Erin K. Howie Hickey, Ph.D
Dr. Erin K Howie Hickey is an associate professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. She is an adjunct research fellow in the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science at Curtin University in Western Australia. She earned her Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina (2013) and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiological Science from the University of Maryland (2008).
Her research focuses on children’s physical activity, particularly the effects of physical activity on educational outcomes. In addition to implementing diverse interventions to increase physical activity, she measures complex patterns of activity including sleep and sedentary behaviors. The ultimate goal of her research is to promote positive physical activity behaviors to enhance physical and mental health across the lifespan.
Dr. Howie Hickey is the faculty advisor for the Exercise is Medicine initiative at the University of Arkansas since fall 2018. Her favorite physical activity is running or anything outdoors.
Current Graduate Students
Kristin Garner, PhD Student Hometown: Bryant, Arkansas. Research Interests: Strategies to implement exercise into university healthcare systems and promote more physically active lifestyles. I believe that exercise should be a normal part of everyday life, and I am passionate about sharing with others how they can improve their health in many ways through exercise. Favorite Activities: Going for walks and weightlifting!
Christopher Murphy, PhD Student. Hometown: Willow Springs, MO. Research Interests: My research interests primarily relate to factors affecting physical activity in youth populations,
ranging from educational
settings to organized
sport, and free-living
leisure activity. Favorite Activity: Cycling.
Zach Friedman, MS Exercise Science. Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA. Research Interests: Helping people move more and better is my primary goal, but whether I go towards research or practice I’ve yet to determine. Favorite Activities: Resistance exercise, volleyball, and pickleball
Undergraduate Research Students
Max Brigance, BS EXSC. Hometown: Pocahontas, AR. Research Interests: I am currently interested in researching the factors influencing physical activity in college students. Upon graduation, I will be attending Physician Assistant school at UAMS. Favorite Activities: Going on runs or walks with my dog and girlfriend.
Anne Clare Culpepper, BS EXSC. Hometown: Tyler, TX. Research Interests: I plan to attend medical school after graduating, so I am interested in joining Exercise is Medicine to gain knowledge and promote health on campus. Favorite Activities: Distance running or lifting!
Charles Smith, BS EXSC. Hometown: Dardanelle, AR. Research Interests: I plan to continue on to achieve a master’s degree in Exercise science, then move on to PT school. My research interests center on observing how much exercise college students get, and determining what the best ways to measure for it are. Favorite Activities: Hiking, walking, lifting weights, and tennis
Juan Lemus, BS Biology & Public Health. Hometown: Springdale, AR. Research Interests: I plan on attending medical school post-graduation and am currently researching public health policies impacting recess to improve recess for kids and educators. Favorite Activities: Weightlifting + Pickleball.
Annabelle Glasscock, BS EXSC. Hometown: Olathe, KS. Plans for Graduation: I hope to go to school for occupational therapy after graduation and work in pediatrics or early intervention! Favorite Activities: Barre, walking, and playing pickleball!
Drake Priddy, BS RESM. Hometown: Hot Springs, AR. Plans for Graduation: I plan to continue to work with high school athletics in either a media or administrative capacity. I enjoy creating sports content, but I really want to inspire and lead others in athletic director role. Favorite Activities: Riding my biking, walking my dogs, and hiking.
Logan Rodgers, BS Biology. Hometown: Springdale, AR. Plans for Graduation: I plan to attend medical school after graduation, so I am interested in exercise is medicine to gain knowledge about the human body and further develop my research skills. Favorite Activities: Volleyball, sand volleyball, and snowboarding
Hagan Smith, BS EXSC. Hometown: Little Rock, AR. Research Interests: I plan to go to Physician Assistant school after graduation and hope to work in Women’s Health. I also plan to continue working as a fitness instructor while using my research on the correlation between exercise and mental health to lead others to a healthier lifestyle. Favorite Activities: Spin classes, Pilates, and running!
Previous Students
Bryce Daniels, PhD (Completed 2022) Hometown: Greenbrier, Arkansas. Research Interests: I have been working with the University of Arkansas’s Exercise is Medicine initiative since its commencement in August of 2018. I believe in the positive effects of exercise on both physical and mental health in all sorts of populations. I am currently researching how to implement exercise into healthcare systems, specifically university healthcare, to promote healthier environments.
Want to Be Part of This Awesome Team?
The Exercise is Medicine research group is looking for motivated students to join our research team at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral level. Please contact us with a brief statement of interest and a copy of your resume for more information.
