Dr. Sean Mullen - Assistant Professor University of Illinois & Director of the Exercise, Technology & Cognition (ETC) Laboratory
"Play Fighting: A Non-Obvious Path to Promoting Cognitive Health across the Lifespan"
Dr. Mullen is the Director of the Exercise, Technology & Cognition (ETC) Laboratory. His research employs a social neuroscience perspective to understand the antecedents and outcomes of regular physical activity participation. Specifically, he is interested in understanding the mechanisms responsible for the reciprocal relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning. Mullen's ETC Lab has been federally-funded to test the efficacy and effectiveness of a novel, technology-based training designed to increase self-regulatory capacity and exercise engagement. Additionally, the lab has conducted studies to test the feasibility and efficacy of alternative, environmental approaches aimed at optimizing the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise (e.g., sauna or steam-room usage after exercise sessions). Overall, Dr. Mullen's goal is to promote resilience, health and well-being across the lifespan, through engagement in physical activity and related self-regulatory strategies.
