Lab Director
Dr. Shelby Keye
Dr. Shelby Keye received her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, followed by a master’s degree in Exercise and Health Sciences from University of Massachusetts Boston. She completed her PhD in Kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Her research areas of interest involve investigating the influence of physical activity patterns in children on their cognitive and motor functions. She has a particular interest in populations typically understudied in the field such as such as preschool aged children and toddlers to better understand development, as well as children from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds. She also is working to develop and implement community based interventions that focus on increasing physical activity and improving physical fitness to optimize brain health and development for children.
Graduate Students
Revati Malani
Revati is a second-year PhD student with us at the PLAY Lab. She completed her PT School in India, after which she joined the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign for her MSc in Health and Kinesiology. Her research interests are exploring the effects of mind-body exercises on brain and cognitive health in middle-aged and older adults. Outside of the lab, Revati loves to eat and read books (specially by BIPOC authors).
Paige Witte
Paige is a second-year PhD student with us at the PLAY Lab. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois, after which she joined the Health and Kinesiology Graduate Program. Her research interests are exploring the relationship between cognitive function and physical activity, specifically sport, in children. Outside of the lab, Paige enjoys running, concerts, and following professional sports.
Undergraduate Students
Julia Cox – Junior studying Kinesiology
Meghan Edwards – Senior studying I-Health
Pranav Kondagunta – Senior studying Kinesiology and Psychology
Olivia McCormick – Junior studying Kinesiology
Reese Patton – Sophomore studying Kinesiology
Lorelie Yau – Sophomore studying Human Development and Family Studies
