In this section

Kristin Schneider, PhD

Associate Dean of Research, Professor

kristin.schneider@rosalindfranklin.edu

Psychology

College of Health Professions

847-578-3311

847-578-8765

Health Sciences Building, 2.666

Dr. Kristin L. Schneider is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology and the College of Health Professions’ Associate Dean of Research. She obtained her PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in health psychology and associated methods from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following completion of a clinical health psychology internship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, she completed a 2-year post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School with Dr. Sherry Pagoto. She joined the Department of Psychology at RFUMS in 2012.

Her research interests include:
Novel interventions to increase physical activity
Use of technology and online social networks to promote health behavior change
Obesity, type 2 diabetes and depression
Relationships between physical activity, eating and mood

Connect with Dr. Schneider on Post: @DrKrisSchneider

Are You a Prospective Graduate Student?
Dr. Schneider will be reviewing applications for the Clinical Psychology PhD program for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please note that to remain unbiased in the review of applications and to be equitable across all applicants, it is our department’s policy to not meet individually with applicants prior to our PhD Interview Day. However, if you have a specific question that cannot be answered through our webpage and would influence your decision to apply, you are welcome to reach out with brief questions.

Want to Know More About Schneider Research Lab?
Like our Facebook page, Lab for Using Technology to Improve Health Behavior, for the most frequent updates of research projects and news regarding our lab members. Our Facebook page will also connect you with some of the recent research in the field.

Graduate Students

	Mel McHugh (She/her) Doctoral Student Melissa.McHugh@my.rfums.org Mel is a sixth-year doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. She graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Supply Chain Management. Her research focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to increases in physical activity. She completed clinical externships at the University of Chicago, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Northwest Suburban Psychology, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, and Lake County Head Start. She is currently on internship at the Miami VA in the Health Psychology track. In her free time Mel enjoys lifting weights, golfing, reading and cooking.
	Emilie Green Doctoral Student Emilie.Green@my.rfums.org Emilie is a fifth-year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. She graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a B.A. in Psychology and completed the Advanced Studies in Psychology Program at Northwestern University. She is currently completing a practicum in Health Psychology at Loyola University Medical Center where she administers bariatric evaluations, delivers medical weight loss interventions, and provides psychotherapy. Her previous practicum experiences involved delivering neuropsychological assessments at the Northshore University Medical Group, helping develop and launch a novel digital health coaching intervention at the Center for Behavioral Technologies at Feinberg School of Medicine, and providing psychotherapy to veterans and service members at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center. Emilie is passionate about improving the efficacy and accessibility of psychological interventions and her research interests include: eating disorders and novel technological interventions to enhance mental and physical wellbeing. In Emilie’s free time, she can be found playing with her two kiddos, Zoë (toddler) and Colin (baby).
	Jessica Yunez Doctoral Student jessica.yunez@my.rfums.org Jessica is a third-year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BS in Psychology and Masters in Public Health. She is currently completing a clinical externship at Northwestern Medicine, where she administers psychological and neuropsychological assessments at the Learning, Attention, and Diagnostic Clinic and provides outpatient psychotherapy. Previous externship experiences include providing psychotherapy to veterans and service members at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center. Additionally, she volunteers at the Interprofessional Community Clinic, providing behavioral healthcare in English and Spanish for uninsured persons in the Lake County community. Jessica’s clinical and research interests include the development and dissemination of interventions that reduce risk factors for chronic disease and encourage healthy behavior changes in underserved communities. In her free time, Jessica enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
	Kelly Magallon Clinical Counseling Student kelly.magallon@my.rfums.org Kelly is a second-year student in the Clinical Counseling Master’s program. She graduated from Lake Forest College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Music. She is completing her first clinical practicum at the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago. Kelly’s clinical and research interests include anxiety disorders and related interventions, mental health care access and equity, technology use and app development for improving mental and physical health, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. During her free time, Kelly enjoys photography, frisbee sports, hiking, playing with and training her dog Wrigley, and spending time with family and friends.
	Emily Echevarria Clinical Counseling Student emily.echevarria@my.rfums.org Emily is a second-year student in the Clinical Counseling Master’s program. She graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Music. She is completing her first clinical practicum at Moving Towards Health. Her clinical and research interests include improving outcomes for exercise-related injuries and improving mental health through physical activity. In her free time, Emily enjoys lifting weights, reading, and spending time with her leopard gecko, Winry.

