Jessica Smith-Ricketts
Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Biography
Dr. Jessica Smith-Ricketts is an assistant professor for the School of Health and Human Sciences. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in exercise science. Her research focuses on behavioral strategies that increase motivation to participate in physical activity in generally sedentary populations. Her current research is focused on gamification and the impact immersive exercise modalities may have on psychological variables.
Education
- B.S. in exercise science | Longwood University | 2019
- M.S. in exercise science | University of Tennessee, Knoxville | 2021
- Ph.D. in exercise physiology | Kent State University | 2025
Academic and Professional Experience
Committees and Professional Memberships
- American College of Sports Medicine
- North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
Work Experience
- 2025-present, assistant professor of exercise science at South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University
Research and Scholarly Work
Areas of Research
- Exercise psychology
- Behavioral science
Publications
- Elsey, G.E., Smith-Ricketts, J., Kohan, D., Lepp, A. and Barkley, J.E. (2025). Perceived changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and stress during the pandemic predict current levels of these same variables. International Journal of Exercise Science, 18(4), 306.
- Smith-Ricketts, J., Elsey, G.E., Kohan, D., Lepp, A. and Barkley, J.E. (2024). Fluctuations in physical activity over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: Direct original research. Research in Health and Medicine, 4(1).
- Lepp, A., Smith-Ricketts, J. and Barkley, J.E. (2023). COVID-19 infection outcomes and physical activity intensity in a sample of college students. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15598276231185503.
- Smith-Ricketts, J., Lepp, A. and Barkley, J.E. (2022). The negative relationship between objectively assessed physical activity and total smartphone usage: Direct original research. Research in Psychology and Behavior, 2(1).
- Smith-Ricketts, J., Beaumont, C.T., Fleming, J.K., Hornbuckle, L.M. and Strohacker, K. (2022). Exploring determinants of exercise-related affective valence in regular exercisers between the ages of 55 and 69 years. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 31(3), 440-452.
Associated Areas
