About
Bess H. Marcus is a Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. As a clinical health psychologist with over 25 years of research experience, she specializes in physical activity behavior, cardiovascular disease prevention, and women's health, particularly among Latinas. Her work spans community, workplace, and primary care settings.
- Over 250 publications and three books
- Developed assessment instruments for psychosocial mediators
- Created low-cost physical activity interventions
Research Trends: Technology-enhanced physical activity interventions for Latinas, childhood obesity treatments, muscle-strengthening activity promotion in minority populations, and stress reduction through exercise. Recent studies focus on postpartum health outcomes, formative research for culturally adapted programs, and digital health tools.
Scientific Awards:
- President’s Lecture, American College of Sports Medicine (2015)
- Editor’s Choice Award, American Journal of Public Health (2015)
- UC San Diego Diversity Award (2013)
- Multiple mentoring and leadership awards (2004-2008)
Collaborations: Works with colleagues across Behavioral and Social Sciences, Biostatistics, Psychiatry and Human Behavior, and Health Services Policy. Key collaborators include Belinda Borrelli, Kim Gans, and George Papandonatos.
Research fields
