Anjana Bhat

Dr. Anjana Bhat is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware, with a joint appointment in the Behavioral Neuroscience Program and the Biomechanics & Movement Sciences Graduate Program. She leads the Move2Learn Autism Lab, focusing on creative movement interventions to improve motor, social, and cognitive skills in individuals with autism. Her work integrates neuroscience, behavioral analysis, and technology-driven therapies.

Education:

• PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware (2005)
• MS PT in Pediatric Neurology, L.T.M. Medical College, Mumbai (1999)
• BS PT, L.T.M. Medical College, Mumbai (1993)

Research Interests: Motor development in autism, embodied interventions (yoga, dance, robotics), neuroimaging (fNIRS), telehealth delivery of therapies, and multisystem outcomes in neurodevelopmental disorders. Her lab emphasizes randomized controlled trials and mixed-methods approaches.

Awards & Grants:

• Livieri Endowed Professorship (2014)
• NIH/NIMH R33 Award ($700,969, 2011–2014)
• Autism Speaks Pilot Treatment Award ($120,000, 2012–2014)

Service & Leadership: Editorial board member of the Journal of Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, grant reviewer for NIH and Autism Speaks, and chair of the Motor Development program committee at NASPSPA. She has advised over 100 students and contributed to policy discussions on pediatric therapy delivery.

Labs & Teams: Move2Learn Autism Lab (UD), collaborations with Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Research focuses on fNIRS-based cortical activation studies during social interactions and movement synchrony tasks.