Emily Mailey

Overview

Emily L. Mailey is an Associate Professor of Exercise Behavioral Science in the Department of Kinesiology at Kansas State University (KSU). She serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator and directs the Physical Activity Intervention Research Lab. Her work focuses on promoting physical activity among working mothers, reducing workplace sedentariness, and developing web-based interventions for health promotion.

Education

• PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012), Exercise Psychology
• MS, Ball State University (2007), Sport & Exercise Psychology
• BA, St. Olaf College (2005), Exercise Science and Psychology

Research Interests

Dr. Mailey’s research addresses barriers to physical activity in underrepresented groups, including working mothers, military spouses, and low-income populations. Her studies emphasize the role of behavioral goals, workplace interventions, and digital tools in enhancing health outcomes. She has pioneered studies on sedentary behavior reduction and the psychological benefits of exercise.

Grants & Awards

• Recipient of NIH grants and foundation awards for workplace wellness and military spouse health initiatives
• 2016 Best Early Career Researcher Presentation (ISBNPA)
• 2012 Student Special Interest Group Research Award (Society of Behavioral Medicine)

Advising & Grants

Dr. Mailey has mentored over 20 graduate students and led projects totaling $3.4M in grant funding. Her research teams include collaborations with public health agencies and military organizations. Notable grants include the Stand Up Kansas intervention and InDependent: Promoting Military Spouse Health.

Lab & Affiliations

Director of the Physical Activity Intervention Research Lab, which develops and evaluates behavioral interventions targeting sedentary populations. Collaborates with the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Kansas Public Health Association.