Who are we?

The HiActivity research study is in collaboration with Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Hennepin Healthcare, and Butler Hospital. The study is funded by the National Institute of Aging (NIA/NIH).

Meet the research team:

Twin Cites Team:

Dr. Jason Baker is the Division Director of HIV Medicine and Infectious Disease at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, and Professor of Medicine and the University of Minnesota. His research includes a focus on improving long-term health outcomes for people living with HIV.  When not at work, he recharges by going for long runs.   

Dr. Andrew Busch is a clinical psychologist who works at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on the interaction of mental and physical health. Dr. Busch tries to get his daily steps in by being active for 5 minutes between work obligations.

Dr. Kerry Sheets is a geriatrician at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis who provides aging-focused care to older adults living with HIV. Her research focuses on dementia and aging-related changes in physical function. She enjoys walking and running along the Mississippi River.

Providence Team:

Dr. Lisa Uebelacker is a clinical psychologist at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. She conducts research on methods to help people with chronic pain, HIV, and depression increase their levels of physical activity.  She likes to go for walks with friends in order to increase her steps.

Dr. Megan Pinkston is a clinical psychologist who works at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. She has been providing behavioral health treatment to people living with HIV for over 20 years. She gets a lot of exercise by running after her children.

Dr. Ana Abrantes is a clinical psychologist at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. She conducts research on physical activity interventions for individuals with mental health problems and addictive behaviors.