Priscila M Tamplain

Priscila M Tamplain is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She holds a PhD in Motor Neuroscience from Texas A&M University and has expertise in developmental motor disorders, particularly Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Her work bridges motor development, neurodevelopmental conditions, and clinical interventions.

Education: PhD (Motor Neuroscience, Texas A&M, 2011), MS (Motor Behavior, Universidade Federal do Paraná, 2006), BS (Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Paraná, 2004). She completed certifications in Effective Instruction (ACUE, 2021) and Family Engagement in Research (McMaster University, 2023).

Research interests focus on motor development in neurodivergent populations, including DCD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with emphasis on diagnostic frameworks, intervention efficacy, and psychosocial impacts. She explores motor-cognitive interactions, tool use, and environmental influences on motor skills.

Her recent articles analyze motor behavior in neurodivergent children, social media narratives of lived experiences, and transcranial stimulation for ASD. She has secured grants totaling over $1M, including studies on DCD-ASD overlap and eHealth interventions for mental health.

• Awards: Early Career Distinguished Scholar (NASPSPA), NASPSPA Excellence in Research (CONHI), Halverson Motor Development Award.
• Service: Chair of American Kinesiology Association, Editorial Board member for Human Movement Science, and leadership roles in ISRA-DCD and I-MDRC.
• Advising: Supervised 11+ graduate students in research areas like DCD-CAS associations and motor intervention efficacy.

Her lab investigates motor behavior through interdisciplinary approaches, emphasizing translational research to improve clinical practices and public health strategies.