Six College of Education mentored students selected for Auburn University Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Six students mentored in Auburn University’s College of Education, including four who are students in the college, were selected to receive 2025-26 Auburn University Undergraduate Research Fellowships. Ife Ayileka, AK Black, Marigrace Crossett, Grace Greer, Michaela Stanik, and Mary Walker will continue their research projects during the next academic year with the funding they received.

AK Black – Exercise Science

AK Black is a sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in exercise science with an anticipated graduation date of May 2027. Her research project is titled “Mechanical Energy Analysis of Dual-Task Walking: Age-Related Differences in Movement Efficiency” and she is mentored by Professor Wendi Weimar and doctoral student Kenny Harrison.

“This funding will support my hands-on research experience, allowing me to deepen my understanding of biomechanical analysis and movement efficiency – skills essential for my future as a physical therapist. It will also enhance my ability to contribute to the development of movement-based interventions for aging populations, particularly those affected by Parkinson’s disease,” she said.

Her career goal is to become a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s disease. I want to contribute to research-driven rehabilitation programs like LSVT-BIG, which trains people with Parkinson’s disease to use their body more normally.

“Inspired by my grandfather’s experience with Parkinson’s, I am passionate about developing new ways to improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions,” she said. “I’m excited to contribute meaningfully to the research and continue developing skills that will shape my future in physical therapy.”

Marigrace Crossett – Rehabilitation and Disability Studies

Marigrace Crossett, a native of Buford, Georgia, is majoring in rehabilitation and disability studies with an anticipated graduation date of May 2026. Her research project, “Cognitive Predictors of Dual-Task Gait Adaptations in Young and Older Adults,” investigates how different domains of cognitive function predict age-related biomechanical adaptations, such as ankle joint power generation, during walking. She is mentored by Associate Clinical Professor Chris Wilburn, with the help of Kenny Harrison.

“This funding will support the success of the study by helping to reduce barriers for older adults, who may face more challenges in traveling to the research site and completing the tasks,” she said. “By offering compensation, we can encourage their participation, improve recruitment and retention, and ensure we gather high-quality data from a key population necessary for understanding age-related differences in cognitive and motor function.”

Crossett hopes to attend an occupational therapy doctorate program and become a licensed Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

Grace Greer – Exercise Science

Grace Greer, a native of Auburn, is majoring in exercise science with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026. Her research project is titled “Spirit in Motion: Investigating Temporal-Spatial Learning in Tiger Eyes Visual Ensemble” and she is mentored by Associate Professor Jaimie Roper.

“I will use this funding to conduct a study on how temporal-spatial learning of the Auburn University Flag Line may enhance specific components of motor adaptation,” she said.

Her goal is to pursue a career as an OBGYN.

“This funding will allow me to prepare for medical school through research,” she said. “I plan to contribute both in the United States and missionally in Uganda. I want to be able to apply this research to my future career in medicine.”

Mary Walker – Exercise Science

Mary Walker is a sophomore from Spanish Fort, Alabama, majoring in exercise science with a minor in psychology and an anticipated graduation date of May 2027. Her research topic is “What does it mean to matter in sports?” and she is mentored by Assistant Clinical Professor Rachel Williams.

“This funding is crucial for helping me achieve my research goals to their fullest potential. It will alleviate financial stress and allow me to overcome potential obstacles that could limit the quality and depth of my project,” she said. “I am passionate about making a positive impact on people's lives through both clinical practice and research. This opportunity would allow me to develop valuable skills that I can carry into my future career.”

Walker’s career goal is to become a physical therapist specializing in geriatrics or neurology.

Ife Ayileka – Biomedical Sciences (mentored in Kinesiology)

Ife Ayileka is a native of Madison, Alabama, majoring in biomedical sciences – pre-med with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028. Her research project is titled “Leveling Up Fitness: Investigating the Impact of Nintendo RingFit Adventure on Parent and Child Health Outcomings” and she is mentored by Professor Danielle Wadsworth.

“The purpose of this research project is to determine the impact of the Nintendo RingFit Adventure game on physiological – (body composition, grip strength, balance, reaction time, and cardiorespiratory endurance) and psychological (sources of motivation, psychological needs and enjoyment) outcomes in children and parents,” Ayileka said.

She is planning to pursue a career as a pediatrician and hopes to use what she learns through research to develop practices to improve children’s health in the clinical realm.

“This fellowship and its funding will help me to develop and sharpen my research skills while also furthering my knowledge of components of pediatric health,” she said.

Michaela Stanik – Psychology (mentored in College of Education)

Michaela Stanik is a junior from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in psychology with a double minor in counseling and sociology, and she plans to graduate in May 2026. Her research project is titled “Fractured Foundations: Does Divorce Impact College Students’ Academic Performance, Mental Health, Financials, and Interpersonal Relationships” and she is mentored by Associate Professor Brian McCabe.

“I hope to work for the justice system where I will judge mental competence to stand trial and analyze behavioral problems while also analyzing mental health conditions,” she said. “This research would contribute to these goals because it allows me to examine potential cognitive and other factors that divorce may hurt, which could also affect individuals in the justice system. Family relations and mental disorders are something that may come up in my future career with my work.”

Her career goal is to obtain her Ph.D. and become a forensic psychologist.