Find Academic Supervisors

Jake MotaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuromuscular Physiology
• Occupational Health
• Injury Prevention
• +3 more

Jake Mota serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas Tech University and directs the Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory (NOPL), while also participating in STEM CORE initiatives. Trained as a neuromuscular physiologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, his research investigates mechanisms influencing muscle strength, function, and injury risk in high-demand occupations including firefighting and law enforcement. He integrates transcranial magnetic stimulation, ultrasound imaging, and dynamometry with practical strength and conditioning principles to bridge basic science with real-world applications. His work demonstrates consistent focus on occupational resilience through 60+ peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing neuromuscular adaptations in physically demanding careers and developing evidence-based interventions for injury reduction. Dr. Mota has secured competitive external funding to advance both mechanistic understanding and practical field applications for first responders. Committed to comprehensive mentorship, he provides students with hands-on laboratory experience and professional development opportunities while partnering with community agencies to implement training protocols that optimize operational readiness and reduce injury incidence among emergency personnel.

Steven GarciaView profile

Assistant Clinical Professor

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Physical Therapy
• +3 more

Steven Garcia, PhD , is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC) . A Los Angeles native, Garcia returned to his roots after completing his PhD in Movement Science at the University of Michigan (2023) and postdoctoral training at the University of Illinois–Chicago. He specializes in knee osteoarthritis prevention post-ACL injury, integrating biomechanics , neuromuscular physiology , and musculoskeletal imaging into his research. PhD, Movement Science, University of Michigan (2023) MS, Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton (2018) BS, Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton (2016) Garcia’s research examines how gait patterns , muscle strength , and daily movement influence knee cartilage adaptability after ACL reconstruction. His work leverages 3D motion capture , dynamometry , electromyography , and ultrasonography to identify modifiable risk factors for osteoarthritis. Recent publications highlight collaborations on ACL rehabilitation protocols , BMI-related gait mechanics , and inter-joint coordination . As part of USC’s anatomy core, Garcia teaches musculoskeletal anatomy and analytical anatomy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, emphasizing real-world applications of anatomical principles. Outside academia, he is an avid music enthusiast, logging over 100,000 annual minutes on Spotify and enjoying vinyl records with friends.

Jenny JägerView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Physiotherapy
• Health Promotion
• Respiratory Health
• +3 more

Jenny Jäger is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Health, Learning and Technology within Luleå University of Technology 's School of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation . Her research focuses on Physiotherapy and Health Promotion , particularly in respiratory health and geriatric rehabilitation . Key research themes: COPD functional assessment, assistive technology for visual impairment, fall prevention in elderly populations Recent work includes: Teknik ska minska fallolyckor bland äldre (2023) – developing technology for elderly safety Hand grip strength in COPD (2013-2016) – establishing strength-disease correlations Specializes in cross-disciplinary approaches combining rehabilitation science with engineering solutions Contact: jenny.jager@ltu.se

Bibi GramView profile

Associate Professor

• Chronic Pain
• Knee Osteoarthritis
• Bariatric Surgery
• +3 more

Bibi Gram is an Associate Professor at the Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, and affiliated with the Research Unit of Endocrinology (Esbjerg) at IRS - Esbjerg and Grindsted Hospital. Her work bridges clinical research and health science, focusing on chronic pain, obesity, and post-surgical outcomes. Active in randomized controlled trials and clinical interventions Key collaborator in musculoskeletal and endocrinology research Expert in muscle strength assessment and physical activity studies Research trends show emphasis on knee osteoarthritis pain management , post-bariatric surgery recovery , and quality of life improvements . Recent projects include evaluating cryoneurolysis for chronic pain and bone preservation strategies after bariatric surgery. Her academic network spans endocrinology, geriatrics, and sports medicine collaborations. Notable contributions include methodological advancements in muscle strength testing and interdisciplinary approaches to obesity-related health challenges.

