Jayakrishnan Nair

Jayakrishnan Nair, PT, MSPT, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University. His research focuses on developing biomarkers to predict recovery outcomes in neurological injuries and diseases, with expertise in respiratory neurobiology, genetics, and molecular biology. He collaborates across departments to advance interventions for spinal cord injury (SCI) and ALS.

Education:

• PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences (Movement Science), University of Florida, 2016
• MSPT, Guru Nanak Dev University, 2005
• BPT, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, 2002

Research Interests: His work integrates functional testing, imaging, genetics, and molecular biology to address neurorehabilitation challenges. Key areas include predicting treatment responders via biomarkers, monitoring early ALS progression, and optimizing neuroplasticity-based interventions for SCI patients. He employs acute intermittent hypoxia as a therapeutic tool and explores AAV-mediated gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases.

Awards:

• Respiratory Section Physiological Reports Award (2022)
• Experimental Biology Research Recognition Awards (2021–2022)
• Fredrick Family Scholarship (2016)

Collaborations & Grants: Dr. Nair collaborates with Radiology, Gynecology, Neuroscience, and Neurology departments to translate biomarker research into clinical practice. His projects include NIH-funded studies on SCI and ALS.

Labs/Teams: He leads the Nair Research Group, focusing on respiratory motor plasticity and gene therapy applications in neuromuscular disorders.