Dr. Sean Mullen is an Associate Professor who has worked for the Department of Kinesiology & Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the past 8 years. His research employs a social neuroscience perspective to understand the antecedents and outcomes of regular exercise participation. For details about Dr. Mullen’s educational background and training, visit his personal website.

I believe we all have the capacity to change our behavior and our health. I focus on trying to increase exercise because of its many benefits, including enhancing the way we think and process information. My goal is to develop programs that work to keep people exercising, thinking effectively, and thinking positively about exercise.

Dr. Mullen’s research team is currently developing evidence-based technologies and methods for improving exercise adherence and cognitive functioning. He is also studying the combined effects of aerobic exercise with thermotherapy (e.g., sauna, steam-room) on improving neurovasculaturization, endothelial functioning and hypertension.

Sean is currently accepting applications from graduate students with interests in any of the following:

• Understanding mechanisms responsible for the reciprocal relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning
• Testing intervention methods that involve exercise and cognitive training (mind-body training)
• Designing research aimed at enhancing exercise adoption and maintenance
• Exploring applications of adjuvant therapies that work in harmony with exercise for the purpose of optimizing health and well-being