Sofia Medina

Graduate research assistant
Email: smedin6@uic.edu

Sofia Medina completed a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is pursuing a master’s degree at UIC in kinesiology with an emphasis on exercise psychology.

Her research interests include the relationship between mood and movement behaviors (physical activity and sedentary time) among female adolescents. As an assistant fitness coordinator at the UIC Recreation Center, a teaching assistant in the kinesiology department, and a graduate research assistant in the Healthy Kids Lab, she has worked with youth to promote healthy behaviors through exercise, nutrition and sleep. After her graduation in May 2022, she will continue her education to become a physical therapist.

Mandy Vukits

Doctoral graduate student
Email: avukit2@uic.edu

Mandy Vukits received a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences and a master’s degree in public health from DePaul University. She worked as a communications director in the nonprofit sector before earning a master’s in nutrition science with a focus on community health and nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher.

She is a second-year PhD student in the UIC Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition. Her research interests include intervention development, community health, and the effects of mind-body therapy practices on mental health. She joined the Healthy Kids Lab in fall 2021.

Muhammad Diab

Undergraduate research assistant
Email: mdiab@uic.edu

Muhammad Diab is a senior in kinesiology at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is a member of the Honors College, Pre-Dental Club and other service organizations.

He is a dental assistant at an oral surgery clinic, with plans to become a dentist serving the marginalized communities of Chicago. He enjoys soccer, weight-lifting and chess. He joined the Healthy Kids Lab in summer 2021 through the Helen Barton fellowship.

Elizabeth Figueroa

Undergraduate research assistant
Email: efigue6@uic.edu

Elizabeth Figueroa is a fourth-year student in psychology with a minor in kinesiology at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is a resident assistant in Campus Housing, a student leader in the Campus Outreach organization and a personal trainer at the Student Recreation Facility. She enjoys working out and listening to music. She plans a career in health care that bridges the gap between mental and physical health.

Xiomara Y. Hernandez

Undergraduate research assistant
Email: xherna4@uic.edu

Xiomara Hernandez is a third-year student in biological sciences, with a minor in Spanish for the professions, at the University of Illinois Chicago. Born in Chicago and raised in Mexico, she saw the many sacrifices her parents made and the lack of resources for immigrants. Her goal is to become a physician, practicing in infants’ or women’s health. She joined the Healthy Kids Lab in summer 2021 with the help of a L@s GANAS Research Fellowship and the Medicina Scholars Program.

Setareh Kaikavousi

Undergraduate research assistant
Email: skaika2@uic.edu

Setareh Kaikavousi is a fourth-year student in kinesiology at the University of Illinois Chicago. Previously an undergraduate teaching assistant, she joined the Healthy Kids Lab in summer 2021 through a Helen Barton Fellowship. Her goal is to become a traveling physical therapist, focusing on pediatrics, in underserved Middle Eastern communities. She is a certified personal trainer at Columbia College in Chicago.

Jared Donald Ramer

PhD candidate
Email: jramer2@uic.edu

Jared Ramer is completing the final year of his PhD at University of Illinois Chicago, where he also earned a master’s degree in kinesiology. He has been head instructor for undergraduate courses in fitness, exercise techniques and psychology during his seven years as a graduate student.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in wellness program management with a minor in fitness leadership at Graceland University in Iowa, where he was an exercise instructor. As an intern for Iowa Team Fitness, he educated PE teachers about exercise instruction and taught fitness leadership to high school students.

A certified personal trainer, he has been a class instructor and wellness consultant in research and corporate settings.

Jennifer Quijada Peralta

Graduate research assistant
Email: Jquija2@uic.edu

Jennifer Peralta received a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Illinois Chicago
and a bachelor of medical science from Dominican University. As a research assistant in kinesiology, she worked with children in an after-school physical activity program.

After graduation, she managed a personal training facility Miami, Florida, before enrolling in the nutrition coordinated master’s program at UIC. She owns a personal training business specializing in functional strength training and focuses on encouraging the Latinx community to embrace its cultural foods. She joined the Healthy Kids Lab in spring 2022.