Dr. Alvin Kao

Associate Professor

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Biography

Dr. Kao’s research focuses on understanding the influence of health behaviors associated with biobehavioral correlates of human cognition and brain health. He is particularly interested in the acute and chronic effects of physical activity on behavioral neuroelectric outcomes related to cognitive function in children and young adults. His research encompasses several key areas: 1) the associations between various aspects of physical fitness, including cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and higher-order cognition, such as executive function and memory; 2) the role of exercise parameters, including mode, intensity, and timing, on cognitive function; and 3) the development of multi-modal interventions that combine physical activity and mindfulness, implemented in integrated real-world settings like schools and workplaces to enhance attention, learning, work productivity, and overall brain health.

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.