The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center (PRC) is kicking off its spring 2025 seminar series with a talk by Melissa Bopp, Penn State professor of kinesiology, “The kids are alright…right? An examination of physical and mental health outcomes for college students.”

On Feb. 5, Bopp will summarize more than a decade of research from Penn State’s Department of Kinesiology on how physical activity and other health behaviors impact physiological health outcomes and mental health in college students. These findings can be used to develop strategies to address chronic disease and possible health inequities.

The talks will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays through April 23 in 312 Biobehavioral Health Building and will also be broadcast via Zoom. Registration is required, and lunch will be provided to in-person attendees.

“We have an incredible line-up of science ‘rock stars’ speaking at this semester’s seminar series,” said Max Crowley, PRC director. “Join us for discussion of current and future work to prevent human suffering and promote human flourishing.”

The series features speakers with a wide array of expertise in fields related to health and human development, including Bopp and other Penn State faculty members Samantha Tornello; associate professor of human development and family studies (Feb. 26), Phil Jolly, associate professor in the School of Hospitality Management (March 5); Zachary Fisher; assistant professor of human development and family studies (April 2); Daryl Cameron, Penn State associate professor of psychology and director of Penn State’s Consortium on Moral Decision-Making (April 9); and Lori Francis, professor of biobehavioral health (April 16). Jerod Stapleton, professor of health, behavior and society at the University of Kentucky, will present a seminar on March 26.

For more information and to register, visit prevention.psu.edu/events.