Dr. Alvin Kao

Associate Professor

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Biography

Dr. Kao’s research focuses on understanding the influence of health behavior associated with biobehavioral correlates of human cognition and brain health. He is particularly interested in the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and their behavioral neuroelectric outcomes related to cognitive function from childhood to early adulthood. His research investigates several key areas including (1) the associations between aspects of physical fitness such as cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness, and higher-order cognition including executive function and memory, (2) the role of exercise parameters including mode, intensity, and timing in relation to exercise and cognitive function, and (3) the development of multi-modal interventions that combine physical activity and mindfulness to facilitate attention, learning, and productivity in integrated real-world settings such as schools and workplaces.

Research Interests

Courses

HK59000 - Physical Activity Cognition HK37200 - Sport Exercise Psychology HK47700 - Sport Exercise Psychophysiology

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.