About

Susie Phillips is a Professor of English at Northwestern University with a focus on medieval and Early Modern literature and culture. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and teaches courses on late medieval and Early Modern drama, poetry, and culture, including Shakespeare and Chaucer. Her scholarship emphasizes the materiality of the book—how texts were produced, published, circulated, and read. Her first book, 'Transforming Talk: The Problem with Gossip in Late Medieval England,' explores the role of 'idle talk' in late medieval England, arguing that gossip's seemingly trivial words are transformative, blurring boundaries between people, discourses, genres, practices, and words. Her upcoming book, 'Learning to Talk Shop: Mercantile Mischief and Popular Pedagogy in Premodern England,' examines phrasebooks and conversation guides from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, revealing how language learning shifted from formal education to practical, mercantile contexts, offering lessons in bargaining, insults, and social strategies. Professor Phillips has been recognized with multiple fellowships from the Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities, the Weinberg College of Arts and Science Award for Distinguished Teaching, and the Alumnae of Northwestern Teaching Professorship, the university's highest teaching honor. Her research interests include drama and performance, medieval literature, the history of the book, multilingual and comparative literatures, and Early Modern literature.

Research topics

• Internal medicine
• Physical therapy
• Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Gerontology
• Nursing

Selected publications

• Evaluating an online-delivered resistance exercise intervention for racially diverse breast cancer survivors using the RE-AIM framework

  Translational Behavioral Medicine · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience persistent physical and psychological effects after treatment, with racially diverse groups demonstrating lower adherence to cancer-specific resistance exercise guidelines. Online resistance exercise interventions show promise for enhancing accessibility and health outcomes among BCS. However, evidence regarding their feasibility of implementation remains limited. Yet, such information is critical for assessing scalability and implementation in non-laboratory settings. PURPOSE: Using the RE-AIM (reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework, this study evaluated the reach, efficacy, adoption, and implementation of a 12-week, supervised, online resistance exercise intervention for racially diverse BCS. METHODS: A mixed methods approach with a pre-post-study design was used. Quantitative outcomes included sociodemographic representativeness (reach), physical function (efficacy), and session fidelity (implementation). Qualitative interviews examined participant experiences, barriers, and facilitators (adoption). RESULTS: The intervention enrolled a racially diverse BCS sample (N = 47; 57.4% White, 23.4% Black, 14.8% Asian) that was mostly representative of the host institution catchment area, though participants had higher education levels. The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in upper- (P = .009) and lower-body physical function (P = .003) versus control, only. Adoption facilitators included program convenience, accessibility of online delivery, and trainer support, while barriers were equipment challenges, competing priorities, and cancer-related side effects. Program implementation fidelity was high for core components. CONCLUSIONS: Key factors contributed to the feasibility of implementation of the intervention. Future remote exercise interventions should address equipment needs, individualized support, and tailored recruitment to enhance adoption and facilitate scalability in non-laboratory settings. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: The Clinical Trials Registration #NCT04562233.

  PublisherDOI

• Mobile Health Technology Ownership and Use Among Cancer Survivors in a Health System

  Cancer Reports · 2026-04-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is associated with improved health outcomes among cancer survivors (CS), yet PA participation and access to PA programs in cancer care are low. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies such as wearable activity trackers and smartphone lifestyle applications are promising strategies to promote PA among CS. However, CS's adoption patterns and willingness to share resulting mHealth data with healthcare providers are underexplored. AIMS: This study examined mHealth technology ownership and usage as well as willingness to share wearable data with healthcare providers among CS and identified demographic and health-related correlates. METHODS: = 56.5 (SD = 14.5); 54.6% female) from a large healthcare system. Univariate logistic regression models examined associations between demographic (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, marital status, employment status, health status, BMI) and disease (time since diagnosis, treatment received, disease stage) characteristics and meeting PA guidelines (i.e., 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous PA) and activity tracker ownership, lifestyle app usage, and willingness to share wearable data with healthcare providers. RESULTS: Nearly all CS (97.5%) owned a smartphone. Over half (52.9%) owned an activity tracker, and one-third (32.4%) used a lifestyle app. Most (64.3%) were willing to share wearable data with healthcare providers. Participants with a college degree or higher income, those who met PA guidelines, and those who were obese were more likely to own a wearable activity tracker. Along with those factors, younger age (< 65) and full-time employment were also associated with a higher likelihood of using a lifestyle app (p < 0.05). Being employed full-time was significantly associated with willingness to share data with a healthcare provider. No other relationships were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Many CS use or are open to using mHealth technologies. However, differences in adoption by demographic characteristics and unclear demographic and disease correlates of willingness to share data highlight the need for targeted, inclusive, and evidence-based strategies to integrate these tools into survivorship care. Understanding who adopts mHealth technologies is essential to optimizing their potential to improve long-term cancer outcomes.

