Education
PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2011
MS, University of Michigan, 2002
Overview
Dr. Schrack's primary area of research is the epidemiological assessment of physical activity and fatigability, and their corresponding associations with health and longevity in older populations.
Physical activity and fatigability are modifiable risk factors for functional decline, disease development, and disability in older populations. These risk factors are intrinsically linked to physiologic regulation of energy expenditure at rest and during movement. Until recently, measures of human performance were limited to laboratory settings. However, the advent of wearable technology presents an unprecedented opportunity to better understand how quantities, patterns, and trends of daily activity predict physical and cognitive outcomes with aging. These technologically advanced monitors have the potential to ultimately transform clinical research and be widely used as preventative therapy tools.
Using advanced data collection and analytical methodology, Dr. Schrack is working to elucidate mechanisms of physical and cognitive decline by developing and validating new metrics of physical activity and fatigability for older populations. This work is crucial to understanding changes in physical and cognitive functioning with age that will inform future interventions aimed at curbing threats to healthy longevity including high fatigability, physical disability, and dementia.
Honors and Awards
2018 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching: Honors in Public Health
2017 Johns Hopkins University Catalyst Award
2014 - 2017 K01 Career Development Award, National Institute on Aging
2014 - 2015 Johns Hopkins Roybal Center Faculty Pilot Award
2013 - 2015 Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research Faculty Development Award