Samantha Harden

Samantha Harden, PhD, is an Associate Professor & Exercise Specialist (25% FTE) in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech. She also serves as a dissemination and implementation science researcher (75% FTE). Her academic roles are complemented by her 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification, integrating mindfulness, breathwork, and movement into her work. She holds affiliations with Virginia Cooperative Extension and leads the PARCI Lab, focusing on holistic wellbeing through participatory approaches emphasizing balance and accessibility.

Education:

• PhD in Human, Nutrition, and Foods, Virginia Tech (2012)
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bridgewater College (2008)

Research Interests: Dr. Harden’s research centers on yoga as an affordable public health practice, dissemination science frameworks (RE-AIM), group dynamics in health behaviors, and chronic disease prevention. She emphasizes community-level interventions and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in veterans’ health and rural populations. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications through partnerships like the PARCI Lab’s podcast Higher Vibrations in Higher Education and over 100 peer-reviewed articles.

Key Contributions: Her projects include the LIFT for Better Health initiative (2022 FCS SNAP-Ed Award-winning program) and the PREVAIL interdisciplinary team program for chronic pain management. She has pioneered the use of Lean Six Sigma in healthcare and explored telehealth’s role in exercise instruction. Her research spans school-based asthma interventions, rural physical activity programs, and behavioral strategies for endometrial cancer survivors.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2022 First Place FCS SNAP-Ed Award
• 2021 Drs. John and Shirley Gerken Professional Development Award
• 2017 International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Early Career Award

Grants & Partnerships: She has secured funding for initiatives like the School-Based Asthma Therapy program and the FitEx statewide walking program. Her collaborations include the VA medical system, 4-H programs, and yoga studios, emphasizing real-world implementation of evidence-based practices.

Labs/Teams: The PARCI Lab focuses on translating research into actionable health strategies through multimedia channels, including YouTube and podcast content.