Meet the Graduate Research Associates!
| Erin Pletcher | Heather Bansbach | Matthew Meredick |
| Mallory Sell | Matthew Darnell | Valerie Williams |
| Nicholas Heebner | Michelle Varnell | Paul Whitehead |
Matthew Darnell, MS, RD, SCCCStatus: Doctoral Student in Rehabilitation Sciences within the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition Anticipated Graduation: 2014 Years at NMRL: 3 (1 as MS Student) Previous Education: MS in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition (2010) BS in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition (2008) Current Certifications / Licensures: Registered Dietitian (2010) Strength and Conditioning Coach (2009) Food Safety Manager (2008) CPR/AED/First Aid, Professional Rescuer (2005) Previous Experience: Project Coordinator (2011-2012) Graduate Student Researcher (2009-Present) Research Interests: Nutrition and exercise approaches for improved athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation Current Projects: The Effect of Carbohydrate/Electrolyte Feedings on Postural Stability, Muscle Activation Patterns, and Landing Mechanics (Principal Investigator) UPitt Warrior Human Performance Research Initiative Presentations (posters and platform): Crawford K, Darnell ME, Stapel H, Lovalekar MT, Abt JP, Sell TC, McCord LJ, Wirt MD, Nagai T, Deluzio JB, Lephart SM. Dietary supplemant habits of soldiers of 101st Airborne Division Air Assault. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. Abstract accepted and poster presented. May 2012 Darnell ME, Crawford K, Abt JP, Sell TC, Nagai T, House AJ, Deluzio JB, Smalley BW, Lephart SM. Dietary Intake of Army Soldiers in Occupation Specialties Requiring Heavy Physical Demands. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. Abstract accepted and poster presented. June 2011 Fleishman K, Crawford K, Darnell ME, Lovalekar MT, Abt JP, Lephart SM. The Effect of Tart Cherry Juice Blend in Reducing Eccentric-Induced Muscle Soreness. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. Abstract accepted and poster presented. June 2011 Darnell ME, Crawford K, Abt JP, Sell TC, Nagai T, House AJ, Deluzio JB, Smalley BW, Lephart SM. Dietary Intake of Army Soldiers in Occupation Specialties Requiring Heavy Physical Demands. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. Abstract accepted and poster presented. June 2011 Honors / Awards: Carson Graduate Athletic Fellowship (2008-2010) Varsity Letter Winner (2004-2008) (top) |
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Valerie Williams, PT, DPT, MSStatus: Doctoral Student in Rehabilitation Sciences within the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition Anticipated Graduation: 2015 Years at NMRL: 2 Previous Education: MS in Health and Rehabilitation Science, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy (2010) DPT, Physical Therapy (2008) BS in Exercise Science (2005) Current Certifications / Licensures: Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (2011) Physical Therapist (2008) Previous Experience: Casual Call Physical Therapist (2012-present) Senior Physical Therapist (2010-2012) Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Resident (2008-2010) Research Interests: - Psychometric properties of sports medicine related clinical tests Current Projects: The relationship between strength, range of motion/flexibility, and posture with shoulder complex injury in intercollegiate baseball and softball players (Co-investigator) Injury Risk Factors for Lower Extremity Injuries in Collegiate Men's and Women's Soccer and Basketball (Co-investigator) Variation in Muscle Activation Patterns Following Ankle Injection (Co- Investigator) UPitt Warrior Human Performance Research Initiative Publications: Williams VJ, Piva SR, Irrgang JJ, Crossley C, Fitzgerald GK. Comparison of reliability and responsiveness of three patient-reported clinical outcome measures in knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2012:42(8);716-723. Popchak A, Han J, Williams VJ, Crossley CL. Developing a plan: Addressing the stages of upper-extremity strength and mobility after surgery and injury. Rehab Management. 2008:21(9), 10-13. Presentations (posters and platform): Mentoring Panel: A Brain to Pick, and Ear to Listen and a Push in the Right Direction. Williams VJ, House AJ, Mihalik JP, Sell TC, Lephart SM. Movement at the hip, knee and ankle during static balance tasks is positively correlated with postural instability. Poster Presentation. 2009 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting; February 2009; Las Vegas, NV. Williams VJ, McCombs H, Smith T. A variation in the arterial supply to the first and second digits - case report. Poster Presentation. Experimental Biology 2007; April 2007; Washington DC. Williams V, Lynn J, Pierce P. How flexible are the flexibility tests? A comparison using ultramarathon runners. Poster Presentation. 2005 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference; June 2005; Nashville, TN. Honors / Awards: Freddie H. Fu Graduate Student Research Award (2013) Mary McMillan Scholarship Award (2008) Outstanding Student Award (2008) Ryan F. Chandler Memorial Scholarship (2007) Outstanding Graduate Student Award (2006-2007) Maggie Meise Graduate Student Scholarship (2006) (top) |
