1. Teaching Assistant Professor (Career)
  2. Kinesiology
Email Addressamanda.mcmahon@wsu.edu
LocationSmith Gym 213-F
Phone509-335-5130

Biography

Amanda is a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology. She earned her Ph.D. and master’s degree in Prevention Science at WSU. Amanda teaches Philosophy of Human Movement and Sport and Human Motor Development. Her research interests focus on using technology devices to promote physical activity and movement in emerging adults with and without intellectual disabilities. She also studies mindfulness and how the practice can support mental health needs in vulnerable populations.

In addition to teaching and research, Amanda’s interests include enjoying the outdoors through backpacking, hiking, and rafting. One of her goals is to visit all the US National Parks.

Professional Experience

Positions held

  • 2021-Present Washington State University, Pullman, WA Assistant Professor of Kinesiology (Career Track)
  • 2016-2021     Washington State University, Pullman, WA Graduate Research Assistant for the Psychology of Physical Activity Laboratory (PPAL)
    • Supervise various research projects, including scheduling and conducting testing
    • Manage and train students for research testing and data entry
    • Assist in writing and submitting research projects
  • 2014-2016     Washington State University, Pullman, WA Lab Coordinator for the Exercise Physiology and Performance Laboratory (EPPL)
    • Managed athletic and general population testing for various pieces of exercise physiology equipment
    • Mentored and train lab research assistants for EPPL
    • Trained in exercise physiology equipment listed below:
      • Parvomedics metabolic cart for VO2Max testing and maintenance
      • BodPod testing and maintenance
      • Blood Lactate for continuous and discontinuous testing
      • Blood Pressure for continuous and discontinuous testing
      • Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
      • MicroQuark Spirometer and software
      • Wingate Testing and software

