Physical Activity Research & Community Implementation
(PARCI) Laboratory at Virginia Tech
OUR
VISION
Use our talents, expertise, and passion to serve others.
We accomplish this through evidence-based adaptations, training, and evaluation to ensure the best fit intervention is adopted and sustained within practice settings.
OUR
VALUES
Respect and love for one another and all living beings, and using goodness to guide our scientific inquiry.
We demonstrate our commitment to these values through
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Vulnerability and resiliency. Acknowledging and embracing when we don’t know the answer… . We ask questions, early and often.
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Flexibility and humor. Remembering that nothing is perfect, but we commit ourselves to our efforts.
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Appreciation of excellence in effort. Offer insight to each other to bring out quality in work (feedback on slides, elevator pitch, papers, etc.).
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Stability. Mentor those less senior in the lab and seek mentorship from those more senior in the lab. Ensure adequate resource allocation (time, money, personnel).
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Clear, honest communication, complete with active listening.
OUR TEAM
Click this icon to view how to apply for undergraduate research or to contact us.
Principal investigator
"In the PARCI lab, I have the privilege of training scientists and practitioners to impact the lives of others. As a registered yoga instructor and academic, I use science and the personal experience of clients, participants, and myself to promote that being active can change your life: You can avoid chronic disease, feel better in your body & mind, and maintain or find a better quality of life."
Samantha M. Harden, PhD, 500 RYT
CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS
Registered dietitian, certified group fitness and yoga instructor. Loves food, exercise, and the outdoors. Exploring the world one hike at a time.
Certified Yoga Teacher and Ayurvedic Specialist with a passion for mindfulness and holistic approaches to health and wellness. Enjoys reading, art, healthy cooking and staying active.
PAST GRADUATE STUDENTS
Clinical/Translational Research Coordinator at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
VCE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEADERSHIP and TEAM MEMBERS
Extension Agent, FCS Spotsylvania County 540-507-7568 arpayne@vt.edu
Extension Agent, FCS Rappahannock County (540) 727-3435 rebes13@vt.edu
Extension Agent, FCS Roanoke County 540-772-7524 ext. 8189 mskimb8@vt.edu
Extension Agent, FCS, SNAP-Ed, Alexandria City. kirstenk19@vt.edu
Administrative Assistant, VCE State Office, Hokie Wellness Champion msbreen@vt.edu
SNAP-Ed Agent, FCS Rockbridge County (540) 463-4734 rmarlatt@vt.edu
Extension Agent, Giles County, Agriculture and Natural Resources Animal Science
Current & past undergraduate research assistants
Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. Certified nurse assistant and a food and fitness fan! Loves to run, lift, and get outside!
Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise major and Creative Writing and Integrative Health and Wellness minors. Enjoys hikes, walks, tennis, dancing, and spike ball. Aspires to become a physician.
Oker H, Harden SM. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: A Pragmatic Exploration of Online Dissemination, Delivery, and Training During COVID-19. Translational Obesity Undergraduate Research Scholar. VT Undergraduate Research Summer Symposium. Summer 2020.
B.S. Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience; Integrative Health and Wellness minor
Human Development major and Political Science minor. Cycle instructor, runner, and loves spending time outside.
HNFE Major and Medicine in Society Minor. Loves adventuring and the outdoors. Will go on any hike with a view.
HNFE major and Public Health minor. Fitness fan, dog lover, certified EMT, and aspiring yogi. Passionate about community health, especially pertaining to women and children.
HNFE major and Psychology minor. Obsessed with hiking, gyming, swimming, and college football.
Biochemistry major & public health minor. A total foodie and lover of hiit training and Pilates
CONTACT INFORMATION
LIFT: Morgan Gregg (morgangregg@vt.edu)
PARCI Lab Inquiries: Dr. Harden (harden.samantha@vt.edu)
PARCI LAB UNDERGRADUATE INTEREST
