The Center for Women’s Health and Wellness hosted the 4th Annual Research Forum on Women’s Health and Wellness on April 12, 2024. It consisted of a keynote presentation, abstract presentations, roundtables discussions, and was followed by a women’s networking lunch!
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
The keynote presentation, “Maternal Well-being: Antecedents and Implications for Young Children and Families”, was given by Dr. Esther Leerkes.
Dr. Esther Leerkes received her Ph.D. in Experimental/Developmental Psychology from the University of Vermont. She is currently the Associate Dean for Research in the School of Health and Human Sciences at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, as well as the recipient of the Jefferson Pilot Excellence Professorship for her outstanding work in the Human Development & Family Studies program. Dr. Leerkes’ research focuses on parent-child relations in infancy and early childhood. Specifically, her work centers around three primary themes: Identifying contextual, biological and psychological factors that contribute to sensitive maternal behavior, particularly in response to negative child emotions; Examining links between maternal sensitivity and subsequent child outcomes, such as emotion regulation, attachment security, behavior problems, adjustment to school, and obesity risk; and Examining the impact of parenting a child with unique temperamental characteristics on adult development, well-being, and relationships during the transition to parenthood. In this talk, Dr. Leerkes will provide an overview of her research efforts in maternal well-being while highlighting both antecedents and implications for young children and their families.
Watch Dr. Leerkes’ Presentation here.
ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS
Abstract presentations were given by undergraduate and graduate students from the departments of Public Health, Kinesiology, Psychology, and Human Development & Family Studies, highlighting the exciting research focused on women and girls’ health and wellness that is occurring at UNCG.
- “The Relationship Between Salivary and Serum Estrogen and Progesterone“
- Presenter: Emily Bechke; Kinesiology
- “The Associations Among Childhood Surgency, Self-Perceived Popularity, and Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviors Considering Sex Differences“
- Presenter: Jaclyn Yuro; Psychology
- “Feasibility of an ecological momentary assessment study of physical activity in Latinas: The Latinas in Action Study“
- Presenter: Eugenia Camacho Fernandez; Public Health
- “Movement-Related Behaviors and Mental Health in Latina Women“
- Presenter: Brynn Hudgins; Kinesiology
- “Pathways from Prenatal Risk to Infant Sleep: The Role of Maternal Emotional Risk and Sensitive Behavior“
- Presenter: Shourya Negi; Human Development and Family Studies
- “Weight Training Practices and Perspectives among Cadet Women at a Senior Military College“
- Presenter: Katie Baur; Kinesiology
- “Associations between Sleep and Changes in Body Weight and Energy Balance in African American Females“
- Presenter: Hannah Koch; Kinesiology
Watch the abstract presentations and Dr. Maher’s Faculty Fellow talk here.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
- “Life Transitions and Health Behaviors among Girls and Women”
- Facilitators: Dr. Erin Reifsteck, Dr. Jessica McNeil, Dr. DeAnne Brooks, and Katie Bauer
- Watch the roundtable discussion here.
- “Adolescent Girls’ Mental and Physical Health”
- Facilitators: Dr. Michaeline Jensen and Dr. Jessica Dollar
- Watch the roundtable discussion here.
WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCH
This networking lunch, followed by a discussion panel, focused on Women’s Health, which was attended by undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff ranging in their type of appointment.