Publications

Peer-reviewed articles
  • Ullrich-French, S., Cox, A. E., McMahon A. K., & Thompson, S. (2024). Affective and Motivational Experiences of Mindful and Distracted Walking at Moderately High Intensity. Mindfulness, 15(8), 1987-2005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02417-3
  • McMahon, D. D., McMahon, A. K., Anglin, M., Abrams, K., Wilds, K., & Aumell, A. (2022). Digital health, fitness, and wellness tools for students with disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 0(0), 1-12. https://10.1177/01626434221094795
  • Cox, A. E., Brunet, J., McMahon, A. K., & Price, J. (2021). A qualitative study exploring middle-aged women’s experiences with yoga. Journal of Women and Aging, 1-13. https://doi.10.1080/08952841.2021.1944752
Invited editorial articles
  • McMahon, A. K. (2022). School-Based Mindfulness to Support High-Leverage Practices in Social Emotional Learning [online article series]. Retrieved from https://www.wa-ceedar.org/
  • Farrell, E. F., & McMahon, A. K. (2020). Recreational reinforcement. Behavior Today [online newsletter]. Retrieved from http://rapidlandingpages.com/behaviortoday.
  • McMahon, D. D., McMahon, A. K., Hirschfelder, K., & Anglin, M. (2020). Digital tools for visual arts: Multiple means of artsy action and expression. Teaching Exceptional Children, 52(3). 180-184.
Conference proceedings
  • McMahon, A. K., McMahon, D. D, & Wright, R. (2018). Using a wearable EEG to promote mindfulness in an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder. In Beck, Dennis; Pena-Rios, Anasol; Ogle, Todd; Allison, Colin; Morgado, Leonel; Pirker, Johanna; Richter, Jonathon; Gutl, Christian (Eds.): Online Proc. from Fourth Immersive Learn. Res. Netw. Conf., pp. 2–3, Technischen Universitat Graz, Missoula, Montana, 2018. https://doi.org/10.3217/978-3-85125-609-3-24
  • Salazar, A. M., Vanderwill, L. A., De Larwelle, J.A., Jenkins, G. J., McMahon, A. K., Day, A., & Haggerty, P. (2018). Literature Review of Caregiver Factors Related to Placement Stability and Permanence for children and Youth Experiencing Foster Care or Adoption. Southfield, MI: National Training and Development Curriculum for Foster and Adoptive Parents.
  • McMahon, A. K., & McMahon, D, D. (2016). Exercise technology interventions and individuals         with IDD. Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities Online Journal, 3, 42-53.
Book chapters (peer reviewed)
  • McMahon, A. K., & McMahon, D. D. (2020). Flipping physical education, health, and exercise science postsecondary classroom. In W. Z. Editor, T. D. Editor & K. K. N. Editor (Eds), Flipped Classrooms with Diverse Learners-International Perspectives. Singapore:  Springer.
Manuscripts under review/in preparation
  • Cox, A. E., Ullrich-French, S., McMahon, A. K., Estelle, C., Ulofoshio, A., & Nourollahimoghadam, M. (UNDER REVIEW). An Embodied Approach to Supporting Well-being in Girls: Applying Intervention Mapping for Program Development and Pilot Implementation.
  • McMahon, A. K., Cox, A. E., & Whittenburg, H. (UNDER REVIEW). Exploring Technology-Supported Mindfulness Strategies in Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study.
  • Ness, E. & McMahon, A. K. (UNDER REVIEW). The Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise Interventions for Positive Body Image in Adult Women: A Systematic Literature Review.
  • McMahon, A. K., Cox, A. E., & Whittenburg, H. (TO BE SUBMITTED). Investigating Technology-Supported Mindfulness Strategies in Emerging Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
  • McMahon, A. K., McMahon, D. D., & Hirschfelder, K. (DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE). Using Virtual Reality to Support Mindfulness Practice in Students with Intellectual and Development Disabilities: A Qualitative Study. To be submitted to Mindfulness, February 2025.
  • McMahon, A. K., McMahon, D. D., & Hirschfelder, K. (DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE). Using Virtual Reality to Support Mindfulness Practice in College Students: A Qualitative Study. To be submitted to Perspectives on Psychological Science, February 2025.
  • McMahon, A. K., McMahon, D. D., & Hirschfelder, K. (DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE). Using Virtual Reality to Support Physical Activity in Students with Intellectual and Development Disabilities: A Qualitative Study. To be submitted to International Journal of Advancements in Technology, April 2025.
  • McMahon, A. K., McMahon, D. D., & Hirschfelder, K. (DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE). Using Virtual Reality to Support Physical Activity in College Students: A Qualitative Study. To be submitted to Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise, and Health, February 2025.
  • McMahon, A. K., McMahon, D. D., & Hirschfelder, K. (DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE). Using Virtual Reality to Support the Educational Needs for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review. To be submitted to Journal of Special Education Technology, August 2024.
Conference presentations
  • McMahon, A. K., & Ferrall, E. (2024). Mindfulness and ABA: Oil and Water or Cheese and Wine? Ethical use of Mindfulness in ABA practice. Presented presentation at the 2024 Teacher Educators for Children with Behavior Disorders.
  • McMahon, A. K. (2024). Mindfulness for Healthcare Workers. Presented presentation for WSU Residency Program.
  • McMahon, A. K., & Ferrall, E. (2024). Using Mindfulness to Support Applied Behavior Analysts. Presented presentation at the 2024 International Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities Conference (DADD).
  • Cox, A. E., Ullrich-French, S., McMahon, A. K. (2023). Find What Moves You: A Program to Build Resilience Skills in Adolescents. Presented presentation at the Prevention Summit Conference.
  • McMahon, A. K. (2023). Exploring the Social Validity of using Technology-Supported Mindfulness Strategies for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study. Presented poster at the 2023 International Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities Conference (DADD).
  • McMahon, A. K. (2022). School-Based Mindfulness to Support High-Leverage Practices in Social Emotional Learning. Presented presentation at the 2022 Teacher Education Division (TED).
  • Cox, A. E., Brunet, J., McMahon, A. K., Price, J. The yoga experience: A qualitative study exploring middle-aged women’s perceptions of yoga. Presented poster at the 2020 North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA).
  • McMahon, D. D., McMahon & McMahon, A. K. Using virtual reality in the classroom. Presented presentation at the 2020 Council for Exceptional Children Conference (CEC).

Teaching

Washington State University, Courses Taught

KINES 199: Human Motor Development

KINES 201: Exploring the Meaning of Sport and Human Movement

KINES 305: Nutrition Related to Fitness and Sport

KINES 312: Research and Assessment in Kinesiology

Guest lecturer for a graduate Single Subject Design class

Guest lecturer for a graduate KINES seminar class

Guest lecturer for a undergraduate Mindfulness class

Academic Background

  • Ph.D. Washington State University, Pullman WA. Summer 2021. Prevention Science.Dissertation: McMahon, A., K. (2021). Exploring Technology-Supported Mindfulness Strategies in Emerging Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. (PhD Dissertation).
  • M.S. Washington State University, Pullman, WA. Spring 2019. Prevention Science.
    • Studied Developmental Epidemiology and Public Health
    • Research Methodology and Statistics
    • Program Development and Implementation
  • M.S. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Spring 2014.   Kinesiology Major with a concentration in Exercise Physiology.
    • Studied Exercise and Sport Sciences
    • Studied Biomechanics and Orthopedics
    • Studied Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation
  • B.S. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. 2011. Nutrition Major and Hospitality, Retail, and Tourism Minor.
    • Studied Concepts of Nutrition Sciences
    • Studied Food Management and Nutrition
    • Studied Exercise Nutrition and Supplements