WellEx Lab-Info

Jacob Meyer, PhD – Principal Investigator

Dr. Meyer is an expert on the neurobiological effects of exercise on depression and his research is designed to capitalize on the psychological effects of exercise for major depressive disorder and other mood disorders. This research examines the biology that is associated with the mood-enhancing effects of acute and chronic exercise with the goal of using that to both prevent serious mental health concerns and treat those suffering from mental illness. His primary research focus is on depression, but also has interest in using both aerobic and resistance exercise in the prevention and treatment of all types of psychological concerns (anxiety, stress, fatigue, etc.) in healthy adults and those with mental health conditions.

Jeni Lansing, PhD – Research Specialist

After receiving my PhD from Iowa State University in 2020, with Drs. Jacob Meyer and Laura Ellingson serving as my graduate advisors, I became a Research Scientist and have worked in this role since. My research interests lie generally in understanding how activity-related behaviors influence and can be used to improve mental illness and wellbeing. In my current appointment, I assist Dr. Jacob Meyer working on two federally funded projects investigating the efficacy of novel behavioral interventions for treatment of depression. Beyond research, I live on a farm with my husband and enjoy tending animals, gardening, biking and camping.

Madeleine Connolly, PhD – Research Specialist

I have joined the team in 2025 as a postdoc, coming from Melbourne, Australia. Prior to arriving in Madison, I completed my PhD in 2023 at the University of Melbourne, and also undertook a year of postdoctoral training from 2023-2024 at Deakin University. My background is predominantly in psychological sciences, with a strong interest in the treatment of mental health disorders and symptoms with exercise, and other non-pharmacological treatments for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Outside of work, I enjoy taking photographs, painting, and making my own clothes, and keeping active with long walks and strength training.

Taline Jouzi, MS – Project Coordinator

I recently joined the Wellbeing and Exercise Lab as a Research Specialist in September 2024 and I am excited to be part of the RESIST project and Wellex team. Before starting this position, I completed a concurrent program at Iowa State, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Diet and Exercise.  My thesis focused on the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength with poor sleep quality in older adults. As I continue to explore the realm of research, I am interested in the associations between physical activity and mental health, as well as the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks, reading, playing my Turkish instrument called the Qanun, and, being new to Madison, exploring new dining spots and trails!

I am originally from Iowa and received my BS and MS from Iowa State University. I have worked in Dr. Meyer’s lab as an undergraduate research assistant and then completed my MS and two years of my PhD at Iowa State. I then transferred to UW to continue working with him and the RESIST project. My current research interest focuses on how we can manage anxiety symptoms with acute and chronic resistance exercise. I plan to use Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to better understand these relationships in an externally valid setting. More broadly, I am in interested in behavioral interventions for improving mental health and barriers and facilitators to these positive behaviors. Outside of the lab I enjoy spending time with my dog and family, reading books, traveling, and more recently, hiking.

I received my BA in Kinesiology and Psychology from Loras College in 2021 and my MS in Kinesiology from Iowa State University in 2024.  In 2022, I moved to Ames to join Dr. Meyer’s lab and pursue my master’s degree. Broadly, I am interested in the relationship between exercise and neurobiological mechanisms of major depressive disorder.  During my PhD, I hope to look more closely at the relationship between exercise and the neurobiological mechanisms of perinatal and postnatal depression. Outside of the lab I enjoy spending time outdoors while running, hiking, biking and paddling in addition to spending quality time with my friends, family, and cats!

After honorably discharging from the Marine Corps in 2020, I moved to Ames to obtain my BS in Kinesiology from Iowa State University. I worked in Dr. Meyer’s lab as an undergraduate research assistant throughout my undergraduate studies and moved to UW-Madison to continue working with him. My research interest focuses on the effects of physical activity on mental health within the Veteran population and the neurobiological mechanisms involved. During my MS, I hope to explore the relationship between the cessation of Active Duty related physical activity on mental health. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog, family, and friends, weight training, golfing, playing sports, playing the guitar, and more recently, sketching traditional art.