
LAB MEMBERS
Dr. Katie Potter, Lab Director
Education:
-
BA, Psychology, SUNY New Paltz
-
MS, Kinesiology, UNC Greensboro
-
PhD, Exercise science, University of South Carolina
-
Postdoc, Cardiovascular behavioral medicine, The Miriam Hospital/Brown Medical School
Research Interests:
-
Exercise motivation and adherence
-
Stealth health interventions
-
Physical and psychosocial benefits of the human-dog bond
-
Mental and cognitive benefits of physical activity and exercise
Affiliations: American College of Sports Medicine, Society of Behavioral Medicine


Colleen Chase, PhD Student
Education:
-
BA, Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
-
MS, Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Colleen is passionate about finding ways to help others increase physical activity engagement, adherence and enjoyment - in particular when coupled with the benefits of the human-animal bond and being in nature. Outside of the laboratory, Colleen loves trail running, hiking, gardening and beekeeping.
Colleen's CV:
Emily Smith-Kaufman,
Undergraduate Student
Emily is a pre-veterinary science major and aspires to work as a companion animal veterinarian. She is fascinated by the ways pets can enrich various aspects of their owner's lives and vice versa. Outside of school, Emily enjoys watching movies, volunteering with Special Olympics, and going to the beach!


Becky Wolf, Undergraduate Student
Becky is an environmental science major on a pre-medical track. She is very interested in preventative medicine. Becky has a rescue dog named Tess, and outside of school loves to cook, hike, and go to the beach.
Casey Rideout,
Undergraduate Student


Allyson Reinert,
Undergraduate Student
Allyson is a Kinesiology and Public Health dual degree candidate on the Pre-Medical track. She has a passion for increasing individual’s overall health specifically through stealth health interventions in their daily life. Outside of the lab, she is a member of UMass CHAARG, a campus tour guide, and a small business owner. She is a dog lover, often exploring with her rescue dog, Marlee.
Dr. Laura B. Balzer, Biostatistician
-
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Website: https://www.balzerlab.com/
#DogsAndDAGS
