Faculty Research Directory
Learn more about our researchers in the College of Allied Health Sciences
Clinical and Health Information Sciences
| Faculty Name | Research Statement |
|---|---|
| Nancy E. Colletti, PhD, RRT, CPFT | Development of critical thinking skills using authentic learning activities |
| Pamela Greenstone, MEd, RHIA | Next generation of electronic health records, online teaching and learning |
| Jan Kelly, MBA, RHIA | Online teaching and learning |
| Patricia Tille Ph.D. MLS(ASCP) FACSc | Online education and molecular microbiology |
| Victoria Wangia-Anderson, PhD, FHIMSS | Leveraging public health and electronic clinical data to predict determinants of health. |
Communication Sciences & Disorders
| Faculty Name | Research Statement | |
|---|---|---|
| Suzanne Boyce, PhD | Automatic assessment of speech production, ultrasound biofeedback therapy for speech production of /r/ | |
Emily Braun, PhD, CCC-SLP |
Recovery and treatment in individuals with post-stroke aphasia |
|
| Brian Earl, PhD, CCC-A | Differential diagnosis of speech-in-noise listening difficulties; treatments for middle ear disorders | |
| Abby Foltz Hottle, MA, CCC-SLP | Language and literacy support in early childhood education. | |
Andrea Ford, PhD, CCC-SLP |
Evidence-based practice for language learning in early childhood settings; autism. |
|
| Larissa Jordan, PhD, CCC-DLP | Semantics in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), interprofessional education (IPE). | |
| Lina Motlagh Zadeh, AuD, PhD | Identifying the mechanisms underlying subclinical hearing loss. | |
Amy Pratt, PhD |
Identification of neurodevelopmental language and reading disorders in multilingual populations. |
|
Carrie Rountrey, PhD, CCC-SLP |
Physiological & acoustic correlates to intelligibility in communication disorders bridging clinical & natural environments |
|
| Peter Scheifele, MD, PhD, LCDR USN (Ret.) | Hearing acuity in African elephants | |
| Amanda Simmons, PhD, CCC-SLP | Clinically relevant participatory action research to support individuals with complex communication needs. | |
| Jennifer Vannest, PhD | Studies of neuroplasticity for speech and language systems using functional MRI | |
Katherine Winters, PhD, CCC-SLP |
Cognitive/affective components of stuttering; stuttering intervention; caregiver/community education. |
|
| Fawen Zhang, PhD, MD | Neural mechanisms of normal and abnormal hearing using Electrophysiological techniques | |
Rehabilitation, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
| Faculty Name | Research Statement |
|---|---|
| Pierce Boyne, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS | High intensity interval training in stroke recovery |
| Melinda Butsch Kovacic, MPH, PhD | Improving health literacy and community health via stories |
| Dan Carl, PhD | A general focus on High-Intensity Interval Training in performance and conditioning with a specific interest in stroke |
| Sarah Couch, PhD, MS, RD | Development of dietary interventions and assessments targeting CVD risk factors in adolescents |
| Kari Dunning, PhD, PT | Electrical stimulation and high intensity interval training for gait recovery after stroke |
| Melinda Earnest, DPT, ATC | Provider confidence in caring for adaptive athletes; concussion in adaptive athletes. |
| Chalee Engelhard, PT, EdD, MBA, GCS Emeritus | Scholarship of teaching and learning with a focus on clinical education and curricular design |
| Anne Fleischer, Ph.D., MPH, OT/L, CLT-LANA | Investigates use of wearable sensor and remote interventions to improve quality of life and function of those with cancer |
Benjamin Just, PT, MPT |
Improving students to solve ill-structured problems; using video games to augment classroom delivery & feedback. |
| Fran Knox-Kazimierczuk, PhD, RDN, CSSD, LD |
Community-partnered research to improve community health in underserved populations |
| Christopher Kotarsky, PhD, CSCSD | Age-related muscle decline; innovative strategies for fat reduction, metabolic health, and functional independence. |
| Susan Kotowski, PhD | Use of simulation and research experiences to improve student learning outcomes |
| Rebecca Leugers, PT, MS, NDT, LSVT | Stroke survivors’ walking abilities in their homes, and how lifestyle management impacts walking ability |
| Abigail Peairs, PhD | The effects of the DASH diet on blood sugar levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes |
| Seung-Yeon Lee, PhD | Validation of food literacy tool in choice food pantry users with and without diabetes |
| Valerie Miller, PhD, MS, OTR/L | Interventions to support belonging for individuals with disabilities. |
Michael Riley, PhD |
Sensorimotor control with applications to rehabilitation, health, mobility, and human performance. |
| Sarah Schwab, PT, DPT, PhD | Motor control of people with disabilities |
School of Social Work
| Faculty Name | Research Statement |
|---|---|
| Shauna Acquavita, PhD, LCSW | Integrated health and maternal and child health |
Georgia Anderson, PhD, LISW-S |
Psychosocial impact of cancer on individual and family functioning. |
Rebecka Bloomer, MSSW, PhD |
Uses community-engaged & qualitative methods to study & amplify the well-being of youth facing discrimination. |
Tina Dothard-Peterson, PhD, MPH, CSW, LMSW |
Impact of the intersection between aging, intergenerational caregiving, and health inequities. |
| Michelle Chyatte, MPH, DrPH | Impact of foster care program on children’s health; emergency planning for foster children |
| Dana Harley, PhD, MSW, LISW-S | Community research and photovoice to study hope, optimism, and mental health in at risk populations |
| James Pease, PhD, LISW | Suicide prevention and PTSD in Veteran and military populations; College student Veteran transition and reintegration |
| Gregory Stewart, PhD, MSW, MS | Problem gambling prevention and treatment; Social determinants of health |
| Anjanette Wells, PhD | Psychosocial needs and barriers of low-income minority patients in preventing and treating cancer |
| Jennifer Wright-Berryman, PhD | Severe mental health disorders, adolescent and adult suicide; effectiveness of suicide prevention (Hope Squad) |
University Research Directory
To search for specific researchers and research facilities throughout the university, please visit the university research directory.
For more information about CAHS research:
Melinda Butsch Kovacic
Professor and Associate Dean of Research , CAHS College of Allied Health Sciences
G60J HSB
Cross trained as a basic scientist and epidemiologist, my career objectives are to understand how the interplay between genetic predisposition and environment contributes to chronic disease (e.g. cancer and asthma) and to translate my findings into real and measurable changes that improve...
Cross trained as a basic scientist and epidemiologist, my career objectives are to understand how the interplay between genetic predisposition and environment contributes to chronic disease (e.g. cancer and asthma) and to translate my findings into real and measurable changes that improve the outcomes for children and families, particularly those that are living in communities that are most vulnerable as a result of socioeconomics.