Birgitta Baker 1
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Birgitta L. Baker
Associate Professor
Louisiana State University
112 HP Long Fieldhouse
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: (w) 225.578.9232 Email: bbaker@lsu.edu
EDUCATION
PhD
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Leisure Studies, Minor in Human Development and Family Studies, 2008
MS
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Youth and Family Recreation, 2004
BHK University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Human Kinetics, Emphasis in Health and Fitness, 2001
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; August 2014 - present
Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; August 2008 - July 2014
Project Coordinator, Teen Act Research Project, Center for Childhood Obesity Research
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; 2005-2008
Graduate Assistant, Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; 2003-2005
Graduate Assistant, Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT; 2001-2003
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RESEARCH/SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES
Articles in Peer Reviewed Publications
Goudeau, S.M., Baker, B. L., & Garn, A.C. (in press). Teacher perceptions of barriers to
implementing a school-based physical activity club: A qualitative investigation. The
Global Journal of Health and Physical Education Pedagogy.
Baker, B.L., McGregor, A., Johnson, L.G., & Taylor, M. (in press). Summer day camp
attendance facilitates some children meeting physical activity recommendations:
Differences by gender and weight status. Journal of Biobehavioral Health.
Garn, A. C., Baker, B. L., Beasley, E. K., & Solmon, M. A. (2012). What are the benefits of a
commercial exergaming platform for college students? Examining physical activity,
enjoyment, and future intentions. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9, 311-318.
Rietschier, H. L., Henagan, T. M., Earnest, C. P., Baker, B. L., Cortez, C. C., & Stewart, L. K.
(2011). Sun-dried raisins are a cost effective alternative to sports jelly beans in
prolonged cycling. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 11, 3150-3156.
Sissons, S. B., Broyles, S. T., Baker, B. L., & Katzmarzyk, P. T. (2011). Television, Reading,
and Computer Time: Correlates of school-day leisure time sedentary behavior and
relationship with overweight in children in the US. Journal of Physical Activity and
Health, 3, S188 – 197.
Baker, B. L. & Davison, K. K. (2011). I know I can: A longitudinal examination of precursors
and outcomes of perceived athletic competence among adolescent girls. Journal of
Physical Activity and Health, 8, 192-199.
Sissons, S. B., Broyles, S. T., Newton, Jr, R. L., Baker, B. L., & Chernausek, D. (2011). TVs in
the Bedrooms of Children: Does it Impact Health and Behavior? Preventive Medicine, 52,
104-108.
Sissons, S. B., Broyles, S. T., Baker, B. L., & Katzmarzyk, P. T. (2010). Screen Time, Physical
Activity and Overweight in U.S. Youth: National Survey of Children's Health 2003;
Journal of Adolescent Health, 47, 309-311.
Mowen, A.J. & Baker, B. L. (2009). Park, recreation, fitness, and sport sector recommendations
for a more physically-active America: A white paper for the United States National
Physical Activity Plan. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 6(S2), S236–S244.
Arthur-Banning, S. G., Wells, M. S., Baker, B. L., & Hegreness, R. (2009). Parents Behaving
Badly? The relationship between the sportsmanship behaviors of adults and athletes in
youth basketball games. Journal of Sport Behavior, 32, 3-18.
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Kerstetter, D., Yarnal, C., Son, J., Yen, I., & Baker, B. (2008). Functional support associated
with belonging to the Red Hat Society®, A leisure-based social network. Journal of
Leisure Research, 40(4), 531-555.
Baker, B. L., Trost, S. G., Birch, L. L., & Davison, K. K. (2007). More advanced pubertal status
at age 11 is associated with lower subsequent physical activity in adolescent girls.
Journal of Pediatrics, 151(5), 488-493.
Davison, K. K., Werder, J. L., Trost, S. G., Baker, B. L., & Birch, L. L. (2007). Why are early
maturing girls less active? Social Science & Medicine, 64, 2391-2404.
Son, J. S., Kerstetter, D. L., Yarnal, C. M. & Baker, B. L. (2007). Promoting Older Women’s
Health and Well-being Through Social Leisure Environments: What We Have Learned
from the Red Hat Society®. Journal of Women and Aging, 19, 89-104.
Affifi, T., McManus, T. G., Hutchinson, S. L. & Baker, B. L. (2007). Inappropriate parental
divorce disclosures, the factors that prompt them, and their impact on parents’ and
adolescents’ well-being. Communication Monographs, 74, 78-102.
Freeman, P. A., Palmer, A. A., & Baker, B. L. (2006). A qualitative inquiry into the leisure of
LDS women who are stay-at-home mothers. Leisure Sciences 28, 203-211.