Current Research Projects

“Feasibility of addressing food insecurity as an integral part of diabetes-related healthcare”

Chicago Center for Diabetes Translation Research (CCDTR) Pilot & Feasibility Program (P30 DK092949) (PI: Castañeda, Co-I: Schneider) This study uses qualitative data collection to examine the feasibility of partnering with the Adelante Center for Entrepreneurship on addressing food insecurity in patients from the Interprofessional Community Clinic.

Completed Research Projects

“COVID-19 & Physical Activity Study”

The coronavirus and the subsequent need for physical distancing and shelter-in-place orders is a unique life stressor that results in significant life changes. Physical activity may be disrupted due to the closure of gyms, inability to exercise with others, and inability to engage in preferred physical activities. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to understand how the shelter-in-place order that began because of COVID-19 impacts physical activity, stress, anxiety and depression, and whether typical psychosocial predictors of physical activity facilitate physical activity engagement during the pandemic.

“CDC/APTR Population Health Training Program”

Population health focuses on developing and sharing evidence to support the formulation and implementation of new health policies/programs. The purpose of this study is to create an online population health training for public health professionals. The training will consist of a series of mini-courses of role-specific technical and clinical training in population health science domains to fill in key gaps that will be identified based on a needs assessment of RFUMS public health partners.

"Twitter study: Exercise and sun exposure"

This study is using tweets from Twitter to evaluate the use of sun protection and sun exposure in people who enjoy running and physical activity outdoors. Being able to identify motivators and individuals who use sun protection can help further inform interventions that would increase sun protection use, such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.

"Piloting behavioral interventions to increase physical activity in adults at risk for a diabetic foot ulcer"

This pilot study aims to test the feasibility of using behavioral and technology strategies to increase physical activity in adults at risk for diabetic foot ulcers. Evidence-based behavioral counseling strategies are supported via a Fitbit, an online social network, and text messaging. The interprofessional research team includes faculty from RFUMS and DePaul University.

“Weight and Chronic Disease Status of School-age Students in Lake County”

In collaboration with Lake County Health Department, Lake County public schools and Drs. Kimberly Elliot, Elizabeth Hartman and Diane Bridges at RFUMS, this project aims to establish a weight, blood pressure, and asthma status surveillance system in school-aged children. Over the next 5 years we aim to monitor the prevalence of childhood obesity, hypertension, and asthma in Lake County and subsequently implement evidence-based interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood chronic diseases.

“Understanding factors that promote active video game use in children"
This collaborative pilot project with DePaul University aims to understand which active video game characteristics, psychosocial factors and individual characteristics drive use of active videogames in children. Following identification of the active videogames most likely to impact physical activity, a follow-up study will be conducted to examine whether these active video games increase physical activity in children.

“Pilot testing an augmented fantasy sports system”
This collaborative pilot project with Illinois Institute of Technology aims to understand whether an augmented online fantasy basketball and/or football system linked to a physical activity monitor will increase moderate physical activity.

“Skin cancer risk and physical activity”
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (ACS/IRG-93-033-15)

This project assessed the extent to which physically active individuals are at greater risk for skin cancer compared to their sedentary counterparts, as well as whether certain characteristics define physically active individuals at particularly high risk for skin cancer. Key informant interviews were conducted with individuals at high risk for skin cancer to inform intervention development.

“A community-based social networking intervention to increase walking in dog owners”
NIH Center for Clinical and Translational Studies pilot project (5 UL1RR031982-02)

This community-based participatory research project includes: 1) developmental work to inform the social networking dog-walking intervention and 2) a multi-site group randomized trial to assess whether the intervention increases walking in dog owners compared to a standard print-based exercise control condition. A manuscript describing the main outcomes is currently under review.

Members of the research team and friends walking to support a diabetes cure

“Behavioral activation enhanced exercise intervention for diabetes and depression”
NIMH (R34 MH086678-01)

This study aims to develop and pilot test a novel exercise intervention that is based on principles of behavioral theory and incorporates strategies of behavioral activation (BA) treatment for depression. Following a developmental phase, a pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted with women who have type 2 diabetes and comorbid depression.

