Faculty Research Interests

Research Topics: Rehabilitation in MS as it relates to neuroplasticity and balance retraining.

Research Topics: Application of sensory tools and cognitive behavioral therapy to increase self-regulation; use of evidence-based practice among occupational therapy practitioners learning together in communities of practice.

Research Topics: Acoustic calibration (in particular, of transient stimuli), auditory electrophysiology (with a focus on auditory evoked potentials, including the effects of high stimulus rates and masking noise on the auditory brainstem response, and animal studies of the auditory steady-state response), vestibular/balance function/dysfunction, functional imaging and aging

Research Topics: Assessing physiological and functional limitations and developing exercise and rehabilitation programs for various disability groups, including osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, MS, post-polio syndrome, hemophilia and frail to well elderly.

Research Topics: Distance education and technology in health care

Research Topics: Firefighter health and safety, cardiac disease, activity in heart failure patients and acute care physical therapy.

Research Topics: Integrating neuroscience concepts into rehabilitation in chronic stages of stroke and cerebral palsy.

Research Topics: Community-based outcomes research in the areas of: computer-based assistive technology; wheeled mobility and seating; office ergonomics interventions; work conditioning programs; home modifications; complete streets. Evaluation of accessible public transportation systems. Usability testing to support development of new assistive technology device products.

Research Topics: Access to health care for elders including foreign born elders and methods of rehabilitation across cultures.

Research Topics: Effective use of simulation-based learning experiences for the education of health professions students; interprofessional education and collaborative practice; acute and critical care physical therapist clinical practice.

Research Topics: Neuromuscular development and regeneration, animal models of neuromuscular disorders, and sarcopenia.

Research Topics: Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and educational methods for occupational therapy students.

Research Topics: Fall and frailty prevention in older adults with a chronic illness, a past fall, Alzheimer's disease and/or cancer, often using technology. Caregivers of older adults are also her research interest.

Research Topics: Understanding the functional implications of neuropsychiatric disorders including Tourette Syndrome and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), and application of sensory tools to reduce disruptive behaviors in adolescence with psychosocial needs. Optimizing oral health for individuals with disabilities at home and in the dental office using sensory, motor, and behavioral interventions.

Research Topics: Soft tissue injury/overuse, assessment and treatment.