Laura Krisa

Dr. Laura Krisa is a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Drexel University, with a focus on spinal cord injury research and neuroimaging. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Drexel University and has conducted extensive postdoctoral research at the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Her work integrates advanced neuroimaging techniques to study spinal cord injury mechanisms, regeneration, and pediatric neurological development.

Her research interests center on spinal cord injury rehabilitation, neuroimaging biomarkers, and pediatric neurological outcomes. Key grants include studies funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation and National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on spinal cord MRI standards, metal artifact reduction in imaging, and DTI-based biomarkers for pediatric spinal injuries.

Dr. Krisa’s publications emphasize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), neuropathic pain mechanisms, and clinical outcome assessments. Her work bridges preclinical models and clinical applications, with contributions to spinal cord injury rehabilitation protocols and imaging methodologies. She actively participates in professional organizations such as the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), contributing to standards in autonomic function measurement and electronic communication.

Her research has explored pediatric spinal cord injury pathophysiology, including thalamic microstructural changes and autonomic dysfunctions. Collaborations with radiologists and clinicians have produced innovative imaging solutions and systematic reviews in pediatric locomotor training.