Publications

(Selected from over 90)

2024

Pbert, L., Druker, S., Crawford, S., Frisard, C., Bram, J., Olendzki, B., Andersen, V., Hazelton, J., Simone, D., Trivedi, M., Ryan, G., Schneider, K., Geller, A.C. (in press). A Pediatric Primary Care Practice-based Obesity Intervention to Support Families: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. Obesity
Vincent, S., Chirica, M., Thippana, J., Chen, M. & Schneider, K. (in press). Investigating the Link Between Chronic Health Conditions and Mental Health Symptoms Among Low-income Patients Seen at a Student-Run Free Clinic. Journal of Student-Run Clinics.
DeFazio, S., Mastrili, N., Szoka, N., Schneider, K.L., Cox, S., & Aylward, L. (2024). Sexual orientation moderates the relationship between internalized weight bias and binge eating symptoms among adults pursuing bariatric surgery. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. S1550-7289(24)00126-6. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2024.03.019
Rosenblatt, N., Major, M., Saman, G, Schneider, K. & Miller, S. (2024). Validating a fear-of-falling-related activity avoidance scale in lower limb prosthesis users. PM&R: The journal of injury, function and rehabilitation, 16 (5), 462-473. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.13063.

2023

Buscemi, J., Figueroa, R., Bell, B. M., Dulin, A., Shen, M., Schneider, K. L., Pagoto, S., & Fitzgibbon, M. (2023). Advocacy efforts of the Society of Behavioral Medicine: a 6-year update. Translational behavioral medicine, 13(11), 809–816. https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibad042
Schwertfeger, J. Miller, S.A., Jordan, M, Jordan, D. & Schneider, K.L. (2023). A 3-day ‘stroke camp’ reduces perceived stress of survivors of stroke and their caregivers: Survey results from the 14 US camps. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation. 1–10. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2023.2196468

2022

Kumar, E. R. Konsor, M., Sampson, J. & Schneider, K.L. (2022). Implementing Health Behavior Change Consultations for Adult Patients in a Free Student-Led Interprofessional Community Clinic. Journal of Student-Run Clinics, 8, (1). Retrieved from https://journalsrc.org/index.php/jsrc/article/view/299
Carter, J., DeCator, D., Patterson, C., McNair, G., Schneider, K.L. (January 2022). Examining Direct and Indirect Mechanisms of Parental Influences on Youth Physical Activity and Body Mass Index Journal of Child and Family Studies, 31, 991–1006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02203-y

2021

Pbert L, Trivedi M, Druker S, Bram J, Olendzki B, Crawford S, Frisard C, Andersen V, Waring ME, Clements K, Schneider K, Geller AC. (2021). Supporting families of children with overweight and obesity to live healthy lifestyles: Design and rationale for the Fitline cluster randomized controlled pediatric practice-based trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials, May;104:106348. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106348
Aylward, L. L., Schneider, K. L., & Sanchez-Johnsen, L. (2021). Misreporting Weight and Height Among Mexican and Puerto Rican Men. American Journal of Men’s Health. 15(2): 15579883211001198 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211001198
Konsor, M., Schneider, K. L., & Appelhans, B. M. (2021). Associations between weight loss attempts, food planning, and the home food environment. Journal of Nutrition and Education Behavior, 53(1), 36-42. doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2020.09.001

2020

Churchill, R.W., Schneider, K.L., Rosenblatt, N.J. (in press). Feasibility of an Interdisciplinary Intervention to Promote Balance Confidence in Lower Limb Prosthesis Users. Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics.

2019

Bourque, M., Schneider, K.L., Calamari, J.E., Reddin, C., Stachowiak, A., Major, M.J., Duncan, C., Muthukrishnan, S.R., & Rosenblatt, N.J. (2019). Combining physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to improve balance confidence and community participation in people with unilateral transtibial amputation who use lower limb prostheses: a study protocol for a randomized sham-control clinical trial. Trials. 20, 812. doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3929-8
Kern, D., Busch, A., Schneider, K.L., Miller, S.A., Appelhans, B.M., Waring, M.E., Whited, M.C., & Pagoto, S. (2019). Psychosocial factors associated with treatment outcomes in women with obesity and major depressive disorder who received behavioral activation for depression. Journal of Behavioral Medicine;42(3), 522-533. doi: 10.1007/s10865-018-9993-9
Schneider, K.L., Crews, R., Subramanian, V., Moxley, E., Hwang, S., DiLiberto, F., Aylward, L., Bean, J., Yalla, S. (2019). Feasibility of a low intensity, technology-based intervention for increasing physical activity in adults at risk for a diabetic foot ulcer: a mixed methods study. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology.
Keeney, J., Schneider, K.L. & Moller, A.C. (2019). Lessons learned during formative phase development of an asynchronous, active video game intervention: Making sedentary fantasy sports active. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 41, 200-210. doi:org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.12.003
Janke, E.A., Richardson, C. & Schneider, K.L. (2019). Beyond Pharmacotherapy: Lifestyle Counseling Guidance Needed for Hypertension. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(3),195-196. DOI: 10.7326/M18-2361.

