Jaclyn Hadfield, PhD, Receives American Association of University Women Research Grant
April 29, 2026
BATON ROUGE, LA – Jaclyn Hadfield, PhD, assistant professor in the LSU School of Kinesiology, received the American Short-Term Research Publication Grant from the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Hadfield’s funded project focuses on cross-cultural examination of women’s relationship with exercise, body
image beliefs and sociocultural factors, comparing populations in the United States
and Italy.
"I am honored to receive the AAUW Short-Term Research Publication Grant and to be associated with an organization so steadfastly committed to advancing equity in education,” Hadfield said. “This funding provides crucial support for junior faculty, enabling the rigorous cross-cultural examination of how sociocultural narratives in the United States and Italy influence women’s health behaviors. By analyzing these systemic pressures, my research aims to contribute significantly to the academic discourse on gender health inequities and inform evidence-based preventative health strategies.”
Hadfield leads the Women’s Exercise Culture and Behavior Lab at LSU, where she aims to create preventative health lifestyles for women to enhance overall well-being and bridge gender health inequity gaps domestically and globally. Hadfield researches the relationship between women’s pursuit of idealized body images and the resulting health outcomes, with a focus on sociocultural influences. Her work addresses how these ideals affect women’s health and behaviors, aiming to promote healthier body image and exercise engagement. She aspires to become a leading scholar in women’s health, shaping policies and cultural narratives for global positive change.
“Dr. Hadfield with her lab is committed to improving the health and quality of life of women in our community through her work that investigates women’s pursuit of idealized body images due to sociocultural pressures and how it relates to gender health inequities,” Arend Van Gemmert, PhD, director of the School of Kinesiology at LSU, said. “Her work not only enhances overall well‑being, but her mentorship of students also helps to cultivate the next generation of experts. Her work fits very well within the mission of the LSU School of Kinesiology to be a premier destination for research and education focused on understanding physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for all people.”
The American Short-Term Research Publication Grant provides funding to support the completion of scholarly research projects. This grant aims to increase the number of women in research, development, and academic leadership, and to promote gender equity across all spheres of research. Founded more than 140 years ago, AAUW is one of the largest funders of graduate women’s education and research.
About the LSU School of Kinesiology
The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education.