Musculoskeletal Dysfunction Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Michael D. BurtonView profile

Associate Professor

University of Texas at DallasUnited States

Dr. Michael D. Burton is an **Associate Professor** and **Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professor** in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), affiliated with the **School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences**. He is a founding member of the **Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS)** and holds roles in the **Center for Vital Longevity (CVL)**. His research focuses on neuroimmunology, pain mechanisms, and metabolic disorders, emphasizing how immune-nervous system interactions influence chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and aging-related conditions. Dr. Burton’s work bridges preclinical and translational research, using rodent models and human clinical samples. Education: PhD in Animal Science (Immunophysiology and Behavior), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012) B.S. in Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006) Postdoc in Pain Neurobiology, UT Dallas (2017) Postdoc in Diabetes/Metabolism Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center (2015) Research Interests: Dr. Burton investigates how peripheral stimuli (diet, alcohol, immune activation) affect pain and behavior through neuroimmune pathways. Key areas include: Sex differences in pain sensitivity and neuroinflammation Risk factors for chronic pain (e.g., high-fat diets, aging) Neuroimmune biomarkers for pain and delirium Development of non-opioid analgesics (e.g., cannabinoids) Awards: 2024 ROAR Research Award, UT Dallas 2023 Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professorship 2022 SFNova/Rising Star (Society for Neuroscience) 2019 Mitchell Max Award for Pain Research Grants & Leadership:** Co-Director, **Enhancing Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Experiences (ENSURE)** program ($900K grant) NIH R35, R21 grants (pain and metabolism) Editorial roles: *Neurobiology of Pain*, *Journal of Neuroinflammation*, and others Labs & Teams:** Neuroimmunology and Behavior Lab (UT Dallas) Member, NIH Pain Consortium and Endocrine Society’s Basic Science Group

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Elke VlemincxView profile

Assistant Professor

Vrije University AmsterdamNetherlands

Dr. Elke Vlemincx is an Assistant Professor at the Health Sciences department of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam since 2020. She holds adjunct roles in the AMS - Musculoskeletal Health and APH divisions focusing on Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases and Mental Health. Previously, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Queen Mary University of London (2017–2020) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship across institutions in Ann Arbor, Hamburg, Seattle, and Leuven (until 2017). She earned her PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven in 2010. Her research focuses on two primary areas: 1) respiratory psychophysiology, exploring breathing patterns' role in stress/emotion regulation and symptom perception, and 2) socioemotional learning in education to enhance student wellbeing and resilience. She pioneered studies on sighs' psychological functions and their implications for mental health interventions. She has published in leading journals like Psychophysiology and Biological Psychology , and served as Past President of the International Society for the Advancement of Respiratory Psychophysiology (2020–2021). Her recent projects include MASH-up n'HEI (2022–2025), developing socioemotional learning programs, and Level Up (2020–2023), exploring soft skills in higher education. Ancillary activities include coaching roles at ClipGGZ and Hulpkaart since 2024. Key awards include leadership in the ISARP and a focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing. Grants include research on respiratory psychophysiology's role in chronic diseases and pandemic impacts.

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Navpreet KaurView profile

Associate Professor

Carlow UniversityUnited States

Navpreet Kaur is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Carlow University. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Orthopedics and Sports Science) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, alongside a Bachelor in Physiotherapy from Guru Nanak Dev University, India. Her research focuses on kinetic chain dynamics, balance testing (Star Excursion/Y Balance Tests), muscle activation during rehabilitation, musculoskeletal disorder interventions, and educational methodologies in healthcare. Kaur has published peer-reviewed articles in journals like International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy and Journal of Sport Rehabilitation , and presented at conferences such as the American College of Sports Medicine. Her awards include the 2021 Board Excellence in Scholarship Award. Kaur is actively involved in professional organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and serves as a manuscript reviewer for Journal of Athletic Training and International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy . Her work emphasizes bridging clinical practice with evidence-based research, particularly in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. She explores gender differences in muscle activation patterns and innovative teaching methods for physical therapy students.

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Kelly CheeverView profile

Assistant Professor

University of Texas at San AntonioUnited States

Kelly Cheever, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), affiliated with the College for Health, Community and Policy. Her research program investigates sports-related injuries with particular focus on concussion outcomes, cervical spine pathology, and injury prevention strategies. Education Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Neuroscience certificate), Temple University, 2018 M.S. in Athletic Training, Brigham Young University, 2014 B.S. in Athletic Training, Southern Utah University, 2012 Research Focus Dr. Cheever's research examines long-term health outcomes in contact sports, cervical spine injury mechanisms post-concussion, sport-related concussion management, and training load periodization strategies to reduce musculoskeletal injury risk. Her work bridges clinical athletic training with neuroscience and biomechanics. Publication Trends Her recent publications (2018-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on neck pain epidemiology in concussed athletes, injury disclosure behaviors, and workload management. Research methodologies include large consortium studies, longitudinal athlete monitoring, and scoping reviews examining cervical sensorimotor dysfunction in contact sports.