2018

Schneider, K.L., Carter, J.S., Putnam, C., Keeney, J., DeCator, D.D., Kern, D., & Aylward, L., (2018). Correlates of Active-Video Game Use in Children. Games for Health. Apr;7(2):100-106. doi: 10.1089/g4h.2017.0070.
Greenley, R.N., Naftaly, J.P., Walker, R.J., Kappelman, M.D., Martin, C.F., & Schneider, K.L. (2018). Sports Participation in Youth with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: The Role of Disease Activity and Subjective Physical Health Symptoms. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 24(2), 247–253
Plevinsky JM, Wojtowicz AA, Poulopoulos N, Schneider, K.L., & Greenley, R.N. (2018). Perceived impairment in spots participation in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: A preliminary examination. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, 66(1), 79-83.
Breland, J.Y., Quintiliani, L.M., Schneider, K.L., May, C.N., & Pagoto, S., (2017). Social Media as a Tool to Increase the Impact of Public Health Research. American Journal of Public Health, 107(12), 1890–1891.

2017

Breland, J.Y., Quintiliani, L.M., Schneider, K.L., May, C.N., & Pagoto, S., (2017). Social Media as a Tool to Increase the Impact of Public Health Research. American Journal of Public Health, 107(12), 1890–1891.

2016

Crews, R.T., Schneider, K.L., Yalla, S.V., Reeves, N.D., & Vileikyte, L. (2016). Physiological and Psychological Challenges of Increasing Physical Activity and Exercise in Patients at Risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Critical Review. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. DOI: 10.1002/dmrr
Schneider, K.L., Coons, M.J., McFadden, H.G., Pellegrini, C.A., DeMott, A., Siddique, J., Hedeker, D., Aylward, L., Spring, B. (2016). Mechanisms of change in diet and activity in the Make Better Choices 1 trail. Health Psychology, 35(7), 723-732. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/hea0000333 Full text manuscript
Schneider, K.L., Panza, E., Handschin, B., Ma, Y., Busch, A., Waring, M.E., Appelhans, B., Whited, M.C., Keeney, J., Kern, D., Blendea, M., Ockene, I., & Pagoto, S.L. (2016). Feasibility of Pairing Behavioral Activation with Exercise for Women with Type 2 Diabetes and Depression: The Get It Study Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Behavior Therapy, 47, 198-212. Full text manuscript
DeCator, D.D., Carter, J.S., Schneider, K.L. (2016). Family meals, obesogenic factors, and depressive symptoms in youth. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 10, 1-3.

2015

Pratt, S., Jerome, G., Schneider, K., Craft, L., Stoutenberg, M., Buman, M., Daumit, G., Bartels, S., Goodrich, D. (2016). Position Statement from the Society of Behavioral Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine: Increase United States Health Plan Coverage for Exercise Programming in Community Mental Health Programs for People with Serious Mental Illness.
Schneider, K., Guggina, P., Murphy, D., Ferrara, C.M, Panza,E., Oleski, J., Bozzella, B., Gada, K., Savage, C. & Lemon, S.C. (2015). Barriers and facilitators to dog walking in New England. Comparative Exercise Physiology, 11 (1), 55-59.
Schneider, K. L., Murphy, D., Ferrara, C., Oleski, J., Panza, E., Savage, C., Gada, K., Bozzella, B., Olendzki, E., Kern, D., & Lemon, S. C. (2015). An online social network to increase walking in dog owners: A randomized trial. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47(3), 631-639. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000441
Ma, Y., Olendzki, B. C., Wang, J., Persuitte, G. M., Li, W., Fang, H., Merriam, P.A., Wedick, N.M., Ockene, I.S., Culver, A.L., Schneider, K.L., Olendzki, G.F., Carmody, J., Ge, T., Zhang, Z., Pagoto, S.L. (2015). Single-component versus multicomponent dietary goals for the metabolic syndrome: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 162(4), 248-257. doi:10.7326/M14-0611