Chapters in Edited Books
Baker, B. L. & McGregor, A. (2014). Moovin’ and Groovin’ in the Bayou: Summer Camps
Increase Youth Physical Activity through Intentional Design. In R. Pate, A. Kleinfelter,
& D. Buchner (Eds.), Implementing Physical Activity Strategies (pp. 159-165).
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Baker, B. L., Liechty, T., Covelli, E. A., Trauntvein, N. E., & Mowen, A. J. (in press). Sport and
Recreation. In T. G. Reeve & L. Dornier (Eds.), Introduction to Physical Education,
Exercise Science, and Recreation. Beijing, China: Education Science Press House.
Freeman, P. A., Baker, B. L., & Zabriskie, R. B. (2009). Traditional marriages, non-traditional
leisure: Leisure and fathering in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. In T. Kay,
(Ed.), Fathering through sport and leisure. (pp. 164-182). New York: Routledge.
Peer Reviewed Conference Presentations
Mayberry, S. & Baker, B. L. Goal orientation, risky sexual behaviors, and sport identities. To be
presented at the World Leisure Congress, Mobile, AL: September, 2014.
Goudeau, S. M. & Baker, B. L. School based physical activity clubs. Presented at the Research
Consortium Conference of the AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition, St.
Louis, MO: April 2014.
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Inlow, B. L., Baker, B. L., Nelson, A. G., Earnest, C. P., & Stewart, L. K. Does endurance
training alter energy balance? Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American
College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN: June, 2013.
Baker, B. L. & Clopton, A. C. Exploring physical activity and social capital in the context of
parks. Presented at the Research Consortium Conference of the AAHPERD National
Convention and Exposition, Charlotte, NC: April 2013.
Beasley, E. K. & Baker, B. L. Connections between sex education and high-risk behaviors
among university students. Poster presented at the Research Consortium Conference of
the AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition, Charlotte, NC: April 2013.
Beasley, E. K. & Baker, B. L. Examining LGBTQ concerns on a university campus. Presented at
the Research Consortium Conference of the AAHPERD National Convention and
Exposition, Charlotte, NC: April 2013
Baker, B. L. & Hamilton, J. A. (2012). Racial and ethnic stereotypes about sports and other
physical activities. Accepted for presentation at the Research Consortium Conference of
the AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition, Boston, MA: March 2012.
Garn, A. G., Baker, B. L., & Solmon, M. A. (2012). Teachers' attitudes toward a mandated
fitness testing program. Accepted for poster presentation at the Research Consortium
Conference of the AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition, Boston, MA: March
2012.
Baker, B. L., Mowen, A. J., & Son, J. S. (2011). Exploring the meaning of physical activity and
exercise identity. Presented at the Australian and New Zealand Association of Leisure
Studies (ANZALS) Dunedin, NZ: December 2011.
Baker, B. L. & Clopton, A. C. (2011). Re-examining public parks as social anchors in
community development. Presented at the National Recreation and Parks Association
Conference, Atlanta, GA: November, 2011.
Sissons, S. B., Broyles, S. T., Newton, R. L., & Baker, B. L. (2010). Characteristics of children
in the U.S. who have a TV in their bedroom: National Survey of Children’s Health 2007.
Presented at the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity,
Minneapolis, MN: June 2010.
Sissons, S. B., Broyles, S. T., Baker, B. L., & Katzmarzyk, P. T. (2010). Correlates of sedentary
behavior and obesity in children in the US. Presented at the 3rd International Congress on
Physical Activity and Public Health, Toronto, ON: May 2010.
Hamilton, J., Baker, B. L., Samson, A., & Gu, X. (2010). "Keeping the Kids Active" Through
Family and Cultural Influences . Presented at the National Convention of the American
Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Indianapolis, IN: March
2010.
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Wells, M. S & Baker, B. L. (2009). Getting kids moving: Increasing physical activity in parks
and recreation settings. Presented at the National Recreation and Parks Association
Conference, Salt Lake City, UT: October, 2009.
Baker, B. L. (2008). Treatment of Missing Data in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Research. A
paper presented at the National Recreation and Parks Association Conference, Seattle,
WA: October, 2008.
Baker, B. L. & Davison, K. K. (2008). I know I can: A longitudinal examination of perceived
competence and adolescent girls’ physical activity. A paper presented at the annual
meeting of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity,
Banff, Canada: June, 2008.
Davison, K.K., Marshall, S. J., Francis, L.L., Baker, B.L., & Kahan, M. (2007). Using cell
phone technology to assess girls’ and mothers’ physical activity: The Cellular
Assessment of Leisure Lifestyles Study (CALLS). A paper presented at the annual
meeting of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Oslo,
Norway: June, 2007.