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Katrien De BockView profile

Professor

ETH ZurichSwitzerland

Prof. Dr. Katrien De Bock is a Full Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich. Her research focuses on angiogenesis, metabolic crosstalk in muscle microenvironments, and the impact of exercise on muscle regeneration. She leads a team investigating cellular interactions in skeletal muscle, particularly how metabolic signals regulate blood vessel growth and muscle repair. Key areas include understanding fibroadipogenic progenitors' role in muscle physiology, the role of histamine in exercise responses, and age-related muscle decline. Her work integrates molecular biology, single-cell transcriptomics, and computational approaches to dissect mechanisms underlying tendon pathologies, ischemic muscle injury, and metabolic adaptations to exercise. She supervises Master's programs in Human Movement Science and collaborates on projects involving muscle stem cell therapies and vascular engineering. Prof. De Bock also explores interventions like NAD+ precursors to counteract age-related sarcopenia and promotes translational research in regenerative medicine. Research Interests: Exercise-induced metabolic pathways in muscle repair Angiogenesis regulation in health and disease Hypoxia signaling in tendons and muscles Epigenetic modifications during tissue regeneration Stem cell fate determination in muscle microenvironments Notable Projects: Developing AI-driven histologic analysis for tendinopathy diagnosis Mapping the human brain vasculature at single-cell resolution Testing sulfur amino acid restriction to enhance exercise capacity

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Nafiseh KhalajView profile

Research Fellow

University of QueenslandAustralia

Dr. Nafiseh Khalaj is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The University of Queensland's School of Public Health, specializing in mixed-methods health research focused on cancer screening programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her work intersects Indigenous health equity, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and chronic injury management. Education: PhD in Biomechanics (2019) from The University of Queensland's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, with earlier research in musculoskeletal disorders and pediatric motor skills. Research interests include: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health disparities, chronic ankle instability, osteoarthritis biomechanics, and orthotic interventions for spinal deformities. She employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to address health inequities and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Publications span 12 journal articles and 3 conference papers, with recent work emphasizing Indigenous health advocacy and housing determinants of wellbeing. Active in collaborative programs like the First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research Program. Advising and grants: No formal advisees listed, though involved in multidisciplinary research teams. Grants not explicitly detailed in provided materials. Labs/Teams: Core member of the First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research Program, contributing to culturally responsive healthcare initiatives.

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Ryan ChapmanView profile

Assistant Professor

University of Rhode IslandUnited States

Ryan Chapman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island (URI), leading the Biomechanics & Wearables Laboratory (BWL). His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, wearable sensor technology, and clinical decision-making, with applications in joint replacement, rehabilitation, and sports performance. Chapman earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of St. Thomas, M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa, and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Dartmouth College. He held teaching roles at Dartmouth before joining URI. His work integrates optical motion capture, machine learning, and AI to monitor human movement clinically and in daily life. Education highlights include: B.S.E.E., University of St. Thomas (200X) M.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa (20X) Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Dartmouth College (2018) Research interests emphasize wearable sensor validation, joint biomechanics post-surgery, and data-driven clinical tools. His studies on knee and hip arthroplasty recovery, published in journals like Journal of Biomechanics and Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery , highlight his technical expertise. Awards include the 2022 URI College of Health Sciences Research Award and the 2019 ISTA Young Investigator Award. Chapman’s lab develops innovative systems for postoperative monitoring, such as gyroscopic alignment tools and IMU-based motion tracking. He advises students on biomechanical projects, including hip biomechanics in expectant mothers and neural network applications for joint angle quantification. His patents include leg alignment systems and movement monitoring technologies, reflecting his translational research impact.

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Wendy HuddlestonView profile

Associate Professor

University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeUnited States

Wendy Huddleston is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her research focuses on the cortical mechanisms underlying motor selection during visually guided goal-directed behavior, particularly the interaction between visual attention, motor attention, and cognitive neuroscience. She directs the Visuomotor Lab and serves as a mentor in the Rehabilitation Science and Technology graduate programs. She utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and psychophysical testing to study sensory processing for movement preparation. Her funded projects include investigations into individual differences in attentional mapping, cross-modal attention mechanisms, and the neurophysiological basis of movement variability. Collaborations extend to the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Center for Imaging Research. Huddleston's professional affiliations include the American Physical Therapy Association, Society for Neuroscience, Center for Imaging Research (MCW), and the Evidence-Based Practice Institute. Her work bridges rehabilitation science, biomechanics, and cognitive neuroscience to advance understanding of sensorimotor integration.

