Applied Exercise Science at School of Kinesiology at University of Michigan, United States.
Dr. Weiyun Chen, an Associate Professor at the School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, demonstrates an illustrious career marked by substantial contributions to the field of kinesiology, particularly in physical activity, health promotion, and education. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 37, and extensive recognition in academia and professional organizations, Dr. Chen has influenced research, policy, and education. Her work spans interdisciplinary domains, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity, mental health, and well-being. She has been featured in prominent media outlets, demonstrating the societal relevance of her research.
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Education 🎓:
Dr. Chen earned her Ph.D. in Physical Education Pedagogy from Temple University. Her doctoral research focused on constructivist-oriented teaching practices in physical education, emphasizing student engagement and critical thinking in learning creative dance. Prior to her doctorate, she completed her Master’s degree in Physical Education, where she developed a strong foundation in interdisciplinary teaching, integrating physical education skills with mathematical concepts. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to enhancing educational practices through innovative curriculum models and comprehensive assessment planning. Throughout her studies, Dr. Chen received several awards, including the Research Merit Award at Temple University, recognizing her contributions to the field of physical education pedagogy.🎓
Work Experience 💼:
Dr. Chen has extensive experience in physical education and health promotion. As the Director of the Physical Activity & Health Laboratory at the University of Michigan, she leads research on technology-enhanced physical activity interventions. Her projects have examined the effects of school-based physical activity interventions on students’ motor skill competency, physical fitness, physical activity behaviors, and mental well-being. Dr. Chen has also assessed the effectiveness of technology-enhanced physical activity interventions in promoting cognitive functions, functional fitness, and psychological well-being in older adults. She has conducted over 110 research presentations at international and national conferences, delivered 60 invited presentations and keynote speeches, and led 37 teacher training workshops. 🏥🔧
Awards and Honors
Dr. Chen’s contributions have been recognized with several awards and honors. She received the Research Merit Award at Temple University for her outstanding research in physical education pedagogy. She was named a Fellow of the Research Consortium by SHAPE America, acknowledging her significant impact on health and physical education research. Dr. Chen was also honored as a Zijiang Scholar at East China Normal University and as an East China Scholar of Shanghai City, reflecting her international influence in the field. Additionally, she served as a Research Scientist at the Center of Physical Health in Peking University, further highlighting her contributions to global health promotion. 🏆🎖️
Research Interests:
Dr. Chen’s research focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating technology-enhanced physical activity interventions to promote physical activity behaviors, cognition, mental health, and psychological well-being across the lifespan. Her studies have investigated the effects of school-based physical activity interventions on improving students’ motor skill competency, physical fitness, physical activity behaviors, and mental well-being. She has also examined the impact of different types of physical activities on improving cardiometabolic health, physical fitness, mental health, and psychological well-being in college students and mid-aged adults. Additionally, Dr. Chen has assessed the effectiveness of technology-enhanced physical activity interventions in promoting cognitive functions, functional fitness, and psychological well-being in older adults.🔬🤖
📚 Publication
A systematic review of the relationship between physical activity and happiness
Authors: Z. Zhang, W. Chen
Citations: 347
Year: 2019
Health-related physical fitness and physical activity in elementary school students
Authors: W. Chen, A. Hammond-Bennett, A. Hypnar, S. Mason
Citations: 262
Year: 2018
Examination of expert and novice teachers’ constructivist-oriented teaching practices using a movement approach to elementary physical education
Authors: W. Chen, I. Rovegno
Citations: 168
Year: 2000
Description of an expert teacher’s constructivist-oriented teaching: Engaging students’ critical thinking in learning creative dance
Authors: W. Chen
Citations: 130
Year: 2001
Links between children’s use of critical thinking and an expert teacher’s teaching in creative dance
Authors: W. Chen, T. Cone
Citations: 127
Year: 2003
Effects of team sports on anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and sleep quality in college students
Authors: S.A. Johnston, C. Roskowski, Z. He, L. Kong, W. Chen
Citations: 99
Year: 2021
Accomplished teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge of teaching dribbling to third grade children
Authors: I. Rovegno, W. Chen, J. Todorovich
Citations: 98
Year: 2003
Relationship of physical activity and sleep with depression in college students
Authors: A. Cahuas, Z. He, Z. Zhang, W. Chen
Citations: 97
Year: 2020
Assessing the quality of teachers’ teaching practices
Authors: W. Chen, S. Mason, C. Staniszewski, A. Upton, M. Valley
Citations: 92
Year: 2012
The association of physical activity and academic behavior: a systematic review
Authors: R.A. Sullivan, A.M.H. Kuzel, M.E. Vaandering, W. Chen
Citations: 85
Year: 2017
Impact of Coordinated‐Bilateral Physical Activities on Attention and Concentration in School‐Aged Children
Authors: H. Buchele Harris, K.S. Cortina, T. Templin, N. Colabianchi, W. Chen
Citations: 83
Year: 2018
Assessing pre-service teachers’ quality teaching practices
Authors: W. Chen, K. Hendricks, K. Archibald
Citations: 80
Year: 2011
Conclusion