Barbara McClanahan, EdD, PhD
Unit Coordinator | Associate Professor
About Barbara McClanahan
Barbara McClanahan, PhD focuses on solution-oriented and participatory based research aimed at improving individual and population health and well-being through the promotion, adoption, and maintenance of positive health behaviors. Recognizing that behavior is shaped through multiple influences, her research examines the effect of various behavioral and environmental interventions on health outcomes. A primary focus of her work is to develop ways to increase physical activity, enhance activity experiences and prevent/ treat obesity. Dr. McClanahan has a strong commitment to community outreach and engaged scholarship and strives to produce research outcomes that are relevant to at-risk populations and to the community at large.
Specific research interest areas include:
Physical activity participation – behavioral, psychosocial, biophysical correlates
and determinants, strategies, implementation and evaluation.
Application of the socio-ecologic model to facilitate positive change at individual,
group, organization, policy and population levels.
Osteoporosis prevention – methods to increase physical activity, promote calcium intake
in at-risk populations (athletes, dancers, young girls, etc)
Education
PhD Exercise Science and Leisure Management - University of Mississippi - 1997
EdD Higher Education (Interdisciplinary) - University of Memphis - 1990
MS Fitness Management - University of Memphis - 1983
BS Secondary Education (PE) - University of Memphis - 1981