Spyridoula Vazou

Dr. Vazou’s research focuses on: (a) motivating youth to be physically active within and outside of school, and (b) developing strategies to promote learning and academic performance in youth. To fulfill these objectives, her research activities are centered mainly on the qualitative characteristics of physical activity (within physical education, classroom, and after-school programs) and the integration of physical activity with academic lessons in the classroom. Dr. Vazou has developed the “Move for Thought elementary” and “Move for Thought PreK-K” programs that integrate physical activity with academics, shared by Iowa Department of Education and ISU Extension (www.moveforthought.org). Dr. Vazou is a core member of the SWITCH (School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health) program designed to help children to “Switch what they Do, View, and Chew” within the school environment (www.iowaswitch.org).