Danielle Symons Downs

Danielle Symons Downs is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Pennsylvania State University. She serves as Interim Associate Director of the Social Science Research Institute and is affiliated with the Center for Healthy Aging. Her research focuses on the motivational determinants of physical activity in women and children, application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to exercise, and lifestyle interventions for women during preconceptional, prenatal, and postpartum periods.

• Education: Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance (University of Florida, 2002), M.A. in Psychology (University of New York, College at Brockport, 1998), B.A. in Psychology and Sociology (Baldwin-Wallace College, 1995)

Her recent work explores adaptive behavioral interventions using control systems engineering, mHealth technologies for prenatal care, and psychosocial factors affecting maternal health outcomes. She has published extensively on gestational weight gain, sleep behaviors, and health disparities in vulnerable populations.

Downs leads grants from institutions like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for studies on prenatal weight management and behavioral interventions. She has also contributed to systematic reviews on sleep and energy balance during pregnancy.

Her research emphasizes the integration of theory-driven frameworks with technological solutions to address health challenges in women and families, particularly focusing on underserved communities and the impact of social determinants on participant engagement in research.