Melissa Jean Bopp, PhD - Penn State Cancer Institute
Researcher Profile
Recent Publications
2026
Bopp, M, Peterson, KT, Crescent, C & Simoncek, M 2026, 'Can Safe Routes to School and Transportation Policy Impact Child and Adolescent Health? A State-Level Policy Analysis', Journal of public health management and practice : JPHMP, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 79-85. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000002218
Sciamanna, CN, Ballentine, N, Bopp, MJ, Chinchilli, V, Ciccolo, JT, Delauter, G, Fisher, A, Fox, E, De Beur, SMJ, Kearcher, K, Kraschnewski, JL, Lehman, E, McTigue, KM, McAuley, E, Paranjape, A, Rodriguez-Colon, S, Rovniak, LS, Rutt, K, Smyth, JM, Stewart, KJ, Stuckey, H & Tsay, A 2026, 'Correction: Working to Increase Stability through Exercise (WISE): screening, recruitment, and baseline characteristics (Trials, (2021), 22, 1, (809), 10.1186/s13063-021-05761-0)', Trials, vol. 27, no. 1, 399. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-026-09811-3
Alamilla, RA, Keith, NCR, Hasson, RE, Bopp, M & King, KM 2026, 'Exercise Professionals Advocating for Physical Activity: A Call to Action', ACSM's Health and Fitness Journal, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 70-76. https://doi.org/10.1249/FIT.0000000000001170
Field-Gibson, R, Peterson, K, Crescent, C, Duffey, M & Bopp, M 2026, 'How Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Stress Across a Semester Differ by Self-Selection of Lecture-Based and Physical Activity-Based Classes Among US Students', American Journal of Health Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2025.2609310
Peterson, KT, Boyer, W, Wilson, OWA, Miller, A, Ryerson, N & Bopp, M 2026, 'Physical activity associated with binge drinking by gender and sexual orientation: Findings from the National College Health Assessment III', Journal of American College Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2026.2626150
Holmes, LM, McQuoid, J, Shepard, L, Anjum, N, Warner, E, Jasso, F, Bradley, D, Allen, A, Do, L, Bose, M & Bopp, M 2026, '“You thrive where you are:” Experiences of neighborhood built environments, mental health and wellbeing among residents of disinvested neighborhoods', Health and Place, vol. 99, 103663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2026.103663
2025
Peterson, KT, Barraco, G, Rodgers, M, Niessner, J & Bopp, M 2025, 'Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Associated with Physical Fitness and Activity Levels: An Exploratory Study of US College Students', International Journal of Exercise Science, vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 379-393. https://doi.org/10.70252/TWIX6855
Barraco, G & Bopp, M 2025, 'Examining the Behavioral, Psychological, and Environmental Variables Associated With Strength Training Engagement Among College Women', Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1123/wspaj.2025-0060
Bopp, M, Powers, S, Bose, M & Holmes, L 2025, 'Hiding access to quality parks: a case study examining ParkservTM and objective park assessment in an under-resourced community', Cities and Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/23748834.2025.2558406
Peterson, KT & Bopp, M 2025, 'Increasing Physical Activity Among North American Sexual/Gender Diverse Adults: A Socioecological Approach', Journal of Physical Activity and Health, vol. 22, no. 11, pp. 1401-1408. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2025-0138
Peterson, KT, Frederick, GM & Bopp, M 2025, 'LGBTQ+ college students report more barriers, less benefits to physical activity and sport participation: A quantitative and qualitative study', Journal of American College Health, vol. 73, no. 5, pp. 2046-2053. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2025.2511936
Peterson, KT & Bopp, M 2025, 'Lifestyle Behavior Patterns and Socio-Demographic Predictors Among US College Students: Implications for Chronic Condition Risk and Public Health Interventions', American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276251357526
Peterson, KT & Bopp, M 2025, 'Strategies from LGBTQ+ Gyms to Promote Inclusion in Fitness Spaces', ACSM's Health and Fitness Journal, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 29-37. https://doi.org/10.1249/FIT.0000000000001074
Taylor, S, Martin, J, Wilson, OWA, Elliot, L & Bopp, M 2025, 'The Impact of Physical Activity Enjoyment, Exercise Self-Efficacy, Recording Physical Activity, and Exercise Goal Setting on Physical Activity Levels of College Students', Recreational Sports Journal, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 33-45. https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661241261997
2024
Peterson, KT, Wilson, OWA, Herrick, SSC, Frederick, GM, Fedewa, MV, Sullivan, K & Bopp, M 2024, 'A Scoping Review of Physical Activity Interventions Among Sexual Minority Adults: A Call to Action for Future Research', Journal of Physical Activity and Health, vol. 21, no. 12, pp. 1286-1295. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2024-0336
