�鶹��Ƶ’s participation included four student research presentations, the recognition of DPT alum Sixela Caballero ’25 as a recipient of the Ben F. Massey Jr. Scholarship, and the Founders’ Award Lecture delivered by Associate Professor Mary Kay Hannah.

DPT students present research

�鶹��Ƶ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students presented four research projects exploring different aspects of rehabilitation, mobility, balance, and physical performance. The presentations demonstrated the students’ involvement in research that seeks to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

The research presentations included:

Body Weight Supported Gait Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy GMFCS IV–V: A Pilot Study. Sarah Earle, Sabella Volansky, Allegra Wham, Christy McKiernan and Paula DiBiasio.

Up with the Good, Down with the Bad: Does It Hold True in All Scenarios?
C. Anderson, K. Graybill, M. Hankins, C. Johansson, Srikant Vallabhajosula and Mary Kay Hannah

Relationship Between Dynamic Postural Control and Physical Performance Measures Based on Concussion-History Among D1 Athletes. Kyra Batterham, Maci Yeager, Jennifer White, John Magill and Srikant Vallabhajosula

Does Dual Task Cost Vary Across Mobility Measures When Using the Same Cognitive Task? M. Boda, C. Sheehan, S. Shibu, K. O’Connell, Srikant Vallabhajosula and A. Andrews

Through these presentations, �鶹��Ƶ students had the opportunity to share their work with physical therapy professionals and contribute to discussions about research and evidence-based clinical practice.

Sixela Caballero ’25 receives prestigious scholarship

Sixela Caballero ’25 received the Ben F. Massey Jr. Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students nearing completion of their programs who demonstrate the potential to advance the profession through service, advocacy, leadership, and teaching. As a recipient, Caballero will also serve on an APTA State chapter committee for one year, continuing her engagement with the profession beyond graduation.

Mary Kay Hannah delivers Founders’ Lecture

A highlight of the conference was the Founders’ Award Lecture delivered by Mary Kay Hannah, a member of �鶹��Ƶ’s physical therapy faculty and former president of APTA North Carolina.

Hannah’s lecture, titled “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants,” reflected on the history of physical therapy in North Carolina and the individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication helped shape the profession.

Drawing on historical documents from APTA North Carolina, Hannah discussed the association’s founding in 1940, the passage of the state’s first Physical Therapy Practice Act in 1951, and the continued efforts of physical therapists to advance professional practice and patient care.

She also reflected on her 15 years of service to APTA and APTA North Carolina, including her leadership as president, and her 15 years of teaching at �鶹��Ƶ. Hannah plans to retire at the end of 2026.

Throughout the lecture, Hannah emphasized the importance of professional involvement, mentorship, and recognizing the contributions of those who came before.

Her message encouraged current and future physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to take opportunities to serve their profession and continue building on the work of previous generations.

Continuing a tradition of research and professional engagement

�鶹��Ƶ’s participation in the 2026 APTA North Carolina Annual Conference reflected the Department of Physical Therapy Education’s continued commitment to research, professional leadership, and student development.

From presenting research on rehabilitation and mobility to celebrating faculty leadership and student achievement, the conference provided an opportunity to highlight the contributions of �鶹��Ƶ’s physical therapy community.

The experiences also demonstrated the importance of connecting classroom learning and research with the broader physical therapy profession, preparing future clinicians to contribute to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

The annual ANPT conference explores successful efforts of knowledge in neurological physical therapy, offering opportunities for meaningful discussion and collaboration.

Alys Giordano, assistant professor of physical therapy education, presented her work that also included three third-year DPT students Shelby Gericke, Steven LaFlamme, Jahmai Sylvestre as co-authors, based on the work they did during one of their courses. Sylvestre also graduated from �鶹��Ƶ with degree in exercise science in 2023. �鶹��Ƶ DPT alumna, Meredith Smith, G’17 also presented her research at the conference.

The strong turnout at the ANPT 2026 displayed the importance of research in clinical education. These presentations addressed a variety of topics and proposed new questions as to what other means of intervention could be researched and investigated in physical therapy education.

