University of Florida graduate student receives scientific research award

Mary Murawski, a doctoral student in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions’ department of clinical and health psychology, has been recognized by the Society of Behavioral Medicine for her research on the psychological effects of exercise.

Murawski received an award for Best Scientific Research Poster and a citation award at the society’s annual meeting last month in Baltimore. She presented her research on the relationship between exercise and mood. In a study of 315 healthy adults, Murawski found that moderate intensity exercise performed five to seven days a week or high intensity exercise performed three to four days a week was most effective at improving energetic or cheerful mood in study subjects, but had no effect on improving depression or tension.

Michael G. Perri, Ph.D., a professor in the clinical and health psychology department and the college’s associate dean for research, serves as Murawski’s research adviser.