Jenni Karl

Jenni Karl is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), specializing in the neuroscientific study of skilled hand movements. Her research focuses on understanding how reaching and grasping abilities develop in infants and how sensory modalities like touch and vision contribute to motor learning. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge and completed postdoctoral work at Western University's Brain & Mind Institute.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience (Honours & Great Distinction), University of Lethbridge, 2008
• Master of Science, Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 2010
• Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience (Governor General’s Gold Medal), University of Lethbridge, 2014

Research Interests:

• Motor control and sensorimotor learning
• Development of reaching/grasping in infants
• Role of touch vs. vision in motor skill acquisition
• Implications for neurological disorders (e.g., Huntington's disease)

Publications: Karl's work explores the evolutionary origins of hand movements and the neural mechanisms underlying motor abilities. Recent studies highlight the critical role of tactile feedback in early motor development and the potential for rehabilitative strategies informed by developmental insights.

Awards:

• Governor General’s Gold Medal (PhD)
• Funded by NSERC and Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions

Lab & Collaborations: Karl leads the TRU Brain and Behaviour Lab, where she investigates visual processing in peri-hand space and the impact of sensory modalities on motor abilities. Her research bridges developmental neuroscience and clinical rehabilitation.