The following abstracts were presented by �鶹��Ƶ DPT faculty and alumna:

“An Asynchronous Telehealth Exercise Program for Individuals with Atypical Parkinsonism: A Case Study”

Authors: Shelby Gericke, Steven LaFlamme, Jahmai Sylvestre and Alys Giordano

Presenter: Alys Giordano

“Setting the Stage for Success: Early Rehab Intervention for People Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis”

Author and Presenter: Meredith Smith

The journalist encouraged the reader to identify their expected walking speed based on age and sex by posting a to a systematic review on normative values for comfortable walking speed in adults that Andrews, Vallabhajosula, Boise, and another colleague published in the Journal of Physiotherapy in 2023: “Normal Gait Speed Varies by Age and Sex but not by Geographical Region: A Systematic Review.”

Second-year DPT student Catherine Sheehan received the ACSM Biomechanics Interest Group Student Research Award, recognizing the quality and impact of her group’s research contributions. The award highlighted �鶹��Ƶ’s continued commitment to student-led scholarship and research excellence.

The annual ACSM conference, one of the world’s leading meetings for sports medicine and exercise science professionals, brought together researchers, clinicians, educators and students from across the globe. �鶹��Ƶ DPT’s delegation included 11 second-year DPT students who presented findings from projects completed as part of a research course.

All six accepted abstracts featured DPT students as lead authors and presenters. �鶹��Ƶ’s contributions included five poster presentations and one platform presentation.

The following abstracts were presented by �鶹��Ƶ DPT students and faculty:

Relationship Between Tandem Gait Performance and Specific Physical Performance Measures Among Division I Athletes
Authors: Maci Yeager, Jennifer White, Kyra Batterham, Srikant Vallabhajosula and Jack Magill
Presenter: Maci Yeager

Cognitive Function in Athletes After Concussion and During Recovery
Authors: Carlos Guerra, Stephen P. Bailey, Rachel Rajczak, Emanuel Martinez, Caroline J. Ketcham and Eric Hall
Presenter: Carlos Guerra

Coefficient of Variance: An Alternative Criterion for Return-to-Sport After ACL Reconstruction Compared with Limb Symmetry
Authors: Graeme Pratt, Raajan Patel, Jaylen Dowell, Aidan Gallagher, Gary Johnson, MaryKay Hannah and Jack Magill
Presenters: Graeme Pratt, Raajan Patel and Jaylen Dowell

Performance Consistency, Quantified by the Coefficient of Variance, Demonstrates Strong Association with Hop Performance Compared with Limb Symmetry Index
Authors: Anna Longsdorf, Brittany Staves, Virginia Reep, Mary Kay Hannah, Aidan Gallagher, Gary Johnson and Jack Magill
Presenters: Anna Longsdorf, Brittany Staves and Virginia Reep

Changes in Cognitive Function Following Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Stephen P. Bailey, Alex Boller, Katie Utley and James Godfrey
Presenter: James Godfrey

The Effect of Dual Tasking on Forward and Backward Gait in Older Adults
Authors: Catherine Sheehan, Karley O’Connell, Sandhra Shibu, Molly Boda, Bill Andrews and Srikant Vallabhajosula
Presenters: Catherine Sheehan, Karley O’Connell and Sandhra Shibu

The strong showing at ACSM 2026 reflects the �鶹��Ƶ DPT program’s emphasis on integrating research into clinical education and providing students with opportunities to disseminate their work on a national stage. The presentations addressed topics including athletic performance, concussion recovery, return-to-sport assessment following ACL reconstruction, cardiac rehabilitation and mobility in older adults.

More than 50 students and several teachers from ABSS CTEC Burlington joined �鶹��Ƶ’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Exercise Science and Performing Arts to celebrate National Biomechanics Day, an annual global event held since 2016. All of the CTEC students were on the health science track, making the experience an opportunity to connect their academic interests with potential future pathways.

Students rotated through six stations focused on different aspects of biomechanics, each designed to highlight both fundamental concepts and practical applications.

At the static balance station, participants completed variations of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), testing their ability to maintain stability in double-leg, single-leg and tandem stances on both firm and foam surfaces. The neuromotor station focused on coordination and motor learning through activities like mirror tracing, maze completion and target-based drawing tasks. At the strength station, students measured grip strength using handheld dynamometers and observed muscle activation through electromyography (EMG).

