Zachary Bricken
- BA (2023) University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
- MA (2025), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Contact Info
1000 Sunnyside Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66045
Biography —
My research broadly focuses on the role of technology in children’s lives. My research seeks to (1) understand how current and emerging technologies (e.g., AI, virtual reality, social media) influences child development, wellbeing, and health, (2) implement technological interventions to help children treat and manage their health and chronic health conditions (e.g., pain, physical activity, weight), and (3) use technological methods (e.g., wearables) to understand how children make their moment-to-moment health decisions. My goal is to inform and create a healthy relationship between children and technology, creating a symbiotic ecosystem that promotes child health and wellbeing that harnesses innovative technological methods.
Clinically, I am involved in pediatric psychology, behavioral health, and digital health, where my work focuses on supporting children living with chronic illness (e.g., pain, obesity, GI) and using digital technologies to expand access and improve the quality of behavioral health.
Selected Presentations —
Bricken Z., Fantozzi, P., Leslie-Miller, C.J., Fedele, D., Cushing C.C. (April 2026) Perceptions of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) as a Co-Creative Tool in Behavior Change Intervention Development. Poster abstract presented at the 47th Annual Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Bricken, Z.C., Chuning, A.E., Okuno, H., Forseth, B., Lancaster, B., Carlson, J., & Davis, A. M. (April 2026). The Potential Role of Perceived Environmental Support in the Relationship Between Parent Mental Health and Physical Activity of Children with Overweight/Obesity in Rural Areas. Poster abstract presented to the Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV. Obesity SIG Poster Award Winner.
Bricken, Z., Richardson, Z., Steele, R., & Kollins, S. (March 2026). Characterizing the effects of digital life in adolescents: Replication of the factor structure of the Digital Stress Scale. Poster presented at the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.
Bricken, Z.C., Cushing, C.C. (March 2025). Affective and Physical-Feeling States as Predictors of Variability in Daily Physical Activity Among Adolescents. Poster abstract presented at the 46th Annual Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) Meeting, San Francisco, CA. Meritorious Abstract Award Winner. Citation Abstract Award Winner.
Bricken, Z.C., Gulley, L.D., Cushing, C.C. (March 2024). Personalized mHealth Interventions for Adolescent Obesity: Preliminary Analysis of My Plan Engagement Data. Poster abstract presented at the 45th Annual Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.