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Kelly IckmansView profile

Professor

Vrije Universiteit BrusselBelgium

Kelly Ickmans is a Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Department of Human Physiology and Anatomy, specializing in pain research. She leads interdisciplinary projects addressing chronic pain mechanisms, pediatric pain management, and the neuromusculoskeletal consequences of conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and hypermobility disorders. Her work integrates clinical research, education, and translational approaches to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Research Focus: Chronic pain pathophysiology, central sensitization, exercise interventions, and pain education for pediatric and adult populations. She has pioneered studies on adrenergic dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis and developed pain science education protocols for cancer survivors. Collaborations: Active in Belgium and internationally, with projects funded by FWO and university grants. Her teams collaborate across physical therapy, neurology, and pediatrics to address comorbidities like pain-sleep disturbances in childhood cancer survivors. Grants & Projects: 10+ active/funded projects including: Epigenetic mechanisms of exercise-induced pain (2024-2028) Pain education for pediatric cancer survivors (PANACEA Study) Rehabilitation paradigms for functional abdominal pain disorders Advising: Supervises 34+ theses and doctoral projects, focusing on clinical research and translational medicine.

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Rodney J. TaylorView profile

Professor

University of Maryland, BaltimoreUnited States

Rodney J. Taylor is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. With clinical expertise in head and neck cancer management, skull base surgery, and endocrine surgery, he has led national-recognized research initiatives since joining the faculty in 2001. As Chief of Otolaryngology at the Baltimore Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, he combines clinical excellence with scientific innovation. Education : MD from Harvard Medical School (1995), MPH from University of Michigan School of Public Health (1999) Training : Residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at University of Michigan (1995-2001) Dr. Taylor's research focuses on improving head and neck cancer survival through immune-cytotoxicity studies, SCCHN cell line analysis, xenograft models, and clinical trials. His collaborations with Dr. Zalzman's lab explore cancer stem cell immortality mechanisms and regenerative medicine advancements. Current research also investigates NK cell FcγRIIIa polymorphisms for personalized antibody therapy. Scientific achievements include developing the Neck Dissection Impairment Index and recognition as a top otolaryngologist. His lab secures funding from NIH, DOD, and philanthropic sources like the Orokawa Foundation and Weitzman family. Research trends emphasize translational oncology, immunotherapy, and stem cell applications in head and neck diseases. Scientific Awards : Ranked among 'America’s Top Otolaryngologists'

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Tiago PeçanhaView profile

Senior Lecturer

Manchester Metropolitan UniversityUnited Kingdom

Dr. Tiago Peçanha is a Senior Lecturer in Human Cardiovascular Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of São Paulo and has conducted postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions including the University of São Paulo and Liverpool John Moores University. His research focuses on neural regulation of cardiovascular responses to exercise, effects of physical activity in older adults and individuals with rheumatic diseases, and vascular health in autoimmune conditions. Education: PhD in Sport and Exercise Science (University of São Paulo, 2017) MSc in Exercise Physiology (Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 2012) BSc in Sport and Exercise Science (Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 2008) Professional Memberships: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy British Society for Rheumatology Physiological Society American Physiological Society Research Interests: Dr. Peçanha explores cardiovascular and cerebrovascular physiology, particularly in contexts of aging, rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and physical inactivity. His work addresses mechanisms linking exercise to reduced cardiovascular risk in chronic inflammatory conditions and investigates interventions to mitigate sedentary behavior's health impacts. Key themes include autonomic nervous system regulation, vascular function, and translational approaches to improving patient outcomes. Grants & Projects: He leads projects funded by Health Innovation Manchester (£9,989), Lupus UK (£24,992), Alzheimer’s UK (£3,318), and the Royal Society (£20,000). These focus on physical activity interventions for lupus patients, cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus, and cerebrovascular responses to exercise in aging populations. Teaching: Delivers modules in Sport and Exercise Physiology, Health and Exercise Physiology, and Introduction to Physiology at undergraduate levels. Supervises BSc and MSc dissertation students. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Manchester Institute of Sport and the Health and Exercise Science Research Group, advancing clinical and applied research in rheumatology and cardiovascular health.

