Daniel Peterson

Daniel Peterson is an Associate Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU). His primary research focuses on understanding and improving mobility impairments in neurological populations, particularly Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, through biomechanical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging approaches. He leads the Gait and Balance Disorders Laboratory, aiming to enhance gait, reduce falls, and improve quality of life through targeted interventions.

Education:

• PhD in Movement Science, Washington University in St. Louis (2013)
• M.S.C.I. in Clinical Investigation, Washington University in St. Louis (2013)
• M.S. in Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University (2008)
• B.S. in Exercise Science, University of Florida (2006)

Research Interests: Investigating the interplay between balance, postural control, and cognitive deficits in neurological disorders. Key areas include rehabilitation strategies using motor learning principles, reactive stepping responses during slips/trips, and identifying predictors of therapy responsiveness. His work integrates biomechanical and neuroimaging techniques to advance clinical interventions.

Grants & Projects:

• NIH-funded INSUM project (2023-2024): Developing insole-based fall detection/mitigation technologies.
• Veterans Affairs-funded studies on protective step training in MS and PD (2018-2023).

Labs & Teams: Directs the Gait and Balance Disorders Lab, collaborating on clinical trials and biomechanical research. Lab website: gaitandbalancelab.asu.edu.

Teaching: Involves courses on motor behavior, neural aspects of movement, and research methodologies at both undergraduate and graduate levels.