Movement was further explored at the tandem gait station, where students walked heel-to-toe along a straight line. As they progressed from forward to backwards walking and added cognitive challenges like counting or spelling backwards, the tasks became increasingly difficult. At the jump station, participants measured their vertical and horizontal jumping ability, learning how lower-body power is assessed in sports and exercise settings. The final station challenged students to think like engineers. Using simple materials, groups built functional models of an elbow joint, aiming to replicate natural movement. The activity highlighted the relationship between biomechanics and design, with connections to prosthetics and rehabilitation technology.

Faculty from exercise science, performing arts and physical therapy, along with student volunteers, led the stations and guided discussions throughout the day. Their involvement created a collaborative environment where participants could ask questions, test ideas and explore new interests.

By the end of the event, students were left with a deeper understanding of how biomechanics applies to everyday movement, health, and performance; as well as a clearer picture of how those interests could shape their future.

2026 Combined Session Meeting Presentations from �鶹��Ƶ
(Presenting author names bolded)

Platform Presentations:
Bridging the Classroom and the Clinic: Leveraging Emerging Clinicians’ Training to Address Patients’ Social Needs
Gary Johnson

The Perceptions and Experiences of Underrepresented Minority Faculty in Physical Therapy Education Programs
Gary Johnson

Performance Consistency in Functional Testing Predicts ACL-RSI Score after ACL Reconstruction in Collegiate Athletes John Magill et al.
John Magill

Poster Presentations:
Isolating Hamstring Strength: The Effect of Pelvic Stabilization on Eccentric Nordic Performance
Zach Ormond, Michael Reiman, Gary Johnson, John Magill

Does Thigh Girth Predict Knee Extension Isometric and Isokinetic Peak Torque?
Austin Reames, Sadie Thompson, Ethan Rafal, Nolan Barnes, Zachary Ormond, Mary Hannah, John Magill

Persistent Autonomic Dysfunction Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in an Older Adult: A Case Report
Sixela Caballero, Margaret MacIsaac, Crystal Ramsey

Improvement in Gait Speed Following High Intensity Gait Training Following Pediatric AVM Removal
Samantha Pawlovich, Addison Swofford, Crystal Ramsey

High Intensity Interval Ambulation Improved Two Minute Walk Test in an Individual with Chronic Stroke
Samantha Kosmacki, Matthew Urrutia, Crystal Ramsey

Assessing Autonomic Dysfunction in Older Adults Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Theory Report
Jeremy Baldes, Anna Carroll, Crystal Ramsey

High Intensity Bodyweight Support Treadmill Training Improved Overground Gait Speed for Primary Progressive MS
Sara Moore, Samantha Kosmacki, Virginia Shafer, Crystal Ramsey

The Optimal Theory Improved Balance and Gait in a Client with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Alexis Nowell, Alannah Thomas, Crystal Ramsey

High Intensity Treadmill Training Improved Fatigue in a Person with Mild Parkinson’s Disease
Addison Swofford, Chaney Patton, Alannah Thomas, Crystal Ramsey

Impact of High Intensity Gait Training on Balance and Endurance in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Alannah Thomas, Alexis Nowell, Crystal Ramsey

Gait and Balance Changes Following High Intensity Interval Treadmill Training in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Alannah Thomas, Danielle Essex, Crystal Ramsey

Fatigue, Fatiguability, and Gait Changes Following Large Amplitude Plus Treadmill Training in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Danielle Essex, Alannah Thomas, Crystal Ramsey

Bridging Gaps in Neurorehab: Addressing Health Disparities in Hispanic Patients
Emi Chirigliano, Veronica Romero-Perozo, Chaney Patton, Crystal Ramsey

Hip Strength Plays a Dominant Role in Execution of Forceful Movements during Bharatanatyam Dance
Kaitlin Kerr-Osman, Kaleigh Jenkins, Ginny Shafer, Danielle Essex, John Magill, Srikant Vallabhajosula

At ACSM, the DPT program had ​seven presentations, with all seven being student-led poster presentations. Seven DPT students and two faculty members represented the program.

At IADMS, the DPT program had two presentations, with one of them being a student-led presentation.

In addition, ​Molly Boda won the ACSM Biomechanics Interest Group Student Research Award for her presentation on the “Effects of Age and Dual-tasking on Endurance Performance While Walking.”

