Mickey Bolyard

Mickey is a Ph.D. student in Health & Kinesiology at the University of Utah. Their current research seeks to explore the implementation of health promotion interventions, including diabetes prevention programs and nature-based health interventions. 

In 2021, Mickey Bolyard received a B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), with minors in Art Studio and Psychology. In their senior year, they were accepted into the Department of Human Studies Honors Program, where they discovered an interest in research. In 2023, Mickey completed an M.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology and a Graduate Certificate in Research Communication.

During their undergraduate research experience, Mickey explored the effects of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketones on body composition and energy balance in obese mice. Following graduation, their master's research explored the tolerability and acceptability of commercial exogenous ketone supplements and their dose-response effects on circulating glucose and ketones in healthy young adults. Through these research experiences, Mickey gained an interest in disease prevention and sought to explore health promotion strategies at the community level. At the University of Utah, Mickey works with diabetes prevention interventions such as the mobile Wellness Bus and the school-based Team Thrive/Crush Diabetes interventions. 

During their undergraduate years, Mickey served with the Green Initiative at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This student organization educates undergraduate students about environmental issues and provides opportunities for activism and service. During their involvement with this organization, Mickey became interested in issues such as nature access, environmental justice, and nature-based health interventions. Mickey currently collaborates with the Justice & Nature team to explore potential nature-based health interventions and nature access for college students.