Michael CallaghanView profile

Professor

• Physiotherapy
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Orthopaedics
• +5 more

Michael Callaghan is a Professor of Clinical Physiotherapy at Manchester Metropolitan University and an Honorary MAHSC Clinical Professor at the University of Manchester. He holds a Clinical Specialist position at Manchester Royal Infirmary’s Physiotherapy Department. His career includes roles as Research Physiotherapist at Manchester University and Human Performance Laboratory Manager at the Wellcome Trust. Education: PhD (2002): Electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle group in patellofemoral pain syndrome, University of Manchester MPhil (1993): Gait analysis of patients with anterior knee pain, University of Liverpool Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (1983), University College Salford Research Focus: Specializes in lower limb assessment/rehabilitation, particularly patellofemoral joint disorders. Uses advanced techniques like fMRI, kinetic gait analysis, and electrical stimulation. Notable work includes the largest clinical trial on patellofemoral OA bracing and a NIHR-funded trial on sports tape for patellofemoral OA. Collaborates with sports teams like Manchester United FC for research. Key Contributions: Developed MRI-based assessments for patellofemoral OA PI for multi-center HTA-funded trials on knee OA bracing Authored over 66 publications on OA management, bracing, and imaging Awards: Winston Churchill Travelling Fellow (1994), British Olympic Association Physiotherapy Committee (1987–2000). Grants & Funding: NIHR (2023) for sports tape trial, MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chair funding. Professional Roles: Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Society of Orthopaedic Medicine, and several sports medicine committees.

Phil McClureView profile

Professor

• Biomechanical Analysis of the Shoulder
• Clinical Outcomes in Shoulder Disorders
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
• +4 more

Dr. Phil McClure is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at Arcadia University, where he also directs the Movement Science PhD Program. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Drexel University, an MS in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia, and a BS in Physical Therapy from Temple University. His research focuses on biomechanical analysis of shoulder dysfunction, clinical outcomes of shoulder disorders, and rehabilitation strategies. Key areas include rotator cuff tendinopathy, frozen shoulder management, and the development of evidence-based interventions. He has secured grants from federal and private agencies and received multiple awards, including the Michael L. Berger Faculty Scholars Prize and the Paris Distinguished Service Award for contributions to orthopedic physical therapy. Dr. McClure has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with his work cited in major journals like the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. He served on national committees, including the Research Committee of the Orthopedic Section of APTA, and has been an invited reviewer for systematic reviews by the AAOS and AHRQ. His teaching excellence is recognized through awards such as the APTA Baethke-Carlin National Award for Academic Teaching and the Catherine Worthington Fellow distinction. His laboratory focuses on integrating biomechanical insights with clinical practice to advance physical therapy outcomes.

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Exercise Physiology
• Neuroplasticity
• +3 more

Ryan Edward Ross, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Research within the College of Health Professions at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). His research program centers on innovative rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors, with particular emphasis on integrating aerobic exercise with conventional therapies to address both physical and psychosocial impairments. Dr. Ross's primary research focuses on stroke rehabilitation mechanisms, exercise physiology applications in neurorecovery, neuroplasticity modulation, and depression management in stroke populations. His work investigates how aerobic exercise serves as a neuroplasticity primer to enhance responses to physical rehabilitation, with growing attention to comorbidities like obesity and depression that complicate stroke recovery. Much of his clinical work involves Veteran populations through MUSC-affiliated studies. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals a strategic progression from mechanistic studies (e.g., BDNF dynamics, corticomotor plasticity) toward applied clinical interventions combining aerobic exercise with virtual reality, rTMS, and power training. His research consistently bridges physical rehabilitation (mobility, upper extremity function) and mental health outcomes, increasingly incorporating feasibility frameworks for complex multimodal therapies targeting stroke survivors with depression. As Principal Investigator, Dr. Ross leads significant clinical trials including "Priming the rehabilitation engine: aerobic exercise as the fuel to spark behavioral improvements in stroke" (PRO00105988) examining aerobic exercise-enhanced rehabilitation for Veteran stroke survivors, and "Modified cardiac rehabilitation to enhance post-stroke physical and psychosocial function: does depression limit the response?" (PRO00140518) adapting cardiac rehab protocols for stroke populations with depression comorbidity. These studies reflect his commitment to developing comprehensive, depression-sensitive rehabilitation models.

Kristi AngelopoulouView profile

Associate Professor

• Physical Therapy
• Orthopedics
• Medical Screening
• +4 more

Dr. Kristi Angelopoulou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Emory & Henry College’s School of Health Sciences, where she has served since 2015. She holds advanced clinical certifications including Board Certification in Orthopedics (ABPTS), Mastery in Manual Therapy, and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging. Her academic roles include faculty advisor for the Physical Therapy Club and research projects, committee membership in curriculum and simulation lab affairs, and course mastery for key musculoskeletal and kinesiology courses. Dr. Angelopoulou’s education includes a Doctor of Physical Therapy (Northeastern University, 2011), Master’s in Exercise Physiology (University of Central Florida, 1999), and a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training (Minnesota State University, 1997). Her 18+ years of clinical experience spans sports medicine, outpatient orthopedics, and leadership roles in athletic training and rehabilitation practices. Her research focuses on medical screening, differential diagnosis, and musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging applications. Notable work includes studies on hypertension management in physical therapy patients and dynamic ultrasound assessment of ligament injuries. She has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and book chapters on orthopedic physical therapy, emphasizing clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice. Professional contributions include item writing for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties’ Orthopedic Certification and active membership in the APTA’s Imaging Special Interest Group. Her commitment to education is reflected in her dual roles as clinician and academic leader, bridging clinical practice with educational innovation.

• Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Sports Rehabilitation
• Manual Therapy
• +4 more

Michael Masaracchio serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at Long Island University's School of Health Professions, where he also directs the Anatomy Lab and co-chairs the Interprofessional Education Task Force. With over 20 years of clinical experience, he maintains active practice as Clinical Director at Masefield and Cavallaro Physical Therapy specializing in orthopedic and sports pathologies. PhD in Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University (2011) DPT, Creighton University (2005) BS/MS, Long Island University (2001) His research focuses on evidence-based orthopedic physical therapy, particularly manual therapy interventions for spinal and extremity disorders, cost-effectiveness analysis in musculoskeletal care, and rehabilitation protocols for joint pathologies. Recent work emphasizes health services research examining healthcare utilization patterns and value-based care models through systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Publications demonstrate consistent scholarly output with 30+ articles, two textbooks, and book chapters primarily in high-impact rehabilitation journals. His 15 most recent works (2022-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on systematic reviews/meta-analyses (12 of 15), with growing focus on health economics (cost analysis, telehealth outcomes) alongside traditional biomechanics and intervention studies. Marilyn Moffat Distinguished Service Award (2018) David Newton Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018) International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy’s Best Case Study Award (2016) As Vice President of APTA New York and Education Leadership Fellowship recipient, he actively shapes professional standards. Secured $315,000 in research funding including NYPTA's $300,000 grant on physical therapy timing and costs. Directs the Anatomy Lab while mentoring through LIU's DPT program and supervising interprofessional education initiatives.

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• +3 more

Florian Congnard is a Lecturer and Teacher-Researcher at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) within the Faculty of Sciences, affiliated with the IFEPSA research unit. He specializes in the APCoSS team (Physical Activity, Body, Sport and Health). Holding a PhD in Human Physiology and Pathophysiology from the University of Angers (2017), his research focuses on cardiovascular health assessment through physical activity, arterial damage diagnostics, biosensor validation, and the impact of risky behaviors in student populations. He has organized national/international conferences such as 'Adapted Physical Activity in the Service of Medical Care' (2024) and 'Trail and ultra trail, a whole world' (2024). His work bridges clinical applications, sports medicine, and public health, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration in exercise physiology and rehabilitation. Key educational roles include teaching 'Physiology of Major Functions', 'Physiology and Pathophysiology of Specific Populations', and 'Methodology of Research'. He contributes to programs like ALVEPAAP (vascular assessment in active populations) and AWARE (COPD rehabilitation). His research integrates technological tools (e.g., GPS, wearable monitors) for activity measurement and clinical evaluation. Collaborations include the Regional Society of Exercise and Sports Medicine and institutions like the ENS Rennes. His projects address chronic diseases (cardiac rehabilitation, post-COVID fatigue), aging populations, and telehealth applications for post-surgical obesity management.

• Sports Science
• Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• +3 more

Christopher Nulty is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Health and Sport Sciences at Southern Technological University. He is actively involved in research and accepts PhD students. His work focuses on collagen supplementation, resistance training effects in aging populations, and sports-related biomechanics. Key research interests include tendon adaptations, dietary collagen intake patterns, and fatigue management in team sports. He leads projects like the 2024 'Conference Participation Fund' (Pathway 8), exploring collagen supplementation's role in middle-aged men's tendon health. Recent publications (2022–2025) analyze collagen's impact on muscle-tendon systems, dietary trends in aging populations, and reliability of dynamometric tests. He collaborates on studies published in journals like the Journal of Nutrition and European Journal of Sport Science.

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cardiovascular Health
• +3 more

Anthony S. Leicht is a researcher at James Cook University , focusing on Exercise Physiology , Sports Science , and Cardiovascular Health . His work spans athlete performance, cardiovascular responses to exercise, and rehabilitation for peripheral artery disease. He collaborates extensively with international researchers across disciplines like sports biomechanics, military training, and public health. His recent publications highlight trends in physical performance analysis (e.g., rugby league, basketball), cardiovascular adaptations in peripheral artery disease patients, and reliability of performance metrics using wearable technology. Key subfields include heart rate variability, post-exercise recovery, and environmental influences on athletic performance. While specific scientific awards or student supervision details are not listed in the provided text, his collaborative research and meta-analytical approaches underscore his contributions to understanding fatigue, training adaptation, and health outcomes in diverse populations.

