University of South Carolina
Prevention Research Center
921 Assembly Street
Columbia
SCUSA
29208
Biographical Sketch: Since 2003, Dr. Hooker has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Director of the Prevention Research Center, and Research Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Science in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina (USC). The research focus of the Prevention Research Center is promoting health through physical activity, with a special emphasis on policy, environmental and community strategies to promote physical activity. Dr. Hooker has experience and expertise in aging and physical activity, and is currently PI on two NIH-funded projects “Factors Influencing Physical Activity in Older African American Men” and “Impact of Physical Activity on Stroke and Cognitive Function in Older Adults.” He is also involved with projects evaluating the diverse impacts of recreational trails. Prior to coming to USC, Dr. Hooker served for 4 years as Chief of the Physical Activity and Health Initiative in the California Department of Health Services. Before being appointed Chief, Dr. Hooker created the California Active Aging Project and gained national recognition for translating research into practice to improve the promotion of physical activity to older adults. Dr. Hooker is currently chair of the Physical Activity Special Interest Group in APHA. Dr. Hooker has also served on expert advisory committees for physical activity and public health initiatives sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Archstone Foundation. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine for his exemplary record of research and publication.