List of presentations at ACSM: 

“Effects of Age and Dual-tasking on Endurance Performance While Walking”: Molly Boda, Keira Oyen, Sydnie Fearrin, Josie Freeman, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Addison Andrews

“Improving Predictive Isometric Peak Torque Values in Division I Football Players:” Emi Chirigliano, Raya Coley, Issac Murdock, Wesley Roberson, Thomas Van Dorp, Zac Ormond, Mary Kay Hannah, Jack Magill

“Self-reported Questionnaires As Predictors Of Fasting Blood Glucose And Adiposity In Adolescents:” Christina Westbrooks, Sarah Burr, Cassidy Coleman, John Magill, Svetlana Nepocatych

“Does Thigh Girth Predict Knee Extension Isometric And Isokinetic Peak Torque?”Jack Magill, Austin Reames, Sadie Thompson, Ethan Rafal, Nolan Barnes, Zac Ormond, Mary Kay Hannah

“Utility Of Backwards Tandem Gait For Post-concussion Assessment:” Srikant Vallabhajosula, Lindsay Watkins, Conner Brown, Corinne Ferry, Charlene Tierney, Ashlyn Loring, Amy Smelko

“Impact Of Caffeine Supplementation On Aerobic Performance And Muscle Strength:” Stephen Bailey, Emilize Momplaisir, Stella Cooper, Clark Oliver, Maddie Whitaker, G Keith Harris

“Impact Of Caffeine Supplementation On Anaerobic Exercise Performance:” MacKenzie Dudley, Aaron Zettel, Caleigh Walklet, Emilize Momplaisir, G Keith Harris, Stephen Bailey

List of presentations at IADMS: 

“Comparing peak hip joint angles during dance with active range of motion in Bharatanatyam dancers:” Kaitlin Kerr-Osman, Srikant Vallabhajosula

“Using wearable sensors to quantify Bharatanatyam dance:” Srikant Vallabhajosula, Kaleigh Jenkins

“I’m so proud of our students,” said Maha Lund, dean of �鶹��Ƶ’s School of Health Sciences. “Their research topics and the depth of the work are impressive. What it shows me is that they have learned how to access original research and resources that will help them take care of their patients.”

Twenty 3rd year DPT students presented 12 posters on topics related to their personal and professional growth while learning and exploring culturally unique healthcare settings across the world. As part of the DPTE Global Learning Opportunities program, students took DPT courses in locations across the US and around the world, including Peru, Italy, Australia, Belize and various US locations.

“We are celebrating students’ development of intercultural skills necessary to effectively work across differences, with the ultimate goal of delivering equitable, culturally responsive, and individualized healthcare,” said Paula DiBiasio, associate professor and director of the Global Learning Opportunities Program in the Department of Physical Therapy Education.

ABSN students showcased their research via eight evidence-based poster presentations on important topics, including management of pediatric migraines, family involvement in diabetic foot care, technology innovations to improve medication safety and many others. The students completed this research work as part of their “Evidence-based Nursing Practice” course.

“As these students prepare to begin professional nursing practice, it is essential that they are able to use the current research literature to provide evidence-based support for their practice,” said Associate Professor of Nursing Elizabeth Van Horn. “The students have done an excellent job of exploring and analyzing the research literature to make sound recommendations for nursing practice to improve patient care. We are all very proud of their accomplishments.”

Thirty-eight 2nd year PA students each presented their research findings at the Forum. The students presented on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to research regarding drug trials, surgical options, and new treatments for emerging medical concerns.

“These students are ready to move into their professional role as PAs and will bring this knowledge of the latest research with them in order to practice evidence-based patient care,” said Antoinette Polito, associate professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

Forty-six 1st year DPT students presented their research via 17 posters from their “Research Design III” course. The research project topics ranged from pediatric-, cardiovascular-, neurologic- and sports-physical therapy.

“These presentations are a culmination of more than 6 months of quantitative, hands-on research experience,” said Srikant Vallabhajosula, professor and research coordinator for the Department of Physical Therapy, who also teaches the course. “Each group has gone through a different journey but culminated in this wonderful conference-like experience! I am proud of their hard work and thankful to the faculty members who mentored these groups in their research endeavors. I am hoping many of these will go to national conferences to give these students a richer exposure to research and evidence-informed practice.”

