• Youth sports
• Sociocultural issues in physical activity
• Coach training and education
• Parent involvement in sports
• Student support and success
• Online education 

Publications:

• Whalen, L., Barcelona, J., Centeio, E., McCaughtry, N. (2021). #HealthyKidsQuarantined: Supporting schools and families with virtual physical activity, physical education, and nutrition education during the coronavirus pandemic. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 40(3), 503-507.
• Whalen, L., Maljak, K., Garn, A., Flory, S., McCaughtry, N. (2020). Chapter 12: Challenges and opportunities in urban after-school programming. In Marttinen, R., Centeio, E. E., Quarmby, T. (Eds.), Before and After School Physical Activity Programs: Frameworks, Critical Issues and Underserved Populations. New York, NY: Routledge Publishers.
• Centeio, E., Whalen, L., Thomas, E., Kulik, N., McCaughtry, N. (2017) Using yoga to reduce stress and bullying behavior among urban youth. Health.
• Whalen, L., McCaughtry, N., Garn, A., Kulik, N., Centeio, E., Maljack, K., Kaseta, M., Shen, B., & Martin, J. (2015). Why inner-city high school students attend after-school physical activity clubs. Health Education Journal, 1-13.
• Centeio, E., Whalen, L., Kulik, N., Thomas, E., & McCaughtry, N. (2015). Understanding stress and aggression behaviors among urban youth. Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy, 5(187).
• Martin, J., & Whalen, L. (2015) Effective practices of disability sport coaches. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 7(2), 13-23.
• Garn, A.C., McCaughtry, N., Kulik, N., Kaseta, M., Maljak, K., Whalen, L., Shen, B., Martin, J., & Fahlman, M. (2014). Successful after-school physical activity clubs in urban high schools: Perspectives of adult leaders and student participants. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 33, 112-133.
• Maljak, K., McCaughtry, N., Garn, A., Kulik, N., Whalen, L., Shen, B., & Martin, J. (2014). Challenges in offering inner-city after-school physical activity clubs. Advances in Physical Education, 45(5), 297-307.
• Martin, J.J. & Whalen, L. (2012). Self-concept and physical activity in athletes with physical disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 5, 197-200.

Papers Presented:

• Whalen, L., Somers, C., & McCaughtry, N. (2022, April). Healthy@Home: Parental Perceptions of the Value and Effectiveness of Virtual Nutrition and Physical Activity Content in a Comprehensive School Health Program. Accepted for presentation at the National SHAPE America conference, New Orleans, LA.
• Whalen, L., Barcelona, J., Centeio, E., McCaughtry, N. (2021, May). #HealthyKidsQuarantined: Supporting schools with virtual nutrition and physical activity resources. In E.E. Chairperson (Centeio, E.), Understanding Teaching and Learning in Physical Education during COVID-19. Accepted presentation for symposium conduced at the annual conference of the Society of Health and Physical Educators.
• Whalen, L., McCaughtry, N., Centeio, E., Martin, J.J., Bimper, A. (2020, May 27-30). Worth the risk: Why suburban parents value youth football. Oral presentation accepted for the annual conference of the North American Society for Sport Management Annual Conference, San Diego, CA. Conference cancelled due to COVID-19.
• Whalen, L. McCaughtry, N., Centeio, E., Martin, J.J., Bimper, A. (2020, April 13-17). Mothers and football: “I just put him out there and pray.” Oral presentation accepted for the annual conference of the Society of Health and Physical Educators, Salt Lake City, UT. Conference cancelled due to COVID-19.
• Whalen, L. Centeio, E. McKowan, H. (2019). It’s not about the hair: Swimming avoidance among minority youth. Paper presentation at the annual meeting of the Society of Health and Physical Educators, Tampa, FL.
• McKown, H. B., Centeio, E. E., Whalen, L., Scott, L., & McCaughtry, N. (2019, April). Demographic and cultural influences on perceived swimming ability in urban youth. Poster presentation at the Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America conference, Tampa, FL.
• Whalen, L., Centeio, E., Thomas, E., Kulik, N., Nash, B., Shen, B., McCaughtry, N. (2017). Addressing aggressive behaviors through mindful physical education. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, St. Louis, MO.
• Thomas, E., Centeio, E., Kulik, N., Whalen, L., Nash, B., McCaughtry, N. (2017). A yoga-based intervention in urban physical education. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, St. Louis, MO.
• Whalen, L., McCaughtry, N., Garn, A., Kulik, N., Maljak, K., Kaseta, M., Shen, B., Martin, J.J. (2013) Student motivations for participation in inner-city after-school physical activity clubs. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Charlotte, NC.
• Maljak, K., McCaughtry, N., Garn, A., Kulik, N., Whalen L., Kaseta, M., Shen,B., Martin, J.J. (2013) Challenges in offering inner-city after-school physical activity clubs. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance,Charlotte, NC.
• Kaseta, M., Garn, A., McCaughtry, N., Kulik, N., Maljak, K., Whalen, L., Shen, B., Martin, J.J. (2013). Running successful inner-city after-school physical activity clubs. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Charlotte, NC.
• Kulik, N., Zalewska, A., McCaughtry, N., Garn, A., Maljak, K., Whalen, L., Kaseta, M., Martin, J.J., Shen, B. (2013). Weight Status and diet/physical activity self-perception in after-school physical activity clubs. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Charlotte, NC.
• Kulik, N. Zalewska, A., McCaughtry, N., Garn, A., Maljak, K., Whalen, L., Kaseta, M., Martin, J.J., Shen, B. (2013). Social support, diet and exercise in after-school physical activity clubs. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Charlotte, NC.