Principal Investigator | Graduate Students | DPT Students | Undergraduate Students
Rachana (she/her) is a PhD student in the Human Movement Science program. Her primary research interest is to study neuroimaging based biomarkers to optimize post-stroke motor recovery. Her dissertation will focus on the contribution of cognitive domain in stroke motor recovery. In her free time, Rachana likes to watch documentaries and cook.
Jasper (he/him) is a full-time research assistant working on the NIH-funded project "Brain Network Connectivity Measures in Early Stroke Rehabilitation." During his time as an undergrad at UNC, he worked with Dr. Cassidy, and is continuing his research in lab before attending graduate school. He is interested in researching neuroimaging-based biomarkers and their application for motor recovery. When not in lab, Jasper likes outdoor activities, cooking, and cheering on the Tar Heels.
Elaine (she/her) is a PhD student in the Human Movement Science program working with her primary advisor, Dr. Shelby Baez, PhD, ATC. She is completing a research rotation this Spring, 2023 in the Cassidy Plasticity Lab. Elaine’s research seeks to understand changes in neurocognitive function after ACL injury and reconstruction. Additionally, Elaine wants to develop interventions to enhance motor learning during rehabilitation that are also designed to address maladaptive neurocognitive and psychological responses. When not in the lab, Elaine enjoys kayaking, playing with her dog and cats, and hanging out with her fiancee, Kristin.
Rachel (she/her) is a PhD student in the Occupational Science program within the School of Medicine. She completed her B.S. at University of Evansville and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree at Saint Louis University. Rachel has multiple research interests including participation changes, family dynamics, neuroplasticity, and neurorehabilitation. She enjoys working with individuals with acquired neurological impairment throughout the lifespan, and she has a specific interest in pediatric stroke. Rachel’s hobbies include cooking/eating, yoga, soccer, hiking, and traveling.
Courtney (she/her) is a Physical Therapy graduate student interested in treating neurological conditions and studying the use of neuroimaging to explore the relationship between changes in the brain and motor recovery after stroke to enhance rehabilitation. In her free time, Courtney enjoys yoga, being active, cooking, hiking, and going to the beach.
Anna (she/her) is double majoring in Exercise and Sports Science and Nutrition through the Gillings School of Public Health. Her research interests include using lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, to improve the overall health of individuals, and seeing how these factors influence neuroplasticity and recovery. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and volunteering in the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology clinic through the club CPALS
Harshita (she/her) is an undergraduate student double majoring in Neuroscience and Exercise and Sports Science. She is currently on the pre-med track and is interested in learning about the neurology aspect behind motor development and injury. In her free time, Harshita enjoys singing, dancing, playing guitar, and baking.
Umesh (he/him) is an undergraduate student majoring in biology and psychology with an interest in understanding the effects of strokes and traumatic brain injuries on neural processing and how neuroplasticity plays a role in the brain’s recovery process. In his free time, Umesh enjoys traveling, cooking, and watching movies.