Jeanette Garcia is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at UCF. She holds a MS in Psychology and a PhD in Exercise Physiology, with an emphasis on public health and behavioral medicine. Her area of research focused on the development and implementation of community-based health interventions to improve physical and psychosocial health in children and adolescents. Garcia has a particular interest in examining health behaviors in youth with social/emotional/behavioral disorders, primarily Autism Spectrum Disorder. The majority of her research takes place in school settings, using objective measures of behavior monitoring (e.g. accelerometers) to assess health behaviors such as physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep quality in typically developing youth and youth with social/emotional/behavioral disorders. Additionally, she aims to further examine how the promotion of health behaviors in school settings may influence classroom behavior and academic performance, particularly for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Areas of Expertise
- Special populations
- Mixed-method designs
- Behavioral Medicine
- Activity assessment
Credentials
- Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy, Exercise Physiology, University of Virginia
- MS, Master of Science, Psychology
- Postdoctoral Training, Harvard University
Affiliations
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Recent Publications
Ash T, Bowling A, Davison KK, Garcia JM. Physical activity interventions for children with social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities: A systematic review. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. 2017; 38:431 – 445.
Healy S, Haegle JA, Grenier M, Garcia JM. Physical Activity, Screen-Time Behavior, and Obesity among 13-year olds in Ireland with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2017; 47: 49-57.
Garcia JM, Agaronov A, Sirard JR, Whaley D, Rice DJ, Weltman A. Psychosocial and Friend Influences on Sedentary Behavior and Screen Time: A Mixed Methods Analysis. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2017; 14: 213-221.
Garcia JM, Cox DJ, Rice DJ. Associations of Physiological and Psychological Health Outcomes with Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. 2017; 14: 213-221.
Garcia JM, Sirard JR, Larson R, Bruening M, Wall M, Neumark-Stzainer D. Social and Psychological Factors Associated With Adolescent Physical Activity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. September 2016; 13(9): 957-963.
Current Funded Projects
Partnership to Increase Physical Activity and Overall Well-being in Typically Developing Girls and Girls with Varying Exceptionalities: Girls on the Run Program – August 2017 – present
Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Modified-Judo Training Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder – April 2017 – present
Areas of Specialty
- Health behaviors in youth with social/emotional/behavioral disorders
- Community-based health interventions
- Link between health behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, sleep, screen time) & academic performance