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Delphine Périé-CurnierView profile

Professor

Polytechnic School of MontrealCanada

Delphine Périé-Curnier is a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal and Director of Graduate Studies. Her research focuses on developing quantitative MRI techniques for non-invasive characterization of living tissue mechanical properties, particularly in cardiotoxicity detection and musculoskeletal mechanobiology . She leads the Bioperformance Analysis and Innovation Laboratory (LIAB) and contributes to the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Education: Ph.D. from Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France Her work bridges medical imaging , biomechanical modeling , and finite element analysis to predict disease progression through pathomechanism understanding. Key projects include exercise-induced cardiac changes in childhood cancer survivors and spinal biomechanics in scoliosis. Recent publications (2023-2024) emphasize cardiovascular MRI for childhood cancer survivorship and hemodynamic modeling in left ventricle analysis. She supervises 26 graduate students, with completed theses spanning topics like doxorubicin cardiotoxicity , knee replacement stability , and spatial cardiac MRI protocols . Teaching includes graduate courses in biomedical design , advanced biomechanics , and modeling techniques .

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Jacqueline ColeView profile

Associate Professor

University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States

Jacqueline Cole is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University, part of the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on bone mechanics, musculoskeletal development, and regenerative therapies for conditions like brachial plexus birth injury and stroke-related bone deficits. She leads the Orthopaedic Mechanobiology Lab, which employs advanced imaging (e.g., CT, microscopy) and computational modeling to study bone-tissue interactions. Cole teaches courses in orthopedic biomechanics and bone mechanobiology. Education: Ph.D. (2007), M.S. (2004) Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University; B.S. (2001) Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University. Research interests include stroke and obesity effects on bone, brachial plexus injury recovery, and tissue engineering. Awards span teaching (NC State Alumni Outstanding Teacher Award) and research mentorship (Michael Dickey Award). She has pioneered studies on bone-vascular interactions and suture materials for tendon repair. Her lab’s long-term goals involve developing therapies to prevent musculoskeletal dysfunction via mechanobiological approaches. Grants include NIH TIGRR and K12 funding. Recent work explores ischemic stroke’s impact on osteovascular structure and brachial plexus injury’s effects on joint morphology.

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Andrew DilleyView profile

Professor

University of BrightonUnited Kingdom

Professor Andrew Dilley is a Professor in Neuroanatomy and Head of the Department of Neuroscience at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex. He leads Phase 1 of the BM BS medical programme and has held roles such as Interim Head of Anatomy at the Kent and Medway Medical School (2018–2020). His research focuses on peripheral neuroinflammation in chronic musculoskeletal pain, combining laboratory electrophysiology with human imaging studies (MRI/ultrasound). He has received grants from Versus Arthritis, the NC3Rs, and the US Department of Defence. Education: BSc (Anatomy & Developmental Biology) from University College London (1993–1996), PhD in Neurophysiology from King’s College London (1996–2000). Postdoctoral research at UCL and Harvard Medical School furthered his expertise in pain mechanisms. Research interests include neuropathic pain mechanisms, neuroinflammation’s role in chronic conditions like whiplash-associated disorders, and axonal transport disruption. His teaching emphasizes multimodal learning (lectures, dissection, ultrasound) and has earned him multiple teaching awards. Current projects investigate neuroinflammation’s role in chronic pain prognosis and novel therapeutic targets. Key grants include funding for studies on whiplash chronicity (Versus Arthritis, 2020–2023) and neuritis receptor expression (Wellcome Trust, 2010). Public engagement includes speaking at national/international events.

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Grzegorz JurasView profile

Professor

Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in KatowicePoland

Grzegorz Juras is a **Professor** and **Head of the Department of Human Motor Skills** at the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland. His academic career spans over two decades, with a strong focus on motor control, postural stability, and biomechanics in clinical and athletic populations. Research Interests: His work explores - Postural control mechanisms in elderly populations and patients with Parkinson’s disease - Biomechanics of athletic movements (e.g., fencing, biathlon) - Rehabilitation strategies for musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., Achilles tendinopathy) - Neurodevelopmental disorders and motor adaptation in children with autism spectrum disorder - Applications of shock wave therapy and mindfulness training in sports performance. Recent Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize: - Objective measurements of postural sway and stability across diverse populations - Clinical trial methodologies evaluating therapeutic interventions - Biomechanical analysis of transitional locomotor tasks (e.g., stepping, lunging) - Interdisciplinary approaches combining neurology, sports science, and rehabilitation. Labs/Teams: Leads research in motor control within the Department of Human Motor Skills, collaborating with clinical and sports science teams at the academy.

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