Elliott, LD, Lieberman, M, Rovniak, LS, Bose, M, Holmes, L & Bopp, M 2024, 'Barriers and strategies to implementing safe routes to school programs within disadvantaged communities: Interviews with state-level representatives', Journal of Transport and Health, vol. 36, 101800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2024.101800
Bopp, M, Elliott, LD, Peterson, KT, Duffey, M & Wilson, OWA 2025, 'Domain matters: An examination of college student physical activity participation patterns by gender and race/ethnicity', Journal of American College Health, vol. 73, no. 5, pp. 1921-1929. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2362317
Elliott, LD, McLeod, K & Bopp, M 2024, 'How do complete streets policies and legislative ordinances implement explicit wording regarding low-income populations and communities of color? A qualitative analysis', Cities, vol. 155, 105443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.105443
Wilson, OWA, Ryerson, N, Duffey, M & Bopp, M 2025, 'Muscle-strengthening activity is associated with total alcohol consumption and binge drinking among U.S. college students', Journal of American College Health, vol. 73, no. 9, pp. 3523-3528. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2422334
Jasso, F, Elliott, LD & Bopp, M 2024, 'Planning for everyone? An examination of state bike plans for equity related content', Cities, vol. 149, 104923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.104923
Peterson, KT & Bopp, M 2024, 'Reducing LGBTQ+ Physical Activity Disparities Through Improved Measurement and Inclusion of Sexual Orientation in US National Data Sets', Journal of Physical Activity and Health, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 7-8. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2023-0519
Dzieniszewski, E, Myers, AN, Elliott, LD & Bopp, M 2024, 'Skills and Hills: Factors that Influence Women’s and Non-Binary College Students’ Decisions to Commute Via Bicycle', International Journal of Exercise Science, vol. 17, no. 8, pp. 1003-1015.
Peterson, KT & Bopp, M 2025, 'Where’s the Joy in That? Sexual Minority College Students Report Lower Physical Activity Engagement and Enjoyment Compared to Heterosexual Students', Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, vol. 96, no. 1, pp. 183-191. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2024.2383944
2023
Peterson, KT, Bopp, M, Frederick, GM, Powers, SL & Wilson, OWA 2023, 'Campus Recreation Amenity Use Differences by Sexual Orientation Among US College Students', Recreational Sports Journal, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 118-125. https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661231183434
Rovniak, LS, Cho, JAY, Freivalds, A, Kong, LAN, De Araujo-Greecher, M, Bopp, M, Sciamanna, CN & Rothrock, L 2023, 'Effects of Desk Pedaling Work Rate on Concurrent Work Performance among Physically Inactive Adults: A Randomized Experiment', Medicine and science in sports and exercise, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 20-31. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003026
Bopp, M, Bose, M, Elliott, LD, Washington, N & Needer, P 2023, 'Neighborhood Assessment of the Environment for Physical Activity: Engaging Adolescents Within an Under-resourced Community', Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 665-677. https://doi.org/10.1353/cpr.2023.a914123
Wilson, OWA, Elliott, LD, Cardinal, BJ, Duffey, M & Bopp, M 2023, 'Physical Activity Behaviors and Campus Recreation Use of Students Enrolled in Summer Transition Programs at a Large Northeastern United States University', Recreational Sports Journal, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 67-73. https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661231157681
Elliott, LD & Bopp, M 2024, 'Success and Challenges of Community Bicycle Advocacy Organizations in Reaching Underserved Populations', Community Health Equity Research and Policy, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 3-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X231211418
Wilson, OWA, Powers, SL, Frederick, GM, Peterson, KT & Bopp, M 2023, 'Transgender and Nonbinary College Student Inclusivity in Campus Recreation: Perceptions of North American Staff', Recreational Sports Journal, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 74-80. https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661231156439
Elliott, LD, Lieberman, M, Rovniak, LS, Bose, M, Holmes, LM & Bopp, M 2023, 'What are States Doing to Encourage Safe Routes to School Programming in Disadvantaged Communities? Findings From a U.S. Mixed-Methods Survey', Transportation Research Record, vol. 2677, no. 5, pp. 1151-1163. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981221140363
2022