2014

Lemon, S. C., Schneider, K.L., Wang ML,Liu, Q., Magner, R., Estabrook, B., Druker, S. & Pbert, L.(2014). Weight Loss Motivations: A Latent Class Analysis Approach. American Journal of Health Behavior,38(4):605-613.
Schneider, K.L., Andrews, C. Hovey, K.M., Seguin, R.A., Manini, T., LaMonte, M.J., Margolis, K.L., Waring, M.E., Ning,Y., Sims, S., Ma,Y., Ockene, J., Stefanick, M.L. and Pagoto, S.L. (2014). Change in physical activity after a diabetes diagnosis: opportunity for intervention. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise,46,(1),84–91. Full text manuscript
Lemon, S.C., Goins, K.V., Schneider, K.L., Brownson, R.C., Valko, C.A., Evenson, K.R., Eyler, A.A., Heinrich, K.M., Litt, J., Lyn, R., Reed, H.L., Tompkins, N.O., & Maddock, J. (2014). Municipal officials' participation in built environment policy development in the United States. American Journal of Health Promotion: AJHP, doi:10.4278/ajhp.131021-QUAN-536
Schneider, K.L., Murphy, D., Ferrara, C., Oleski, J., Panza,E., Savage, C., Gada,K., Bozzella, B., Olendzki, E., Kern, D. & Lemon, S.C. (in press). An online social network to increase walking in dog owners: a randomized trial. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.  
Waring, M.E., Schneider, K.L., Appelhans, B.M., Busch,A.M., Whited, M.C., Rodrigues, S., Lemon, S.C., Pagoto, S.L.(2014). Early-treatment weight loss predicts 6-month weight loss in women with obesity and depression: implications for stepped care. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 76 (5) 394–399.
Ma, Y., Olendzki, B. C., Wang, J., Persuitte, G. M., Li, W., Fang, H., Merriam, P.A., Wedick, N.M., Ockene, I.S., Culver, A.L., Schneider, K.L., Olendzki, G.F., Carmody, J., Ge, T., Zhang, Z., Pagoto, S.L. (2015). Single-component versus multicomponent dietary goals for the metabolic syndrome: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 162(4), 248-257. doi:10.7326/M14-0611
Schneider, K.L., Andrews, C. Hovey, K.M., Seguin, R.A., Manini, T., LaMonte, M.J., Margolis, K.L., Waring, M.E., Ning,Y., Sims, S., Ma, Y., Ockene, J., Stefanick, M.L. and Pagoto, S.L. (2014). Change in physical activity after a diabetes diagnosis: opportunity for intervention. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise,46,(1), 84–91.
Pagoto, S.L., Schneider, KL., Smith, B. & Bauman, M. (2014). The Adoption and Spread of a Core Strengthening Challenge Through an Online Social Network. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 11(3),648-53.
Moller, A. C., Majewski, S., Standish, M., Agarwal, P., Podowski, A., Carson, R., Eyesus, B., Shah, A., & Schneider, K. L. (2014). Active fantasy sports: Rationale and feasibility of leveraging online fantasy sports to promote physical activity. JMIR Serious Games, 2(2), e13. doi:10.2196/games.3691
Pagoto, S.L., Schneider, K.L., Evans, M., Waring, M.E., Appelhans, B., Busch, A., Whited, M.C., Thind, H., & Ziedonis, M. (2014). Tweeting It Off: Characteristics of Adults Who Tweet About a Weight Loss Attempt. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 21(6):1032-7. doi: 10.1136/amiajnl-2014-002652.
Appelhans, B. M., Fitzpatrick, S. L., Li, H., Cail, V., Waring, M. E., Schneider, K. L., Whited, M.C., Busch, A.M., & Pagoto, S. L. (2014). The home environment and childhood obesity in low-income households: Indirect effects via sleep duration and screen time. BMC Public Health, 14, 1160. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1160
Schneider, K.L., Pagoto, S. Panza, E. Keeney, J. & Goldberg, D. (2014). Skin cancer risk profiles of physically active adults. Health Behavior & Policy Review, 1(4):324-334.
Pagoto, S.L., Schneider, K.L., Jojic, M., DeBiasse, M.A., & Mann, D.M. (2014). Weight loss using evidence-based strategies in mobile apps. Authors' response. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 47(1): e2. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2014.03.010.

