Health and Wellness Laboratory
College of Education and Human Development
The Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation offers a Bachelor of Science Degree (HPER) with concentrations in the areas of Health and Physical Education (Teacher Licensure), Kinesiology (HPER Non-Licensure), Sport Law (HPER 3+3)
ABOUT
Welcome to the Health and Wellness Laboratory at Jackson State University! The lab is housed within the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) in the College of Education and Human Development. Our mission is to advance health equity and well-being among underserved and racially/ethnically diverse populations through rigorous, community-engaged research and innovative technology. We focus on the intersections of physical activity, mental health, and social determinants of health, with a commitment to translating research into real-world impact for individuals, communities, and schools.
Room 101, Joseph A. Johnson Building
MEET THE DIRECTORS
Joon Young Lee, PhD. Assistant Professor & Co-Director
Dr. Lee earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Sport Pedagogy and Motor Behavior) from the University of North Texas. He holds two master’s degrees: one in Human Motor Behavior from Chung-Ang University (South Korea) and one in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology from Barry University (Miami, FL), along with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Chung-Ang University. His research focuses on psychological aspects of physical activity, mental performance and cognitive function, and developing movement-based and complementary mental health interventions across the lifespan, using community-engaged approaches to advance health equity.
Email: joon_young.lee@jsums.edu | Phone: 601-979-6327
Brieah Hudson, DrPH. Assistant Professor & Co-Director
Dr. Hudson earned her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and Master of Public Health (MPH) from Jackson State University. She holds several professional certifications, including Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), and Certified Health Promotion Professional (CHP).
Her research focuses on health equity and chronic disease prevention, with particular emphasis on kidney health disparities and community-engaged interventions in underserved populations. She integrates culturally responsive strategies and emerging technologies to address social determinants of health in Southern and historically marginalized communities.
Email: brieah.d.hudson@jsums.edu | Phone: 601-979-1773
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Lee, J., & Hudson, B. (2026). Educational pathways to health equity: The contribution of HBCU-led health and physical teacher education program. Urban Education. Advance online publication. (In Press)
- Lee, J., Dixon, D., Goodson, A., & Simpson, D. (2026). Exploring mental health and service access among HBCU student-athletes: A mixed-methods study. Psychology of Sport & Exercise. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103066
- Lee, J., Kim, J., Robinson, J., & Huh, J. H. (2026). Mental health and cultural barriers in collegiate sport: A cross-national mixed-methods study of U.S. and South Korean collegiate athletes. Journal of Sport and Social Issues. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/01937235251408815
- Michael, L. H., Hudson, B. D., & Horne, K. T. (2026). School climate as primary prevention: Mental health and violence outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. South (2015–2024). Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 6(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.55533/2996-6833.1127
- Lee, J., Keller, J., Alvarez, A., & Zhang, T. (2025). A mixed-methods approach to investigating family influence on motor skill development in Head Start preschoolers. Perceptual and Motor Skills. Advance online publication https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125251365071
- Michael, L. H., & Hudson, B. D. (2025). Assessing healthcare insurance policies in Mississippi: An evaluation of public and private options. The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors, 27(1). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/jramp/vol27/iss1/1
- Lee, J., & Hwang, S. (2025). Aim high, hit ×10: Psychological strategies driving the success of South Korean archers. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1482897. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1482897
- Lee, J., Robinson, J., Huh, J. H., & Kim, E. S. (2024). Body mass index as a determinant of lower limb function and community well-being in older adults: Analysis of 2020 national older Korean survey data. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 36(8), 696–704 https://doi.org/10.1177/10105395241275224
- Lee, J., Kim, E. S., Lee, H., & Huh, J. H. (2024). Decadal trends in physical activity adherence among Korean older adults: An analysis of national survey of older Korean data, 2011–2020. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 32(4), 461–471. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2023-0341
- Lee, J., & Park, J. (2024). The role of grit in inclusive education: A study of motivation and achievement among preservice physical education teachers. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1332464. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1332464
- Lee, J. (2023). Applying educational psychology in coaching athletes. The Sport Psychologist, 37, 306–308. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2023-0097
- Lee, J., Keller, J., & Zhang, T. (2023). Relation between demographics and physical activity among preschoolers attending Head Start. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 32, 2229–2239.https://doi.org/ 10.1007/s10826-022-02468-x
The Health and Wellness Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment to support both research and instructional activities.
- ActiGraph LEAP Pro (physical activity monitoring)
- Artinis Brite Lite Frontal — fNIRS (prefrontal cortex oxygenation)
- BlazePod Trainer Bundle (reaction time & cognitive-motor training)
- Senaptec Pro Strobe (visual & cognitive performance)
- BOSU NexGen Balance Trainer (balance & neuromuscular assessment)
- Blood pressure monitors
- Skinfold calipers (body composition assessment)
- Handgrip dynamometers (muscular strength)
- Goniometers (range of motion)
- FIT Step 2 – Power Plus Pedometers (step counting & ambulatory activity)
- SECA 777 Digital Scale (height & weight measurement)
- Computers and software packages for data analysis and research
GET INVOLVED
The Health & Wellness Laboratory welcomes motivated undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about health equity, physical activity, and community-engaged research. We offer research assistant opportunities that provide hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and scholarly dissemination.
Academic Programs Interested in joining our department? Learn more about our undergraduate and graduate programs at the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: https://www.jsums.edu/healthedu/
Research Assistant Opportunities Students interested in joining the lab as a research assistant are encouraged to reach out directly to Dr. Lee. Please include a brief statement of your research interests and your current CV or resume. Email: joon_young.lee@jsums.edu
