Gina Besenyi

Dr. Besenyi's research centers on the role of natural and built environments in shaping physical activity and mental health, with a focus on developing and evaluating interventions that are scalable, accessible, and grounded in real-world contexts. Her primary areas of research include: Nature-based physical activity and its impact on mental and physical health Integration of physical activity into clinical and behavioral health services Community- and park-based health promotion interventions Health equity and reducing disparities in access to physical activity opportunities Implementation science and translation of evidence-based interventions into practice Use of technology (e.g., wearable devices, digital platforms) to support engagement and measurement Psychosocial and behavioral mechanisms underlying physical activity participation (e.g., stress, affect regulation, social connection) Her work frequently focuses on underserved and priority populations, including individuals with serious mental illness, cancer survivors, and rural communities.