Elliott, LD & Bopp, M 2022, 'Bicycle advocacy organizations and coalitions’ capacity for equitable programming: Findings from a national survey', Journal of Transport and Health, vol. 25, 101367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2022.101367
Powers, SL, Wilson, OWA & Bopp, M 2022, 'Challenges Faced and Solutions Implemented in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic among North American College Campus Recreation Staff', Recreational Sports Journal, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 3-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661211052077
Sciamanna, CN, Ballentine, NH, Bopp, M, Chinchilli, VM, Ciccolo, JT, Delauter, G, Fisher, A, Fox, EJ, Jan De Beur, SM, Kearcher, K, Kraschnewski, JL, Lehman, E, McTigue, KM, McAuley, E, Paranjape, A, Rodriguez-Colon, S, Rovniak, LS, Rutt, K, Smyth, JM, Stewart, KJ, Stuckey, HL & Tsay, A 2022, 'Correction to: Working to increase stability through exercise (WISE): screening, recruitment, and baseline characteristics (Trials, (2021), 22, 1, (809), 10.1186/s13063-021-05761-0)', Trials, vol. 23, no. 1, 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06018-0
Panza, M, Redman, G, Vierimaa, M, Vella, SA, Bopp, M & Evans, MB 2022, 'Developing and evaluating a peer-based mental health literacy intervention with adolescent athletes', PloS one, vol. 17, no. 12 December, e0274761. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274761
Elliott, LD, Tran, B, Dzieniszewski, E, Duffey, M, Wilson, OWA & Bopp, M 2024, 'Differences in United States college student physical activity and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity', Journal of American College Health, vol. 72, no. 6, pp. 1678-1683. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2093117
Bhuiyan, N, McNeill, LH, Bopp, M, Downs, DS & Mama, SK 2022, 'Fostering spirituality and psychosocial health through mind-body practices in underserved populations', Integrative Medicine Research, vol. 11, no. 1, 100755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2021.100755
Bopp, M, Wilson, OWA, Elliott, LD, Holland, KE, Duffey, M & Papalia, Z 2023, 'Gender and race/ethnicity differences in occupational activity among students', Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 170-176. https://doi.org/10.1080/19338244.2022.2134282
Baker, K, Bopp, M, Bulger, SM, Chen, YC, Duffey, ML, Myers, B, Voelker, DK & Woodard, KF 2022, 'Kinesiology Faculty Reflections on COVID-19 and Future Directions in Online Education', Kinesiology Review, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 303-310. https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2022-0017
Elliott, LD, Wilson, OWA, Duffey, M & Bopp, M 2022, 'Participation in Higher Intensity Physical Activity Predicts Lower Depressive Symptom Incidence in College Students', International Journal of Exercise Science, vol. 15, no. 7, pp. 667-675.
Brooks, EM, Wilson, OWA, Elliott, LD, Duffey, M & Bopp, M 2022, 'Physical Activity is Related to Mental Health and Sexual Orientation Among Women in College', International Journal of Exercise Science, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 1347-1356. https://doi.org/10.70252/UCHE8670
Wilson, OWA, Powers, SL & Bopp, M 2022, 'Policies and Practices for Equity: Perspectives of Campus Recreation Staff in North America', Recreational Sports Journal, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 152-165. https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661221089340
Wilson, OWA, Gouda, D, Cardinal, BJ, Holland, KE, Elliott, LD, Duffey, M & Bopp, M 2024, 'Power 5 conference institutions’ summer transition program physical activity promotion efforts: A review', Journal of American College Health, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 661-664. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2056417
Wilson, OWA, Bullen, C, Duffey, M & Bopp, M 2024, 'The association between vaping and health behaviors among undergraduate college students in the United States', Journal of American College Health, vol. 72, no. 5, pp. 1360-1364. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2076097
Elliott, LD, Peterson, KT, Dzieniszewski, E, Wilson, OWA & Bopp, M 2022, 'The intersection of gender identity, sexual orientation, and active transportation behavior: An exploratory study', Journal of Transport and Health, vol. 26, 101477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2022.101477
Elliott, LD, McLeod, K & Bopp, M 2022, 'U.S. complete streets initiatives are lacking explicit language surrounding various demographic populations: A call to action', Transport Policy, vol. 123, pp. 40-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2022.05.003
Elliott, LD & Bopp, M 2024, 'United States’ universities are forgetting about equitable bicycle programming on campus', Journal of American College Health, vol. 72, no. 8, pp. 2922-2931. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2141058