• Neuromuscular Health
• Occupational Health
• Musculoskeletal Physiology
• +3 more

Marija Burčeņa is an Acting Scientific Assistant and Acting Lecturer at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University. Her work focuses on neuromuscular health, electromyography, and occupational health, particularly in analyzing muscle fatigue and physical activity among sedentary workers. Rīga Stradiņš University - Acting Lecturer Rīga Stradiņš University - Ph.D. Student Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital - External Collaborator Research Interests: Dr. Burčeņa studies musculoskeletal physiology and workplace ergonomics, with a focus on upper limb neuromuscular health , muscle efficiency , and work-related soft tissue disorders . Her research combines electromyography , strength analysis , and preventive strategies for sedentary workers. Recent Publications (2024-2025): Her work includes studies on physical activity levels in office workers, neuromuscular fatigue , and muscle imbalances using electromyography and dynamometry. Key trends highlight interventions for sustainable physical activity habits and early detection of soft tissue disorders . Projects: She leads the Development of Early Detection and Prevention Strategies in Risk Groups for Functional Work-Related Overload Disorders of the Soft Tissues of the Arm and participates in the Multidisciplinary Approach for Sustainable Physical Activity Habits funded by the European Commission. Conference Activities: Dr. Burčeņa has presented on upper limb health in sedentary professions , including risks for IT, healthcare, and industrial workers, emphasizing ergonomic solutions and preventive practices.

Brisamar Estébanez GonzálezView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Exercise Physiology
• Aging and Longevity
• Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
• +4 more

Brisamar Estébanez González serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Biomedical Sciences Department at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, Spain. Her academic profile centers on molecular exercise physiology with emphasis on aging, obesity, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Her educational foundation includes a 2021 PhD from the University of León for her dissertation Study of molecular and cellular responses in healthy elderly subjects performing a resistance training program , supervised by Dr. Javier González Gallego and Dr. María José Cuevas González. Dr. Estébanez González's research program investigates the molecular crosstalk between physical activity and age-related diseases. Key focus areas include exosome-mediated communication in obesity, klotho protein dynamics in sarcopenia, and exercise-induced neuroprotection against Alzheimer's disease. Her work bridges basic science with clinical applications through biomarker discovery and mechanistic studies of cellular stress responses. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals consistent exploration of exercise interventions across the lifespan - from pediatric obesity to geriatric health. Dominant themes include sarcopenic obesity pathophysiology (32% of articles), Alzheimer's disease mechanisms (20%), and exosome biomarker discovery (27%). Her methodology frequently employs molecular profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and exosomal cargo analysis. She actively contributes to the BIOMEDSAL research group (Mechanisms Pathogenic and Therapeutic Approaches in Biomedicine and Health Sciences) and maintains prior affiliation with the FISBIO group (Applied Physiology to Biomedicine). Her collaborative network spans Spanish physiological sciences societies and international exercise medicine researchers.

Ángela Rodríguez PereaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Functional Electromechanical Dynamometry
• Strength Assessment
• Non-Specific Low Back Pain Rehabilitation
• +5 more

Ángela Rodríguez Perea is an Assistant Professor at the University of León , affiliated with the Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports and the Department of Physical Education and Sports . She is a member of the AMREDyS research group (Analysis of Human Movement, Sports Performance, and Health) and the Pleokinetic Network. PhD (2020) in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences from the University of Granada Her research focuses on functional electromechanical dynamometry (DEMF) for core strength assessment and the therapeutic effects of physical exercise on non-specific low back pain . She has contributed to 32 JCR/SJR-indexed publications, accumulating 553 citations and an H-index of 14, with expertise in study design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Ángela has participated in 10 national and international projects related to strength assessment, fitness evaluation for adults, and disease-specific populations. She serves as editor for two special issues: Health-Related Fitness in Sport (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health) and Recent Advances in Applied Biomechanics and Sports Sciences (Applied Sciences). Her work includes presenting at international conferences and collaborating as a reviewer for indexed journals. Scientific Awards Cum laude distinction for doctoral thesis (2020) She is actively involved in research teams such as CTS642-IDAFISAD (University of Granada) and contributes to editorial committees.