Eric Wickel

Eric Wickel, Ph.D., is a Professor and John C. Oxley Endowed Chair of Kinesiology & Rehabilitative Sciences at The University of Tulsa's Oxley College of Health and Natural Sciences. His research focuses on physical behavior assessment using wearable devices and self-report tools, with applications to cardiovascular disease risk factors, sedentary behavior, and youth health outcomes.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Iowa State University (2006)
  • M.S., University of Wyoming
  • B.S., University of Wyoming

His work examines associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep using advanced methods like thigh-worn accelerometers, funded by TSET and Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. Current research explores emergent assessment tools for daily behavior analysis in health promotion.

Notable trends in his publications (2019–2009) include:

• Physical behavior surveillance in early childhood interventions
• Methodological advancements in wearable technology validation
• Developmental patterns of sedentary behavior and activity compliance
• Maturity-related differences in physical activity among youth
• After-school period behavioral dynamics
• Cardiovascular risk factor analysis through longitudinal studies

Scientific recognition includes:

• American Heart Association Institutional Research Advancement Award (2025)
• Oxley College Dean’s Excellent Faculty Award (2025)
• TSET Seed Grant (2023)
• Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology Award (2023)
• Multiple Oxley College Outstanding Research/Teaching Awards (2020, 2016, 2009)

Wickel contributes to community health through Tulsa County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and serves as faculty affiliate of the TSET Health Promotion Research Center.