For over a decade, Dr. Sean Mullen has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. His work bridges exercise science, cognitive neuroscience, and digital health—using a social neuroscience lens to examine what motivates people to move and how movement shapes the way we think, feel, and function.

“I believe we all have the capacity to change—our behavior, our health, and our minds. My mission is to help people move more, think better, and feel more in control of their health.”

Research Focus

• Mechanisms linking physical activity, cognition, and brain health across the lifespan
• Digital and remote interventions that use apps, wearables, and telehealth to support behavior change
• Mind–body and cognitive training approaches that enhance executive function and everyday functioning
• Prevention and management of cardiometabolic and neurovascular risk in at-risk populations

Current Lines of Work

Recent projects from the ETC Lab explore:

• The combined effects of aerobic exercise and thermotherapy (e.g., sauna, steam rooms) on brain health, neurovascular function, and blood pressure.
• Remote, home-based protocols that pair wearable sensors with personalized feedback to help adults build sustainable movement habits.
• Cognitive-motor training programs that integrate games, dual-task challenges, and technology to keep people mentally and physically sharp.

Training & Mentorship

Dr. Mullen is deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars interested in exercise psychology, digital health, and cognitive aging. Trainees in the ETC Lab gain experience in:

• Designing and implementing randomized controlled trials and feasibility studies
• Working with wearable technology, mobile apps, and remote data collection tools
• Analyzing behavioral, cognitive, and physiological data
• Translating complex findings for community partners, clinicians, and the public

For Dr. Mullen’s full CV, educational background, media features, and additional projects, visit his personal website.