Erika Lewis

Erika Lewis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology at the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell. She has been a full-time faculty member since 2004, teaching musculoskeletal evaluation courses and co-developing the interprofessional course Adaptive Devices for Better Life. Her clinical work as a Certified Hand Therapist spans orthopedic, plastic surgery, and neurological rehabilitation at Rehab Health 360 in Acton, MA.

• Ed.D in Leadership and Schooling (2004), University of Massachusetts Lowell
• MS in Physical Therapy (1992), University of Massachusetts Lowell
• BS in Pre-Physical Therapy (1987), University of Massachusetts Amherst

Her research interests include musculoskeletal hand therapy, virtual reality rehabilitation, 3D-printed adaptive devices, and emotional intelligence in clinical performance. Google Scholar articles highlight her work on measurement reliability, therapeutic outcomes, and educational strategies.

Scientific awards include the 2023 APTA Volunteer Service Award, 2017 Outstanding Reviewer for the Journal of Hand Therapy, and multiple ASHT Best Poster Awards (2014, 2013). She has led grants for WheelUp!, 3D orthotics, and geriatric exercise programs.

As a lab collaborator, she works with the UMOVE UMass MOVEment Research Center and co-developed the Adaptive Devices for Better Life course. She served as department chair and DPT Program Director, and currently coordinates online education for APTA Hand and Upper Extremity Academy.