavior with interest in intervention applications that can help with adverse behaviors.
Crystal Lim (she/hers) is a clinical research coordinator for the TRY AIM trial in the lab. She received her master's degree in Clinical Behavioral (Psychology) from Eastern Michigan University and her bachelor's in Behavioral Science from Western Michigan University. She aspires to proceed to a clinical psychology doctoral program with her current experiences. She is interested in exploring contextual factors impacting behavioral maintenance among adults and cultural adaptations in behavioral interventions.
Monica Teegardin joined the Motivation Lab in September 2024 as the Lab Manager. She earned a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Ball State University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis. She is currently completing her doctorate in Exercise Physiology at Indiana University Indianapolis. Monica's research interests include understanding the role physical activity plays in managing different pain-related conditions. She is also interested in investigating evidence-based exercise interventions in individuals with pain-related chronic conditions and would like to understand both the physiological and psychological effects of exercise and how each relate to pain levels.
Graduate Students
Yingjia (Belle) Liu is a doctoral student in Kinesiology who joined the Motivation Lab in 2023. She earned her B.S. in Sports Rehabilitation at Shanghai University of Sport, and her M.S. in Physical Activity for Health at the University of Edinburgh. Her current research interest is in developing and testing intervention strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, and playing computer games.
Jingchuan (Jing) Wu is a doctoral candidate in Kinesiology who joined the lab in 2021. He earned his B.S. in Psychology at Eastern Mennonite University, and his M.A. in experimental psychology at Brandeis University. His research interest is on exploring the effects of physical activity on psychological health and wellbeing in aged populations, and strategies and technology to promote active and healthy lifestyles in middle and old age adults. In his free time, he likes to cook, travel, and play board games.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Nina Taleb is a research assistant for the TRY AIM Trials in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science. Nina plans to pursue a career in public health or healthcare administration. She is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Mira Fayad is a research assistant in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. Mira is helping conduct research for the Therabody study. Mira is currently a student in the Movement Science program within the School of Kinesiology. She is originally from Dearborn, MI. Mira plans to attend medical school in the future.
Trevor Heath is a research assistant in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. Trevor is helping conduct research for the sipIT Mechanism study. Trevor is currently a student in the Movement Science program within the School of Kinesiology.
Megan Higley is a research assistant in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. She is originally from Shelby Township, Michigan. Megan is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science. She plans to attend medical school and become a physician. ​​​​​​
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Tej Menon is a research assistant for the TryAIM Trials in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. Tej is originally from Oak Park, Illinois. Tej is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science and plans to attend medical school in the future. Tej also intends to work in public health.
Hisham Shirazi is a research assistant for the Therabody study in the Motivation Lab. Hisham is in the Movement Science undergraduate program within the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Dasan Simmons is a research assistant for the TRY AIM study in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. Dasan is in the Movement Science undergraduate program within the School of Kinesiology. He is originally from Bend, Oregon. Dasan plans to pursue a career in public health where he will strive to improve access to healthcare and promote wellness through nutrition and exercise.
Catherine Sukpraphrute is a research assistant for the sipIT Mechanism study in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. She is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Catherine is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science with a minor in Sociology of Health and Medicine. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Public Health and then attend medical school.​​​​​​
Michelle Xiao is a research assistant for the sipIT Mechanisms Trial being conducted in the Motivation Lab at the University of Michigan. Michelle is currently a student in the Applied Exercise Science program. She is originally from Vancouver. Michelle plans to pursue a career path that allows her to integrate the clinical side of healthcare with public health.