W. Jack Rejeski

W. Jack Rejeski is a Research Professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine, with a 40-year academic career in the Department of Health and Exercise Science (HES). He collaborates with institutions including Northwestern School of Medicine and UK faculty, focusing on lifestyle behavior change to improve physical functioning in older adults with obesity and chronic conditions. His work includes developing group-mediated interventions for physical activity and weight loss.

• Education: B.S. in Biology/Psychology (Norwich University, 1970); M.A. in Exercise Science (University of Connecticut, 1975); Ph.D. in Social Psychology (University of Connecticut, 1978).

His research explores the neural mechanisms of obesity and weight loss in aging populations, particularly through the laboratory of Complex Brain Networks. He leads the Behavioral Core of the HALLO (Health, Aging & Later-Life Outcomes) grant and contributes to the MoTrPAC consortium studying molecular transducers of physical activity.

Key collaborations include Drs. Kritchevsky, Nicklas, and Miller, with over 15 clinical trials funded by NIH/NIA. His work integrates mHealth technologies and adaptive behavioral strategies for long-term weight management in older adults.

• Leadership Roles: Principal Investigator for MoTrPAC Exercise Intervention Core; Co-PI for HALLO; Consulting Investigator for Pepper Older Americans Independence Center.
• Methodology: Finite-element modeling for bone strength evaluation; computerized adaptive mobility assessment tools; multi-omic analyses of exercise responses.