Karin Pfeiffer, assistant professor of kinesiology, does research on physical activity and its effects on youth. Photo by Harley Seeley

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As the renovations at IM Circle for the Department of Kinesiology wrap up, researcher Karin Pfeiffer is being kept busy with multiple projects. Along with her work on accelerometers, a device that measures acceleration similar to a pedometer that measures steps, Pfeiffer is measuring and then seeking to increase activity in both elementary and middle school children.

Seeking funding for a project with Subir Biswas, a professor in the College of Engineering, her work looks at multiple accelerometers being used as a wearable-wireless network.

Another project, Project FIT in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, aims to increase physical activity and healthy dietary behaviors in third- to fifth-grade students. Another project, Spartners for Heart Health, has the same goals as Project FIT and helps fifth-graders in schools across the state by utilizing undergraduate kinesiology and dietetics student mentors.

Pfeiffer’s last project, Girls on the Move, a joint project with Lorraine Robbins, a professor in the College of Nursing, works to get non-active middle school girls up and moving.

“Have I always wanted to work with children? Yes,” Pfeiffer said. “That is pretty much what I‘ve always done since day one of learning about research.”

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