Julie Rekant

Dr. Julie Rekant serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, concurrently holding a Postdoctoral Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. Her academic journey includes a BS in Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering (Honors) from Carnegie Mellon University (2014), followed by dual DPT and PhD degrees from the University of Pittsburgh (2018, 2023) as the third graduate of their DPT-PhD in Bioengineering program.

Her research integrates engineering and clinical expertise to develop wearable sensor solutions for mobility assessment in aging populations. Key interests include:

• Early detection of functional decline using accelerometry and IMUs
• Obesity-specific gait mechanics and mobility disability
• Physical activity's role in preventing accelerated aging decline
• Validation of motion capture systems for clinical settings

Recent publications demonstrate consistent output in high-impact journals like Sensors and Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, focusing on sensor validation and mobility biomarkers.

Notable recognitions include:

• Dr. Lisa S. Krivickas Clinician Scholar Travel Award (ACSM, 2023)
• Alicia and Yaya Global Aging Research Fellowship with Costa Rica (2024)
• Multiple University of Pittsburgh academic awards (2016-2020)

Dr. Rekant maintains active clinical work in the Baltimore VA's Balance and Mobility clinic while leading translational research funded through VA collaborations and international fellowships. Her unique dual-degree background enables direct translation of engineering innovations into geriatric rehabilitation practice, with current projects emphasizing sensor-based early intervention strategies for at-risk aging adults.