Tyler Prochnow
Associate Professor • School of Public HealthDr. Tyler Prochnow’s research focuses on the social dynamics that drive health behavior, with an emphasis on understanding the social impacts of physical activity among children and families, as well as mental health challenges, through a health equity lens.
About Tyler Prochnow
Dr. Tyler Prochnow has several years of research experience in social network analysis, systematic observation, intervention development, community health worker training and implementation science. Throughout his academic career, he has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and has contributed to over 130 conference presentations. His research has been funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to better understand the social and built environment influences on adolescent mental health and physical activity during the summer through ecological momentary assessment.
In addition to his academic career, Prochnow has worked with several health departments to plan, develop and execute community health needs assessments and active living plans. He has also worked with local Boys & Girls Clubs to evaluate physical activity, mental health and social-emotional learning in the summer.
Academic Achievements
Education
- Ph.D., Health Promotion, Baylor University
- M.Ed., Educational Leadership, Carthage College
- B.S., Exercise Science and Management, Carthage College
Awards
- Voices of Impact speaker in 2022, College of Education and Human Development
- Associate editor of World Medical Health Policy
- Editorial board member for Health Behavior Research
Publications
For a closer look at Dr. Tyler Prochnow’s research, browse his highlighted publications below.
2027 Social networks and active school transportation: Understanding how parents’ connections shape commuting decisions for their children
Parental social networks influence decisions parents make for their children and active school transportation (AST) is a significant and underutilized source of physical activity (PA), however, it is unclear how networks influence AST decisions. The purpose of this study was to investigate 1) how social network characteristics interact with environmental and demographic AST factors and 2) the influence of parental networks on AST decisions.
This article will publish in the Journal of Transport & Health in January 2027.
2026 Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Blood Glucose Testing Among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Men with a History of Prediabetes in the United States
Rates of prediabetes are rising in the United States, especially within communities of color. Without adopting self-care behaviors and adhering to routine screenings, prediabetes is likely to progress to type 2 diabetes. This study examines factors associated with non-adherence to recommended blood glucose testing among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men ages ≥40 years with a history of prediabetes.
2026 Social selection and psychological distress in a sober active community: a longitudinal social network analysis Open Access
This study aims to investigate the coevolution of supportive social ties and psychological distress within The Phoenix, a sober active community. It also aims to disentangle two concurrent processes: whether psychological distress influences the formation of social ties (social selection) or whether peer relationships influence individual distress levels (social influence) over time.
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Read the Full StoryTyler Prochnow In The News
Research examines how temperature swings may shape emotional well-being across seasons.
Study: Exercise lowers risk of depression and sleep problems in older smokers
Sep. 26, 2025 • 3 min. readNew research from Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health links physical activity to benefits in mental health and rest.
Researchers Study How Surroundings Influence Teens During Summer Break
Jan. 8, 2025 • 2 min. readInnovative technology will be used to find effective strategies for promoting teens’ physical activity and mental health.
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How Gaming Is Changing Male Social Interactions
Subject Matter Expert: Dr. Tyler ProchnowResearch shows that more than 50% of Americans report feeling socially isolated and that men in particular under-report feelings of loneliness and isolation, partially due to stigma surrounding mental health issues. Prochnow says that men’s close friendships have been declining in quantity and quality over the past two decades, but his research has shown that men feel comfortable making friends online, specifically while playing video games.
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