  PublisherDOI

• Acceptability of the Fit2ThriveMB mHealth physical activity promotion intervention in women with metastatic breast cancer

  Supportive Care in Cancer · 2025-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Abstract 4907: Availability and characteristics of energy balance programs offered by NCI-designated cancer centers

  Cancer Research · 2025-04-21

  articleSenior author

  To broaden our understanding of energy balance programs (diet, physical activity, weight control available for cancer survivors in NCI-designated cancer centers across the United States, we reviewed the characteristics (program components, personalization, delivery mode) of programs using publicly available information on cancer center websites. All NCI-designated cancer centers (n=72 as of 4/24/2024) were included, and two coders reviewed their websites. Each cancer center’s website was searched and reviewed from June 2023 to April 2024. We applied the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework, an implementation framework used for planning and evaluation of programs, to evaluate each cancer center’s energy balance programming. Information was extracted by each reviewer independently and then checked by a third study staff member for discrepancies. A total of 55 (76%) cancer centers had information on at least one energy balance program or resource posted on their website. These programs included diet/nutrition (n=41), physical activity (n=23), and weight control programs (n=3). Personalized programming was offered in 68% of diet/nutrition programs, 30% of physical activity programs, and 33% of weight control programs. Across all energy balancing behaviors, most programs offered individual sessions (76% diet/nutrition; 57% physical activity; 67% weight control). Group-based support was offered in less than half of programs across all behaviors (29% diet/nutrition; 40% physical activity; 33% weight control). In-person delivery was offered in 56% of diet/nutrition programs, 74% of physical activity programs, and 33% of weight control programs. Most of the programming for cancer survivors addressed diet/nutrition. Weight control programs were limited. Most physical activity programs were delivered in-person, which could limit reach and increase barriers to participation since the median of NCI-designated catchment areas is 26,500 square miles. There is a need for more consistency and availability of personalized support, particularly concerning exercise and weight control. Comprehensively addressing all energy balance components as part of cancer survivorship care is needed. Citation Format: Jean Miki Reading, Alexandra Rich, Aarifah Bandealy, Payton Solk, Julia Starikovsky, Allegra Frank, Kristina Hasanaj, Shirlene Wang, Siobhan M. Phillips. Availability and characteristics of energy balance programs offered by NCI-designated cancer centers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4907.

  PublisherDOI

• Effects of a Physical Activity mHealth Intervention (Fit2Thrive) on WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Secondary Data Analysis

  Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention · 2025-06-09

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  BACKGROUND: Interventions targeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may be a catalyst for improving other lifestyle behaviors in breast cancer survivors (BCS). We examined whether Fit2Thrive, an mHealth MVPA intervention, influenced adherence to cancer prevention recommendations. METHODS: BCSs (N = 269; age, mean = 52.9; SD = 9.9) received a 12-week mHealth MVPA intervention and were randomized to "on" or "off" level of five intervention components. The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) score was calculated (0 = high cancer risk, 6 = low cancer risk) based on cancer prevention recommendations: sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food, fruit/vegetable intake, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and MVPA (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). Mixed-effects models examined changes in the WCRF/AICR score and each risk factor and the effects of each intervention component (telephone support calls, Fitbit Buddy, tailored text messages, deluxe app, online gym) level on the WCRF/AICR score. RESULTS: The WCRF/AICR total score significantly improved at 12 and 24 weeks (P values < 0.001). MVPA improved at 12 and 24 weeks (P values < 0.001). Fruit and vegetable consumption improved at 12 weeks (P = 0.01). No changes in other risk factors were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a mHealth MVPA intervention may influence cancer risk in BCS and have effects on certain untargeted behaviors (fruit and vegetable consumption) but not on other risk factors (sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food, body mass index, alcohol consumption). Future work should explore how to maximize these effects and determine if resource-efficient dietary intervention components improve cancer outcomes. IMPACT: Understanding the impact of an mHealth MVPA intervention on untargeted dietary behaviors may guide the development of scalable interventions targeting lifestyle behaviors.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Correction: Physical activity barriers, facilitators, and preferences in primary and tertiary prevention of breast cancer: a French national observational study

  Journal of Cancer Survivorship · 2025-11-22

  erratumOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• StandUPTV: A full-factorial optimization trial to reduce sedentary screen time among adults

  Research Square · 2025-02-24

  preprintOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Representation in clinical trials evaluating lifestyle interventions targeting energy balance in cancer survivors: A scoping review.