2013

Schneider, K.L., Busch, A.M., Whited, M.C., Appelhans, B.M., Waring, M.E., & Pagoto, S.L. (2013). Assessing depression in obese women: an examination of two commonly-used measures. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.75(5):425-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.08.015 Full text manuscript
Pagoto, S.L., Schneider, K.L., Jojic, M., Debiasse, M.A. & Mann, D.M. How Evidence-Based Are Weight Loss Mobile Apps? (2013) American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 45(5):576-82. PMID: 24139770

2012

Schneider, K.L., Ferrara,J., Lance, B., Karetas, A., Druker, S., Panza, E., Olendzki, B., Andersen, V. & Pbert, L. (2012). Acceptability of an Online Health Video Game to Improve Diet and Physical Activity in Elementary School Students: Fitter Critters. Games for Health Journal, 1(4)262-268.
Spring, B., Schneider, K., McFadden, H.G.,Vaughn, J., Kozak, A.T., Smith, M., Moller, A.C., Epstein, L.H., DeMott, A., Hedeker, D., Siddique, J., Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (2012). Multiple Behavior Change in Diet and Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Mobile Technology. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(10):789-796. Full text manuscript
Schneider, K.L., Panza, E., Appelhans, B. M., Whited, M.C., Oleski, J. & Pagoto, S.L. (2012). The Emotional Eating Scale: Can a self-report measure predict observed emotional eating?. Appetite, 58, 563–566. Full text manuscript
Pagoto, S.L., Schneider, K.L., Oleski, J., Luciani, J., Bodenlos, J., and Whited, M. (2012). Male Inclusion in Randomized Controlled Trials of Lifestyle Weight Loss Interventions. Obesity, 20(6):1234-9. Full text manuscript

2011

Schneider, K.L., Sullivan, J.C. & Pagoto, S.L., (2011). Translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program into a Community Mental Health Organization for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness: A Case Study. Translational and Behavioral Medicine, 1 (3) 453-460. doi: 10.1007/s13142-011-0053-z Full text manuscript
Ockene, J.K., Schneider, K.L., Lemon, S.C. & Ockene, I.S. (2011). Can we improve Adherence to Preventive Therapies for Cardiovascular Health? Circulation, 124(11), 1276-1282. Full text manuscript
Appelhans, B. M., Whited, M.C., Schneider, K.L., & Pagoto, S.L. (2011). Time to abandon the notion of personal choice in dietary counseling for obesity? Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 111(8):1130-6. PMID: 21802557
Schneider, K.L., Pagoto, S.L., Handschin, B., Panza, E., Bakke, S., Liu, Q., Blendea, M., Ockene, I.S. & Ma, Y. (2011). Design and methods for a pilot randomized clinical trial involving exercise and behavioral activation to treat comorbid type 2 diabetes and major depressive disorder. Mental Health & Physical Activity, 4, 13-21.

Lab News

Jacey Keeney was selected as the recipient of the 2018 College of Health Professions Clinical Education Award. This award recognizes a student for outstanding performance at clinical training sites.

Lab member, Jacey Keeney, competed at the USA Volleyball Open National Championships in May 2018. Her team won the Copper Division!

Jacey Keeney presented her research on the effectiveness of food craving induction techniques at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. The conference took place from April 11th – 14th, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jacey collaborated with Leila Azardbad, PhD from North Central College.

Daniel Kern participated in a Wada Test at NorthShore University HealthSystem to determine which side of the brain is responsible for certain vital cognitive functions like speech and memory.

Daniel Kern attended the 29th annual APS conference in Boston, MA. He used latent class growth analysis to form treatment trajectories in women with obesity and major depressive disorder. Specifically, two distinct treatment trajectories were observed with significant differences in rate of depression improvement.

Daniel Kern conducted baseline cognitive testing for the Chicago Bears in compliance with the National Football League’s concussion protocol.

Laura Aylward presented her work on non-response to mood induction procedures at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine in New Orleans, LA in April 2018.

Laura Aylward participated in RFUMS’s 103rd Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 2nd, 2017 and earned a M.S. in Psychology.

Jacey Keeney attended the annual conference for the American College of Sports Medicine in Denver, Colorado in May/June 2017. She presented research on high school preparticipation evaluation screenings. Specifically, she discussed state adherence to mental health and eating disorder recommendations.

Laura Aylward was selected to be the new student liaison for the Society of Behavioral Medicine's Obesity and Eating Disorders Special Interest Group

Jermaine Bean has twice been invited to be a student panelist at the annual Diversifying Clinical Psychology workshop in Chicago, IL. He has spoken alongside students from various local psychology programs about his experiences as a minority in a Clinical Psychology PhD program. The goal of the workshop is to give interested undergraduate students from underrepresented communities helpful information and resources on Clinical Psychology PhD programs.

Jacey Keeney was invited to be the guest speaker for the Psi Chi Honors Ceremony at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She spoke about how her journey in the field of Clinical Psychology and offered advice on how to make the most of opportunities as both an undergraduate and graduate student!

