Weiyun Chen, PhD

Dr. Weiyun Chen is associate professor of Applied Exercise Science and director of the Physical Activity and Health Laboratory at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology.

Dr. Chen’s research focuses on developing, implementing, and examining technology-enhanced physical activity interventions to promote mental health, cognition, and psychological well-being across the lifespan. Dr. Chen has received more than $1.25 million grant funding (i.e., US Department of Education). As PI on 21 funded research projects and Co-I on three funded projects, she and her research team examine (a) effects of school-based physical activity interventions, including innovative physical education curriculums and quality teaching practices, active recess programs, and family/community engagement, on improving students’ motor skill competency, physical fitness, physical activity behaviors, and determinants of PA behaviors; (b) effects of different types of physical activities on improving mental health and psychological well-being among college students; and (c) effects of technology-enhanced multilevel physical activity interventions on promoting functional fitness, cognitive functions, and psychological well-being in older adults living in retirement communities.

Dr. Chen has delivered over 100 research presentations at international and national conferences, presented more than 50 invited presentations speaking nationally and internationally, and conducted more than 50 teacher training workshops. She has authored one book (Multifacets of American Collegiate Athletic Competition), three book chapters, and published more than 80 peer-reviewed research articles, in journals such as BMC Geriatrics, BMC Public Health, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal of Affective Disorders, Journal of American College Health, and Journal of Sports and Health Science.

Dr. Chen is currently president-elect for ICSPAH. She served a three-year term as chair of AERA SIG and AAHPERD NASPE C & I Academy. She also chaired the AERA SIG Scholar Lecture Committee, AAHPERD Research Writing Award Committee, and AAHPERD Pedagogy Panel Review Committee. Dr. Chen served as associate editor for the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, and is currently associate editor for Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (since 2013), and academic editor for Medicine (since 2018).

Dr. Chen is a Fellow in SHAPE America, as well as a member of the U-M Momentum Center for Driving Discovery to End Child Obesity and the U-M Center for Human Growth and Development.

Dr. Chen is guest editor for Physical Activity Interventions: Effects on Physical Health, Cognition, and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults. Submissions for this issue will be accepted through August 15, 2023.