Natalie Yarish PhD

My doctoral training from The University of Texas at Austin’s health behavior and health education program provided me with foundations in behavior change theory, developing and managing a large physical activity intervention, and a strong, diverse methodological and statistical analysis skill set. As a T32 NIH/NIA postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Diego, I worked on two digital behavior change interventions that utilize text messages, wearable device and social media ecosystems, brief tele-health coaching, and application notifications to increase physical activity levels, and promote weight loss. Additionally, through my work with longitudinal cohort studies, I examine the relationships between social isolation, loneliness, and social support on risk of incident cardiovascular disease and longevity as individuals go through significant life transitions. Prior to my faculty position at ODU, I worked as a research scientist at the VA in La Jolla on a weight-loss clinical trial for active duty military service members.

Currently, I am the PI for a NIH/NHLBI funded project that focuses on co-designing and pilot testing a group-based physical activity intervention that incorporates social connection to reduce social isolation and loneliness for veterans transitioning or reintegrating to civilian life. Ultimately, I believe that designing physical activity interventions where individuals feel a sense of belonging and an associated identity will support lifelong physical activity behaviors.