Abstracts on diverse topics ranging from sports, pelvic health, pediatrics, neurology, geriatrics, education, and cardiovascular & pulmonary sections were accepted for presentation. In total, there were eight poster presentations and four podium/platform presentations. Nine of the 12 presentations were done by current third year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Several �鶹��Ƶ DPT graduates also attended and presented at the conference.

Raya Coley, a third year DPT student won the prestigious Catherine Worthingham Student Scholarship

2025 Combined Session Meeting Presentations from �鶹��Ƶ (Presenting author names bolded)

Platform presentations

“Preadmission and Curricular Predictors of First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Success”
John (Jack) Magill

“Educational Technology Acceptance and Use By Physical Therapy Faculty”
Melissa Scales

“How Does Dual-Tasking Affect Distance Walked and Gait during an Endurance Task in Older Adults?”
Josephine Freeman, Bill Andrews, Srikant Vallabhajosula

“Obstacle Clearance Behavior in Immersive Reality Environments Among Older Adults”
William Huie, Sara Moore, Jake Rosengarten, Alys Giordano, Pratheep Kumar Paranthaman, Srikant Vallabhajosula

Poster presentations

“Utilizing Neural Network to Predict Prevalence of MetS in High School Seniors”
Caroline Guill, John Magill, Svetlana Nepocatych

“The Influence of Anxiety and Stress on the Academic Performance of First-Year DPT Students”
Alys Giordano

“Concurrent Traumatic Brain Injury and Above Knee Amputation: A Multi-Modal Intervention Strategy”
Ashlyn Loring, Addison Andrews

“Modification of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test for an Adult over 50: A Case Study”
Katelyn Carpenter, Hannah Wright, Michaela Fitzgerald, Crystal Ramsey

“Predicting Maximum Eccentric Ground Reaction Force in Healthy Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes”
Katherine Messikomer, Alexis Nowell, Samantha Kosmacki, John Magill, Srikant Vallabhajosula

“Changes in Kinetics of Runners from the 3rd Trimester to 3 Months Postpartum”
Milani Denise Saldon, Andrew Miller, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Svetlana Nepocatych, Angela Spontelli Gisselman, Shefali Christopher

“Musculoskeletal Characteristics Among Practitioners of the Bharatanatyam Dance”
Danielle Essex, Kaleigh Jenkins, Virginia Shafer, Kelly O’Daniel, John Magill, Srikant Vallabhajosula:

“Establishing Predictive Physical Performance Measures for Golf Swing Velocity”
Gabrielle Flocco, John Magill

The activities were designed as part of the National Biomechanics Day celebration that aspires to introduce the science of biomechanics to K-12 students. The Performing Arts, Exercise Science and Physical Therapy Education departments at �鶹��Ƶ have worked together and participated in National Biomechanics Day activities since its inception in 2016.

Raya Coley, second-year �鶹��Ƶ DPT student talked about the importance of balance and how the human body responds when its balance is challenged. The Haw River students had fun while learning about concepts of static balance that involved standing on a single leg on a foam surface with eyes closed and dynamic balance while doing a tandem walk on a narrow beam.

Lindsay Watkins, a first-year DPT student and Victoria Toal ’25, an undergraduate student majoring in psychology talked about the importance of proper body mechanics while jumping and landing with both feet and on one foot. The third-grade students had fun with some jumping competition measured using the Just Jump mat to see who could jump higher.

Stephanie Leathers, a first-year DPT student, talked about the role of physical therapists, the importance of bones and the proper way to carry backpacks. This session was adapted from the Bones and Backpack session founded by Professor of Physical Therapy Education Janet Cope. Leathers also talked about proper sitting posture.

Ian Rooney, a first-year DPT student, engaged the students in how to do push-ups and knee push-ups and the differences in swinging while properly using hands, legs and trunks.

Associate Professor in Exercise Science Matt Wittstein introduced the field of biomechanics and showcased a video on the Biomechanics Lab at �鶹��Ƶ along with applications of biomechanics in health sciences and sports fields.

Professor in Physical Therapy Education Srikant Vallabhajosula coordinated the event with the third-grade teachers at the Alamance Community School in Haw River. This was the second time �鶹��Ƶ personnel were invited to the elementary school to talk about human body and movement. The hands-on activities laid the foundation for the first-trimester project for the children.