Jeffrey Katula

Dr. Jeffrey Katula is a Professor and McDonough Family Faculty Fellow in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Wake Forest University, serving as Director of Graduate Studies and Executive Director of the Healthy Living Partnerships to Prevent Diabetes (HELPS) program. His academic leadership spans teaching, research, and administration within behavioral health sciences.

Dr. Katula's educational background includes:

• MA: Loyola University
• Ph.D.: University of Illinois

As a health psychologist, Dr. Katula investigates behavior-chronic disease relationships with emphasis on older adults. His research portfolio centers on:

• Type II diabetes prevention/management through behavioral interventions
• Mobility disability and physical function maintenance
• Cognitive aging and quality-of-life optimization
• Social cognitive theory applications in group-mediated interventions

His work consistently employs randomized controlled trials examining physical activity, weight loss, and mental training protocols. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong thematic focus on multidomain dementia prevention via US POINTER and EXERT trials, alongside digital diabetes prevention (PREDICTS). Key trends include intervention adherence measurement, cost-effectiveness analysis, and real-world translation of evidence-based programs for aging populations.

Dr. Katula holds the McDonough Family Faculty Fellowship.

As Director of Graduate Studies, he oversees academic programs while leading major funded initiatives:

• US POINTER: Multidomain dementia prevention trial within World-Wide FINGERS network
• EXERT: Exercise intervention for mild cognitive impairment
• PREDICTS: Digital diabetes prevention implementation
• HELPS: Community translation of Diabetes Prevention Program

His research receives substantial NIH and foundation support for developing scalable interventions addressing diabetes and cognitive decline in high-risk populations.

Dr. Katula directs the HELPs program and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across Wake Forest University and national consortia. His work integrates psychologists, exercise scientists, clinicians, and implementation specialists to develop behavioral interventions targeting aging-related health challenges through the LIFE, POINTER, and EXERT frameworks.