Laurie Devaney

Laurie Devaney is a faculty member at the University of Connecticut, serving as Department Head of Kinesiology, Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and Co-Director of the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine. She is also a Consultant to UConn Athletics, focusing on student athlete care and wellness initiatives.

• PhD in Exercise Science (2018), University of Connecticut
• Advanced Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (2000), University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (1989), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Her research explores spine-related musculoskeletal conditions and their impact on sports injury risk, particularly neck mobility impairments in throwing athletes, ball sport athletes, and older adults. She investigates neuromuscular performance deficits after ligament injuries and develops models for their assessment and treatment. Current projects include:

• Neuromuscular performance after UCL reconstruction
• Throwing-related injuries in college baseball pitchers
• Neck mobility measurement tools
• Eccentric exercise effects on shoulder range of motion

Recent publications focus on spine-posture interactions, injury risk factors, and validity of clinical tools. Awards include the 2002 UConn Golden Apple Teaching Award. Grants involve inCHIP Seed Grant (2025, $25,000) and UConn OVPR Fund (2016, $1,880). She leads the S.O.A.R. Lab and co-founded the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine.