Human Movement Science

As the director in the Division of Physical Therapy, it is my primary responsibility to facilitate communication among the educational, research, and clinical components of our Division and to ensure that each has the support it needs to be successful. I have secondary roles in teaching and research but spend the majority of my time doing what I enjoy most – connecting our people with the resources they need to accomplish our collective mission and realize our collective vision.

Jared’s research interests include better understanding of sport science applications in collegiate athletics, focusing on wearable technology, biomechanics, and athlete monitoring. 

Dana McCarty is a pediatric physical therapist and clinical researcher dedicated to improving outcomes for high-risk infants and their families through developing and testing innovative physical therapy interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Her research began with a focus on cranial molding deformities, particularly dolichocephaly in preterm infants, where she led the first study to track its development and risk factors during hospitalization. She later demonstrated the effectiveness of a Midliner Positioning System in improving cranial outcomes. Building on her clinical insights, Danadeveloped and tested a therapist-led, parent-centered intervention to support both infant development and maternal mental health while pursuing a PhD in Maternal and Child Health. Her dissertation used mixed methods to identify barriers to maternal presence in the NICU, resulting in actionable, community-informed recommendations for institutions to increase maternal access to their infants in the NICU.

Dana’s work has also contributed to the broader field through her involvement in a multidisciplinary research consortium, where she helped identify key components of effective NICU-to-home interventions. Her current research, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, explores an Immersive Therapy Model (ITM) designed to increase therapy dosage and parent-therapist interaction in the NICU. This model addresses disparities in care access, particularly for families with low socioeconomic status, by enabling more flexible and frequent engagement. Her research trajectory reflects a strong commitment to family-centered, evidence-based care that bridges clinical practice and public health.

Areas of Interest:

Neuroimaging, neuroplasticity, and neurorehabilitation.

I strive to help adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases stay active and engaged in the activities that matter most to them. Towards this goal, my vision is to ensure that everyone who needs high-quality rehabilitation can access it. Through our research, we aim to create and implement care models that make it easier for clinicians to identify patients who need rehabilitation, connect them to the right resources, and deliver effective rehabilitation care.