Meet the Team
CMAH LAB Staff
Lab Director
Leah Robinson, Ph.D., FACSM
B.S. - Physical Education & Biology, North Carolina Central University, 2000
M.S. - Sport and Exercise Science, The Ohio State University, 2002
Ph.D. - Sport and Exercise Science, The Ohio State University, 2007
Research Interests: Using evidence-based interventions that are grounded in Achievement Goal Theory to promote motor skills acquisition, physical activity, and physical health & development in preschool- and school-age children.
Research Scientist
Kara K. Palmer, Ph.D.
B.S. - Human Performance and Recreation, University of Southern Mississippi, 2012
M. Ed. - Kinesiology, Auburn University, 2013
Ph.D. - Kinesiology, University of Michigan 2019
Research Interests: My research examines the importance of motor competence from a developmental and health perspective. I am primarily interested in (1) examining how motor competence, perceived motor competence, and physical activity support current and future health, and (2) designing and implementing evidence-based interventions to improve these outcomes.
Measurement Coordinator
María Enid Santiago-Rodríguez, Ph.D., ACSM-RCEP
B.A. - English Education Elementary & Secondary Level
M. Ed. - Exercise Science Specialization in Exercise Physiology
Ph.D. - Kinesiology & Nutrition Specialization in Exercise Psychology
Research Interests: I am a former elementary school teacher as well as a movement behavior (collectively known as physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) scientist trained to design and implement movement behavior programs in youth. I am particularly interested in designing and implementing interventions to improve physical activity and sleep levels while reducting sedentary time among female adolescents to help reduce sex disparities in health outcomes such as body composition, anxiety levels, and mood.
Data Manager
Aaron Wood, Ph.D.
B.S. - Kinesiology, East Carolina University, 2015
M.S. - Kinesiology, East Carolina University, 2018
Ph.D.- Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee, 2022
Research Interests: Understanding the motor and cognitive development of children as it relates to physical activity and as guided by the psychology-based approach on Dynamic Systems Theory.
Lab Coordinator
Tannaz (Taz) Sabet, M.A.
B.S. - Social Psychology York University, Toronto
M.A.- Counseling Psychology, Adler University
Doctoral Candidates/Students
Stephanie Palmer
B.S. - Psychology, Southeast Missouri State University
M. Ed. - Exercise Science, Southern Illinois University
Ph.D. - Movement Science, University of Michigan (Expected Graduation, 2024)
Research Interest: I am interested in motor skill development, factors that
influence motor skill development, and the role of motor skill development in
supporting other aspects of child development in children with and without
developmental disabilities. I am a personal trainer and fitness instructor and I have
worked as a behavioral therapy implementer for children with Autism.
Leesi George-Komi
B.S. ED - Exercise and Sport Science, University of Georgia, 2018
M.S. - Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of Georgia, 2021
Ph.D. - Kinesiology, University of Michigan (Expected Graduation: 2025)
Research Interest: Supporting children to develop greater perceptions of their
motor competence and improve their motor development as well as the impact of
psychological factors (e.g., anxiety, depression) on motor development and health
outcomes.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
John Adams
Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Undecided
John is fascinated with numbers and analyzing data, it is a fascinating puzzle that constantly challenges his mind. Over the years, he has had the privilege of coaching and mentoring talented young children, nurturing their potential, and helping them develop essential skills. He is eager to combine his passion for numbers and his experience with tutoring to be a positive influence on future generations. While his major remains undeclared, John is excited to explore academic paths that allow him to delve into the fields of data analysis and kinesiology.
Madison Bray
Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Movement Science
Madison is deeply enthusiastic about working with children, most recently spending her summers volunteering with critically-ill children at a local children’s hospital and working as a behavioral therapist with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She hopes to apply knowledge gained through her involvement in the CMAH lab as she pursues a future as an occupational therapist for individuals with physical and cognitive impairments.
Martin “Joe” Clynes
Graduation Year: 2027
Major: English and Psychology
Joe has been heavily involved with the development of children through his work at various summer camps, volunteer opportunities, and as a coach. He has always loved working with children of all ages and is especially interested in the way that physical activity leaves its mark on children. Joe is assisting in the CMAH lab to support the health of children and to learn all that he can about psychology, kinesiology, and research practices.
Imani Drame
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Movement Science
Imani has the passion and drive for helping, encouraging, and nurturing children, adolescents, and teens, especially those with special and unmet needs. Whether working in daycare, building a childcare business, or serving as an athletic trainer for high school teams, she always makes her mark. Imani’s goal is to parlay her Kinesiology training and education into a career serving neurodivergent youth as a physical therapist.
Daley Fitzpatrick
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Biology, Health, & Society and Spanish
Service work in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Tanzania have ignited Daley’s passion for global health and caring for others. She has always enjoyed working with children whether babysitting or coaching. She is eager to learn more through the CMAH lab and after graduating, she intends to attend medical school.
Morgan Horvath
Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Biology, Health, and Society (LSA)
Morgan is assisting the lab to better her understanding of motor skill development and the research field. In the future, she is hoping to incorporate this knowledge and experience into her career and attend medical school.
Shaira Marquez
Graduation Year: 2023
Major: Kinesiology & Moral and Political Philosophy
Shaira is a UM senior known for their passion and dedication to working with children while promoting mental and physical health in all contexts. With a background in Kinesiology and the human body, Shaira wishes to use this knowledge to pursue school as a chiropractor.
Past Graduate/Undergraduate Students