Laura Aylward presented her work on emotional eating during two poster presentations at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine in San Diego, CA on March 2017.

Jacey Keeney presented her research at the Society of Behavioral Medicine annual conference in San Diego, California. She collaborated with Dr. Leila Azarbad from North Central College. Their study examined differences in weight loss, eating pathology, and dieting behaviors among college women with varying levels of depressive symptomology.

Jacey Keeney was selected to represent the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) as a student delegate. Additionally, she will serve as Chair of the Website and Social Media Initiative from 2017-2019!

Laura Aylward represented health psychology in Rosalind Franklin University's first student led interprofessional grand rounds on March 2017. Laura discussed how behavioral activation and diaphragmatic breathing can help treat a patient with congestive heart failure.

Jacey Keeney presented her research findings at the annual conference of the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. She collaborated with Dr. Kristin Schneider (RFUMS) and Dr. Arlen Moller (Illinois Institute of Technology) to examine predictors of enjoyment and achievement of physical activity goals during an Active Fantasy Sports intervention.

Jacey Keeney was selected to give a lecture at the 31st annual conference for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology in Phoenix, Arizona. Her research examined binge eating symptoms in female undergraduate athletes. She collaborated with Dr. Leila Azarbad from North Central College.

Jermaine Bean presented his thesis research on the relationship between family structure and college athletes’ sport motivation at the 28th Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science. The conference took place from May 26th – May 29th, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois.

Jacey Keeney presented on skin cancer risk factors among individuals who engaged in different types of physical activity at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. The conference took place from March 30th – April 2nd, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

Jacey Keeney presented on binge eating among undergraduate athletes at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. The conference took place from March 30th – April 2nd, 2016 in Washington, D.C.


Jacey Keeney presented on parental influences on child physical activity at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. The conference took place from June 1-4th, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Daniel Kern presented his masters thesis on social media at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology in San Diego, CA.

Members of the Schneider Research Lab enjoyed a holiday dinner together in December 2015.


Schneider Research Lab Members Jacey Keeney, Daniel Kern, Allison Novak, and Lenel Reuther participated in RFU’s 101st Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 5th, 2015. Jacey and Danny earned a M.S. degree in Clinical Psychology. Allie and Lenel earned a M.S. degree in Clinical Counseling.


Jacey Keeney presented on physical activity and motivations for physical activity in women with comorbid diabetes and depression at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. The conference took place from May 26-30th, 2015 in San Diego, California.	Daniel Kern presented his research on the association between different social networking activities and feelings of loneliness at the Midwestern Psychological Association’s annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

Graduate student Laura Aylward received her white coat on April 24th, 2015 at Rosalind Franklin University’s Annual White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony signifies transition into more clinically focused work.	Graduate students Jacey Keeney and Daniel Kern visited Lake Forest College to speak with current undergraduate students about applying to graduate school.


Jacey Keeney and Kristin Schneider, PhD, presented at 36th Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine held in San Antonio, Texas April 22nd-25th, 2015. Kristin presented on the mechanisms underlying multiple behavior changes and Jacey presented on indoor tanning in physically active adults, as well as gender differences in predictors of binge eating in college students.


Graduate student Daniel Kern presented at the RFUMS All Research Consortium on March 18th, 2015. His research examined how different social networking activities impact loneliness.	Kristin Schneider presented to local high school students on health psychology and the technology-related research we have been doing.

Laura Aylward participated in Rosalind Franklin University’s Interprofessional Conference in March 2015. She collaborated with students from diverse disciplines, including medicine, podiatry, pathology, and physical therapy, to conceptualize a case and demonstrate how the field of psychology would contribute to the treatment of abdominal pain.	Laura Aylward presented on the use of technology to achieve physical activity goals to students, faculty, and staff at Rosalind Franklin University. The discussion focused on activity trackers, apps, blogs, social media and wellness websites.

Members of the Schneider Research Lab enjoyed a holiday dinner together in December 2014.


Dr. Schneider co-presented a workshop with Dr. Sherry Pagoto on leveraging mobile technology and social media for behavioral research at the European Health Psychology Conference. The pre-conference workshop took place from August 24-26th in Innsbruck, Austria. See website for more information: http://www.ehps.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=170&Itemid=261	Jacey Keeney presented on physical activity motivation in women with type 2 diabetes and depression at the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. The conference took place from May 21st-24th in San Diego, California.

