Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Instructor
Email: ngolaszewski@sdsu.edu
Biography
The overarching theme of my research is how social and psychological factors shape and influence health behaviors and outcomes. My research draws from my training in behavioral science, social psychology, and public health. My doctoral training in health behavior and health education 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. I am currently working 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. Specifically, I am looking at the relationships between social support from online communities and social media, and physical activity behaviors. Additionally, through my work with longitudinal cohort studies, I am examining the relationships between social isolation, loneliness, and social support on risk of incident cardiovascular disease and longevity as individuals go through significant life transitions.