Francis, L.A., Marshall, S. J., Baker, B.L., Kahan, M, & Davison, K.K. (2007). A contextual
assessment of adolescent girls’ television viewing using cell phone technology: The
Cellular Assessment of Leisure Lifestyles Study (CALLS) . A paper presented at the
annual meeting of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical
Activity, Oslo, Norway: June, 2007.
Baker, B. L., Trost, S. G., Birch, L. L., & Davison, K. K. (2007). Health versus weight as
motivations for physical activity among adolescent girls have different antecedents and
consequences. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 39(5 suppl), S86. Presented
at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, New Orleans, LA:
June, 2007.
Afifi, T., McManus, T. G., Hutchinson, S. L. & Baker, B. L. (2006). Inappropriate parental
divorce disclosures, the factors that prompt them, and their impact on parents’ and
adolescents’ well-being. A paper presented at the annual meeting of the National
Communication Association, San Antonio, TX: November, 2006.
Baker, B. L. (2006). Family cohesion as a mediator of the relationship between family recreation
and satisfaction with family life. A paper presented at the National Recreation and Parks
Association Conference, Seattle, WA: October, 2006.
Baker, B. L., Trost, S. G., Birch, L. L., & Davison, K. K. (2006). Why are early maturing girls
less active? A paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for
Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Boston, MA: July, 2006.
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Baker, B. L., Trost, S. G., Birch, L. L., & Davison, K. K. (2006). Early pubertal timing at age 11
predicts lower subsequent physical activity at age 13. Medicine and Science in Sports and
Exercise, 38(5 suppl), S23. Presented at the annual meeting of the American College of
Sports Medicine, Denver, CO: June, 2006.
Baker, B. L., Liechty, T., & Zabriskie, R. B. (2005). Shared family fun and the youth-parent
relationship. A paper presented at the National Recreation and Parks Association
Conference, San Antonio, TX: October, 2005.
Yarnal, C. M., Chick, G., Kerstetter, D., Baker, B. L., Hampton, R., & Yen, I. (2005). The Red
Hat Society: Play and masking in older women's lives. A paper presented at the National
Recreation and Parks Association Conference, San Antonio, TX: October, 2005.
Baker, B. L., & Hutchinson, S. L. (2005). Therapeutic recreation as a treatment modality for
women leaving violent relationships. A paper presented at the Canadian Congress on
Leisure Research, Nanaimo, BC: May, 2005.
Baker, B. L., Freeman, P. A., Zabriskie, R. B., & Palmer, A. I. (2005). Family leisure
perspectives from LDS fathers and mothers: Implications for service provision. A paper
presented at the Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Nanaimo, BC: May, 2005.
Baker, B. L., Freeman, P. A., Palmer, A. I., & Zabriskie, R. B. (2004). Traditional marriages,
non-traditional leisure: A qualitative inquiry into the leisure of LDS (Mormon) men. A
paper presented at the National Recreation and Parks Association Conference, Reno, NV:
October, 2004.
Palmer, A. I., Freeman, P. A., & Baker, B. L. (2004). A qualitative inquiry into the leisure of
LDS women who are stay-at-home mothers. A paper presented at the National Recreation
and Parks Association Conference, Reno, NV: October, 2004.
Hutchinson, S. L. & Baker, B. L. (2004). Adolescent and parent perspectives on the contribution
of shared family time to “family making” following divorce. A paper presented at the
National Recreation and Parks Association Conference, Reno, NV: October, 2004.
Baker, B. L., & Feinauer, I. (2003). Family differentiation and eating disordered attitudes and
behaviors. A paper presented at the National Council on Family Relations Conference,
Vancouver, BC: November, 2003.
Baker, B. L., & Feinauer, I. (2003). The relationship between family recreation and family
differentiation. A paper presented at the National Recreation and Parks Association
Conference, St. Louis, MO: October, 2003.
Invited Presentations
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Baker, B. L. (2009). The Parks, Recreation, Fitness, and Sports Sector in the National Physical
Activity Plan: What is the Relevance for Schools? Presented at the AAPHPERD National
Convention; Tampa Bay, FL; April, 2009.
Grants and Funded Projects (Total $293,463)
Baker, B. L. & LeBlanc, M. L. (July 2011- June 2015). Examining Physical Activity as an
Enhancement to Traditional Treatment for Children with Anxiety Disorders, Louisiana
Board of Regents Research Competitiveness Subprogram. Funded $78,038
Baker, B. L. & Garn, A. (July 2012- June 2013) Partnership in Implementing Coordinated
School Health Physical Activity Initiatives, Picard Center. Funded $19,999.