Daniel Kern was recently elected campus representative for the Illinois Psychological Association of Graduate Students (IPAGS)and the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS).	Daniel Kern recently participated in Rosalind Franklin University’s Interprofessional Conference where he collaborated with students from diverse disciplines including medicine, podiatry, pathology, and physical therapy to conceptualize a case and demonstrate how the field of psychology would contribute to the treatment of smoking cessation.

Graduate students Jacey Keeney, Daniel Kern, Allison Novak, and Lenel Reuther were welcomed as new students to the medical profession at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science White Coat Ceremony in April 2014.

Former Students

	Noelle Mastrili (She/Her) Doctoral Student Noelle.Mastrili@my.rfums.org Noelle is a post-doctoral fellow in Behavioral Sleep Medicine at Stanford. She graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development. Noelle's clinical and research interests include obesity prevention, weight management, and LGBTQ+ health. Noelle has completed clinical externships at Arlyn Therapeutic Day School, Healthy Families Clinic, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Loyola University Medical Center, and NorthShore University Health System. Noelle is the past-chair of the Society for Health Psychology (APA Division 38) Student Advisory Council. She completed her internship at the VA in Palo Alto.
	Rachel Churchill Doctoral Student Rachel.Walker@my.rfums.org Rachel is a seventh year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. She graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN in 2012, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Athletic Training, and graduated with a Master’s in Health and Human Physiology in 2015 from the University of Iowa. Rachel’s research interests include examining the relationships between mental health, and physical activity. Her dissertation examines the fear avoidance model on recovery outcomes following musculoskeletal injury. Rachel is currently completing her predoctoral internship at Rush University Medical Center in neuropsychology. In her free time, Rachel enjoys playing or watching sports, cooking, yoga, and hanging out with friends.
	Esha Kumar Doctoral Student esha.kumar@my.rfums.org Esha is a sixth year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Human Biology and a specialization in health promotion. She is currently completing her predoctoral internship at Rush University Medical Center in the health psychology track. Her previous practicum experiences have been at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Jesse Brown VA Hospital, Healthy Life Chicago (private practice), Loyola University Medical Center, Youthbuild of Lake County, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, and Lake County Head Start. Her research and clinical interests include the impact of psychosocial factors on cancer and chronic illnesses. Her dissertation explores changes in social support and treatment adherence in adult bone marrow transplant recipients, if type of transplant influences changes in social support/treatment adherence, and if changes in social support/treatment adherence predict longevity. Her master’s thesis evaluated the role of school proximity to stationary point sources on asthma prevalence in school-aged children. During her free time, Esha enjoys exercising, exploring new restaurants, baking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
	strong>McKenzie Bourque Doctoral Student McKenzie.Bourque@my.rfums.org McKenzie is currently a post-doctoral fellow at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA, where she completed her clinical psychology internship. She graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with Research Honors in 2013. McKenzie’s dissertation examined the integrated trajectory model of pediatric medical traumatic stress to type 1 diabetes. In her spare time, McKenzie enjoys reading, yoga, cooking, and baking.
	Madeline Konsor Doctoral Student Madeline.Johnson@my.rfums.org Madeline is currently a post-doctoral fellow at Rush University Medical Center. She completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the University of Chicago in the Adult/Health track.. She graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition. Her research and clinical interests include obesity prevention, weight management, and eating behaviors. Her Master’s thesis evaluated associations between a weight loss attempt and the home food environment. Madeline’s dissertation aimed to validate the Social Support for Eating Habits survey in English and Spanish, with Latino individuals. During her free time, Madeline enjoys being outdoors, working out, and spending time with friends!
	Jermaine Bean, PhD Jermaine.Bean@my.rfums.org Jay graduated with his PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2021. He completed his pre-doctoral clinical internship at UCLA in their Counseling and Psychological Service (CAPS) center, in Los Angeles, CA PhD program and is currently a post-doctoral fellow at CAPS at UCLA. He graduated from Winona State University in Minnesota in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Behavior (Sport Psychology) in 2014.. Jay enjoys playing and watching sports such as football, basketball, and golf in his spare time.
	Laura Aylward Laura.Aylward@my.rfums.org Laura graduated from the Clinical Psychology doctoral program with a concentration in Health Psychology. Laura is currently a post-doctoral fellow at West Virginia University Medical Center. She completed her pre-doctoral clinical internship at Edward Hines Jr., VA Hospital in Hines, IL.
	Jacey Keeney Clinical Psychology, PhD Jacey Keeney is currently an adjunct