Lauren Opielinski, PhD

Lauren is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Neuromuscular Physiology of Human Movement Lab. Lauren completed her PhD and MS at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science after obtaining her BS in Exercise Physiology. 

Lauren's research career began as an undergraduate student in the Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Research Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Alexander Ng where Lauren worked on exercise training studies in these populations. Building on this interest of cancer and fatigue, she went on to earn her MS in 2020 with Dr. Paula Papanek focusing her research on a lifestyle intervention for African American prostate cancer survivors where she primarily investigated strength characteristics in these individuals. With the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, research opportunities changed dramatically and Lauren became the student primary investigator of a team science research study evaluating the persistent effects of COVID-19 on physical activity, physical function, and psychological health. 

Presently, at the University of Michigan, Lauren is interested in studying aging, fatigue, and exercise performance. 

Outside the lab, Lauren enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking with her husband and dog and exploring local coffee shops.