Levelle Drose-Bigatel

Levelle Drose-Bigatel serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, focusing on innovative therapeutic interventions for trauma victims. Her research bridges clinical practice with psychological well-being, particularly addressing childhood sexual abuse through massage therapy applications.

Key research interests include stress hormone regulation (e.g., salivary cortisol), the efficacy of alternative therapies in trauma recovery, and the psychophysiological effects of life events. Her work emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to healing, combining traditional medical knowledge with complementary practices.

Her 1997 seminal study demonstrated measurable reductions in trauma symptoms through structured massage therapy programs, influencing both clinical protocols and future research directions in therapeutic touch. This work has garnered significant attention, being cited 29 times and highlighted in multiple news outlets and academic platforms like Mendeley.

No formal awards or grants are explicitly documented in the provided materials. Collaborations include work with researchers like Tiffany Field and María Hernandez-Reif, indicating a network focused on touch-based interventions in vulnerable populations.