  Journal of Clinical Oncology · 2025-05-28

  article

  e23017 Background: The rate of clinical trial participation in any cancer research study is 22%, with 7% in cancer treatments (drug, devices, behavior). However, clinical trial enrollment data specific to lifestyle interventions in the cancer population are limited. Identifying gaps in enrollment and enhancing generalizability of lifestyle interventions for cancer survivors is imperative to improve survival, quality of life and reduce cancer recurrence risk in diverse populations. To address some of these gaps, we conducted a scoping review using PRISMA guidelines to determine the representation of cancer survivors by sex, race, ethnicity, age, and cancer type in clinical trials evaluating lifestyle interventions. Methods: Studies were considered eligible if the following criteria were met: 1) Sample of adults 18 years with a cancer diagnosis; and 2) report on an intervention designed to change one or more lifestyle behavior (diet, physical activity, weight control). Observational studies, qualitative studies, and protocol papers were excluded. Studies including children, pharmacologic, or surgical interventions were also excluded. Medical subject headings (MESH) and terms related to cancer survivorship and lifestyle intervention were used for the literature search. Studies were imported into Rayyan for title/abstract review. Two reviewers independently reviewed the full text of articles for inclusion. Data were then extracted and entered into REDCap. Means and proportions were calculated for respective quantitative and categorical variables. Results: A total of 117 articles were included. Approximately 11% of articles targeted diet, 70% targeted physical activity, and 19% targeted both diet and physical activity. On average, the mean age of the samples was 56.4 years (SD = 8.4), with a range of 33-75 years, and were majority female (80%). Just over half (52%) of the articles provided information on race and ethnicity. Of these, the samples reported mostly White (79%), Black or African American (20%), and Hispanic/Latino (13%). The most common cancer types represented were breast (72%), colorectal (22%), prostate (15%), endometrial (12%), ovarian (10%), and lung cancer (10%). Conclusions: Most of the lifestyle intervention trials focused on breast cancer survivors (51%). Despite rising rates of cancer in women under 50, limited lifestyle intervention trials included young adult cancer survivors. Similarly, though prostate cancer is the leading cancer in men, trial enrollment is low. Hispanic/Latino populations have the highest prevalence of modifiable cancer risk factors, yet trial enrollment was also low. These findings suggest that targeted efforts are needed to develop lifestyle interventions that can bolster enrollment in subgroups of the cancer survivor population including young women, men with prostate cancer, and Hispanic/Latino population.

  PublisherDOI

• Optimizing a mHealth physical activity intervention with mindful awareness lessons in breast cancer survivors: Fit2ThriveMIND protocol

  Contemporary Clinical Trials · 2025-07-31

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Fit2ThriveMIND is a theory-guided moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) promotion trial guided by the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework to evaluate the efficacy of four intervention components for increasing MVPA among inactive, post-treatment breast cancer survivors (BCS; n = 304). All participants receive a core mHealth intervention, including a Fitbit and custom-built self-monitoring Fit2ThriveMIND smartphone application. Participants are randomized to one of 16 intervention conditions, reflecting every possible combination of the four intervention components, each of which has two levels (Yes v. No): 1) Buddy, 2) E-Coach, 3) General Mindfulness (MIND), 4) MVPA-guided mindfulness (PAMIND). The primary aim is to determine the individual and combined effects of the intervention components on accelerometer-assessed MVPA at 24-weeks (post-intervention) and 48-weeks follow-up. The secondary aim is to examine how changes in MVPA influence patient-reported outcomes, other intensity activities (light and sedentary), and sleep duration and quality. All components have a 24-week duration, except E-coaching, which includes "boosters" personalized to an individual's MVPA goal attainment during weeks 25-48. Fit2ThriveMIND represents the first systematic effort to use MOST to design an optimized mHealth MVPA intervention for BCS that incorporates mindfulness and tests a maintenance strategy. This trial will improve understanding of how to effectively and efficiently change and maintain MVPA among BCS to inform more effective and scalable interventions to improve health and disease outcomes. Clinical Trials Registration #NCT05931874.

  PublisherDOI

• Fit4Surgery: A pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility of prehabilitation prior to debulking surgery for ovarian cancer

  Gynecologic Oncology · 2025-07-04 · 3 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Designing with Dissemination in Mind: Optimization of a mHealth Physical Activity Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors

  NIH · $729k · 2015–2020

• NIH Grant F31AG034025

  NIH · $71k · 2012

• Clinical Practice Network

  NIH · $8.9M · 2022–2027

• Technology-Supported Physical Activity Intervention for Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivors:Fit2ThriveMB

  NIH · $378k · 2019–2022

Frequent coauthors

• Russell E. Glasgow

  University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

  173 shared

• Suzanne Heurtin‐Roberts

  170 shared

• Alex H. Krist

  168 shared

• Marcia G. Ory

  Texas A&M University

  168 shared

• S. N. Sheinfeld-Gorin

  UCLA Health

  164 shared

• Beth A. Glenn

  UCLA Health

  106 shared

• Roy Sabo

  Virginia Commonwealth University

  102 shared

• Mary C. White

  Murdoch Children's Research Institute

  101 shared

Education

• Cancer Prevention Fellow, National Cancer Institute

  National Institutes of Health

  2014

• MPH in Quantiative Methods, TH Chan School of Public Health

  Harvard University

  2012

• PhD, Kinesiology and Community Health

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  2011

• Bachelor of Science (BS), Kinesiology and Community Health

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  2005

Awards & honors

• Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities Fellowships (2009-…
• Weinberg College of Arts and Science Award for Distinguished…
• Associated Student Government Faculty Honor Roll (four times…
• Alumnae of Northwestern Teaching Professorship (2014)