Education

• Ph.D. in Health Promotion, University of Oklahoma, 2015
• M.S. in Health Promotion, University of Oklahoma, 2010 
• M.S. in Bioinformatics, Bharathidasan University, India, 2005 

Research Interests

• Using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a supportive treatment therapy for cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and other chronic diseases.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive lifestyle interventions to increase physical activity levels and decrease chronic disease risk.
• Improving balance and physical functional performance among middle-aged and older adults to reduce the risk of falls and facilitate independent living and healthy aging.

Select Publications

• Zacharia, S., Taylor, E. L., Branscum, P.W., Cheney, M. K., Hofford, C.W., & Crowson, M. (2018). Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Adults with Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Trial. American Journal of Health Studies. 33(2), 89-98.
• Zacharia, S., Taylor, E. L., Hofford, C., Brittain, D., & Branscum, P. (2013). Effects of an 8-week Tai Chi exercise program on physical functional performance in middle-aged women. Journal of Applied Gerontology. 34(5), 573-589.
• Zacharia, S., Funk, M., Alshuwaiyer, G., Gwin, S., Taylor, E. L., & Branscum, P. (2013). Internet-based physical activity interventions at the worksite: A systematic review. American Journal of Health Studies. 28(3), 114-126.

Affiliations

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
• National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, since 2016
• Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), Affiliate member, 2018-Present
• American Public Health Association (APHA), Affiliate member, 2012-Present
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Affiliate member, 2011-Present

Courses

• HPEX 352 - Substance Abuse
• HPEX 354 - Coping & Adaptation
• HPEX 371 - Exercise Psychology
• HEMS 642 - Theoretical Foundations of Health Behavior Change 
• HEMS 648 - Health Behavior Change Counseling Techniques for Clinical Interventions