Baker, B. L. & Garn, A. (July 2011- June 2012) Partnership in Implementing Coordinated
School Health Physical Activity Initiatives, Picard Center. Funded $25,000
Baker, B. L. & Clopton, A. C. (July 2011-August 2012). Balancing Community Parks' Potential
to Facilitate Social Capital and Physical Activity, American Alliance for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation, and Dance. Funded $7, 426
Baker, B. L., Garn, A. C., & Solmon, M. S. (July 2010- June 2011) Partnership in Implementing
Coordinated School Health Physical Activity Initiatives, Picard Center. Funded $28,000
Solmon, M. S., & Baker, B. L. (2010-2014). Safe Routes to School Buchanan Elementary, LA
Dept. of Transportation and Development. Funded $50,000.
Baker, B. L. & Solmon, M. S. (2010-2014). Safe Routes to School Polk Elementary, LA Dept. of
Transportation and Development. Funded $50,000
Garn, A., Baker, B., & Solmon, M. (Sept 2009- June 2010) Implementation Evaluation for
Coordinated School Health Initiative. Picard Center. Funded $35,000
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Department of Kinesiology
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Courses Taught:
KIN 2600
Human Sexuality (Online)
KIN 3502
Tests and Measurement in Kinesiology (Communication Intensive)
KIN 4520
Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Activity (Communication Intensive)
KIN 4501
Health Promoting Interventions in Community Settings (Service – Learning)
KIN 7602
Social-Ecological Influences on Physical Activity and Health (New Course
Developed)
KIN 7501
Advanced Research Methods
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Courses Taught:
RPTM 120
Leisure and Human Behavior
RPTM 476
Leisure Education in Therapeutic Recreation
RPTM 496
Multicultural Event Planning
RPTM 496
Independent Study in Research Methods
Courses Team Taught:
RPTM 356
Program Planning
RPTM 433W Evaluation and Research Methods in Parks and Recreation
RPTM 497
Peer Mentoring
Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Courses Taught:
RMYL 304 Leisure in Contemporary Society
Courses Assisted:
RMYL 307 Accessible Recreation
RMYL 370 Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation
RMYL 471 Assessment in Therapeutic Recreation
RMYL 472 Program Dynamics in Therapeutic Recreation
RMYL 473 Issues in Administration of Therapeutic Recreation
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UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Professional Service
2012-2013
Abstract Reviewer, Leisure Research Symposium (LRS), National Recreation
and Parks Association Education Network Annual Meeting
2011-2013
Grant Reviewer, Research Consortium’s AAHPERD Research Grant Program
2010-2014
Abstract Reviewer, Research Consortium (RC) Conference of the AAHPERD
National Convention and Exposition
2011
Abstract Review Coordinator Physicality and Physical Activity Section NRPA
Leisure Research Symposium
2008-2011
Associate Editor, Journal of Leisure Research
2007-2009
Society of Parks and Recreation Educators Silent Auction Committee
2004- present Reviewer: Journal of Leisure Research, Leisure Sciences, Therapeutic
Recreation Journal, Journal of Women in Sports, Journal of Parks and
Recreation Administration, Journal of Adolescence, Journal of Physical Activity
and Health, PLOS ONE, Women & Health, SCHOLE, International Journal of
Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Journal of Family Issues, Preventive
Medicine
University Service
2011-present College of Human Sciences and Education Community Engagement Committee
(Chair 2010-2012, 2014-present)
2010- present College of Human Sciences and Education Planning Council
2009- present School of Kinesiology Assessment Committee (Chair 2014-present)
2011-2013
University Sustainability Curriculum Committee
2011-2012
University Honorary Degree Committee
2011
University Committee to Determine Designation Process for Designating
Service-Learning Classes
2010
Department of Kinesiology ad hoc Committee on the Use of Students as
Research Participants or Assistants
2009-2011
College of Education Technology Committee
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2004-2008
Pennsylvania State University College of Health and Human Development
Academic Integrity Committee Member
2005-2006
Pennsylvania State University Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Management Graduate Student Association President and Founder
2004-2006
Pennsylvania State University College of Health and Human Development
Faculty Council, Graduate Student Representative
2004-2006
Pennsylvania State University College of Health and Human Development
Graduate Student Council, Leisure Studies Representative
2004-2006
Pennsylvania State University Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Management Diversity Committee Member
Community Service
2009 - 2013
LA Obesity Council Policy Workgroup Member
2008 - present Playground KIDS afterschool program (service–learning partnership with
BREC)
2011 - 2014
Capital Region Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Member
2013 – 2014
Louisiana Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Advisory Team Member