Biography:
Rafaela Marchini is a neuroscience student, researcher and Division I track and field athlete at the University of North Florida. Her research focuses on the intersection of exercise physiology and brain health, specifically examining how cardiorespiratory fitness influences white matter integrity and cognitive resilience. As a student-athlete balancing elite sports performance and academic excellence, she brings a unique perspective to neuroscience research, bridging the gap between lifestyle interventions and neuroprotection. Rafaela aims to pursue a career in clinical neuroscience and continues to advance research on brain–body interactions under the mentorship of Dr. Curt Lox.
Title : The association between cardiorespiratory fitness and white matter integrity across the lifespan: A meta-analytic review