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Office: (421) 822-3684
Biography

Chang Dae Lee, PhD, OTR/L is a post-doctoral fellow at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. He received his PhD degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University in 2021 and B.S. and M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the Yonsei University in South Korea in 2014 and 2015, respectively. His research interests include helping community-dwelling older adults to maintain and increase their activities as independent as possible in their home and community setting.  

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Office: (412) 822-3685
Biography

Adam Sterczala, PhD, CSCS*D is a Core Faculty member at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories and a postdoctoral research associate in the University of Pittsburgh Neuromuscular Research Laboratory and Warrior Human Performance Center. Sterczala completed his PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of Kansas and his MSc in Exercise Science at the University of Connecticut with training in electromyography, nerve stimulation, ultrasound neuroendocrinology and muscle fiber typing. His research interests include the influence of exercise training, aging and stress on neuromuscular excitability and motor unit behavior. In addition, Sterczala is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction under the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Primary appointment:
https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/people/adam-sterczala

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Biography

Brandon Daveler, Ph.D. Is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pittsburg in the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. He received a Bachelor’s in Engineering Science from Penn State (2012), a Master’s in Rehabilitation Science and Technology (2014) and PhD in Rehabilitation Science (2020), both from the University of Pittsburgh. His dissertation titled “Development and Evaluation of Pneumatic Powered Mobility Devices” resulted in 3 first-author papers and a United States patent. His research interests include powered wheelchair and robotic assistive technologies.

Brandon is also a person with a disability due to a spinal cord injury from a motocross accident in 2005. As a wheelchair user for nearly 2 decades, he has become an expert in military and assisted technology and applies his experiences and knowledge to solving problems for individuals with disabilities.

 

 

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Office: (412) 822-3694
Biography

Dr. Sara Peterson serves as a Research Prosthetist with the US Department of Veterans Affairs of Pittsburgh. She holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh and has over 25 years of experience in the orthotic and prosthetic field designing, fabricating, and fitting various devices. Dr. Peterson served as an Assistant Professor with the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science in Prosthetics & Orthotics program for over 12 years teaching all aspects of orthotics & prosthetics.

Her research interests include application of functional electrical stimulation, residual limb health, transfemoral socket design, pediatric orthotics and quality of life technology.

Her outstanding accolades include being selected as OPGA Finalist for Outstanding O&P Female of the Year Award, named O&P News 175 leading innovators in the field of orthotics and prosthetics and being awarded the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP) Outstanding Educator Award. Dr. Peterson’s recognition in the O&P field earned her an invitation to the 2016 White House event “Design for All” showcasing Assistive Technology and the past two AOPA Leadership Conferences. In 2017-2020, Dr. Peterson’s team was recognized with the OPGA Freedom Award improving the quality of lives for Veterans through research and education.

Dr. Peterson is a strong and vocal supporter of Responsible Advocacy and is active in helping to reform public opinion and the rights in the community for those who rely on Assistive Technology.

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Biography

Emily Grattan, PhD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and Research Health Scientist with the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System. She received her BS in Health Sciences and MS in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University, her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh and completed Postdoctoral Training at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her current research program focuses on improving measurement and treatment of visual and perceptual impairments post stroke. She has received funding from the Veterans Affairs and National Institutes of Health to support her research. She also collaborates with investigators in the Department of Ophthalmology to advance low vision rehabilitation.

Primary appointment:
https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/people/emily-grattan

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Biography

Dr. Jackson-Coty is an associate professor and director of clinical education for the hybrid DPT program. She graduated from Arcadia University with her MSPT and Temple University with her tDPT. She an APTA board certified pediatric clinical specialist, a certified clinical instructor, and a credentialed clinical trainer for the APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program. Prior to joining the Pitt faculty, she was the co-director of clinical education at Thomas Jefferson University. She served on curriculum committees for the Physical Therapy Department and for the Jefferson Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education. She practices as a clinician at Jefferson Health System in pediatrics and in the interprofessional adult hemophilia clinic. Her experience includes her role as a clinician and a team leader at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for outpatient practice and interprofessional diagnosis specific clinics.

Dr. Jackson-Coty participated in the development guidelines for physical therapist in interprofessional clinics and the development of an interprofessional palliative care student program. She has worked in interprofessional student Hotspotting as an advisor and mentor. She has served the profession as an item writer for the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialties (ABPTS) and a member of the common terminology workgroup for the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT). Dr. Jackson-Coty’s academic and clinical focus has been on interprofessional education and practice, clinical education, and improving function, mobility, and quality of life for pediatric patients with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular impairments, with a particular focus on individuals with spina bifida. She has participated in research focused on the spina bifida and early identification of children who are at risk for developmental delay in low resource areas of the world. Her record of scholarship, publications and presentations has focused on pediatrics and interprofessional practice and education.

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Office: (412) 822-3667
Biography

Michael is a bioengineer at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. As a bioengineer, Michael participates in the design and fabrication of medical devices, ensuring they meet ergonomic and biomechanical needs of patients. Michael is also enlisted in the Army National Guard, currently serving as a combat engineer.

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Office: (412) 822-3707
Biography

Dr. Lafe earned a PhD in motor behavior from the University of Georgia in 2019. His doctoral work focused on variability in motor output and its linkage to the stability of newly acquired movement patterns. Current research involves understanding changes in motor output that result from neuromodulation.

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