معرفی
Maxine Olson serves as Research Engineer, Lab Manager, and Instructor in the Department of Physical Therapy within the College of Health Professions at Rosalind Franklin University. She teaches Kinesiology and Motor Control, Critical Inquiry courses, and mentors Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in research projects at the Physical Therapy Movement Analysis Lab.
Her academic credentials include:
- ABD Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University (PhD expected 2025)
- Master of Science in Physics with emphases in Dynamics and Teaching, Northern Illinois University
- Bachelor of Arts in Physics, Carthage College
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Carthage College
Ms. Olson's research centers on biomechanics and sensorimotor control in populations with foot pathologies, specializing in computational modeling of multi-segment foot kinetics, ankle proprioception measurement, total ankle replacement biomechanics, and diabetes-related balance dysfunction. Her work bridges engineering principles with clinical rehabilitation to develop novel assessment tools for pediatric and adult patients.
Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on translating biomechanical modeling into clinical applications, particularly for diabetic populations and post-ankle replacement patients. Key themes include algorithm development for force distribution analysis, validation of proprioception measurement techniques, and interdisciplinary investigations of vestibular-diabetes interactions.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society Travel Award (2023)
As Lab Manager of the Physical Therapy Movement Analysis Lab, she oversees student research groups investigating movement disorders while developing protocols for gait analysis and sensorimotor assessment. Her instructional role in Critical Inquiry courses directly supports evidence-based practice among DPT students.
The Physical Therapy Movement Analysis Lab serves as the operational hub for her research on foot biomechanics, providing motion capture and force plate technologies for studying kinetic patterns in pathological and typically developing populations.