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Nicholas Heebner, MS, ATCStatus: Doctoral Student in Rehabilitation Sciences within the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition Anticipated Graduation: 2015 Years at NMRL: 1 Previous Education: MS in Sports Medicine (2012) BS in Kinesiology, Athletic Training (2009) Current Certifications / Licensures: Licensed Athletic Trainer (2012) Certified Athletic Trainer (2009) CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (2007) Previous Experience: Athletic Trainer, Casual Call (2009 - Present) Graduate Assistantship (2009 - 2011) Research Interests: - Postural stability related to injury and performance Current Projects: Correlation of proximal tibial acceleration with kinematic and kinetic variables during single-leg stop-jump and drop-landings. (Master's Thesis) (Principal Investigator) Accelerometry to evaluate postural control in multiple conditions (Co- Investigator) Variation in muscle activation patterns following ankle injection (Co-Investigator) The relationship between strength, range of motion/flexibility, and posture with shoulder complex injury in intercollegiate baseball and softball players (Co-investigator) Injury Risk Factors for Lower Extremity Injuries in Collegiate Men's and Women's Soccer and Basketball (Co-investigator) The Effect of Carbohydrate/Electrolyte Feedings on Postural Stability, Muscle Activation Patterns, and Landing Mechanics (Co-Investigator) UPitt Warrior Human Performance Research Initiative NMRL Website Manager Honors / Awards: Freddie H. Fu, MD Graduate Research Award (2010) School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Research Development Fund (2010) (top) |
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Michelle Varnell, MS, ATCStatus: Doctoral Student in Rehabilitation Sciences within the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition Anticipated Graduation: 2015 Years at NMRL: 1 Previous Education: MS in Sports Health Care (2004-2006) BS in Athletic Training (2000-2004) Current Certifications / Licensures: Certified Athletic Trainer (2004) CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Previous Experience: Research Associate (2007-2011) Head Athletic Trainer (2006-2007) Assistant Athletic Trainer (2004-2006) Research Interests: - Understanding the upper extremity with regards to performance enhancement and injury prevention Current Projects: The Relationship between Strength, Range of Motion/Flexibility, and Posture with Shoulder Complex Injury in Intercollegiate Baseball and Softball Players (Co- Investigator) Variation in Muscle Activation Patterns Following Ankle Injection (Co- Investigator) UPitt Warrior Human Performance Research Initiative Publications: Varnell, M. Bhowmik-Stoker, M. McCamley J. Jacofsky, MC. Campbell, M. Jacofsky DJ. Differences in Ability to Perform Stair Negotiation Based on Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgical Approach. J Knee Surg. 2011; June:(24)2 Presentations (posters and platform): Varnell, M. Jacofsky, MC. Jacofsky, DJ. Surgical Approach Results in Different Strategies at the Hip and Knee during the Performance of Stair Negotiation at Two Years Following TKA. Presented at: 57th Annual Meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society. January 13-16, 2011; Long Beach, CA. Onstot, BR. Johnson, AK. Varnell, M. Jacofsky, MC. Jacofsky, DJ. Functional Differences between BMI groups During Ascent One Year After TKA. Presented at: 57th Annual Meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society. January 13-16, 2011; Long Beach, CA. Varnell, M. McCamley, JD. Jacofsky, MC. Jacofsky DJ. Gait Analysis of Medial and Lateral Osteoarthritis One Year after Total Knee Arthroplasty. Presented at: 57th Annual Meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society. January 13-16, 2011; Long Beach, CA. Varnell M, Jaczynski A, Hansen M, Bay RC, Sauers E. The Relationship Between Upper Body Posture and Scapular Kinematics in Older Adults. Presented at: 61st Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia of the National Athletic Trainers Association; June 23-25, 2010; Philadelphia, PA Varnell, M. Bhowmik-Stoker, M. Jacofsky, DJ. Jacofsky, MC. The Effect of Total Knee Arthroplasty Approach on the Ability to Perform Stair Descent. Presented at: 56th Annual Meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society. March 6-9, 2010; New Orleans, LA. Varnell, MS. Jaczynski, AM. Hansen, ML. Jacofsky, DJ. The Relationship Between Posture and Scapular Kinematics during the Performance of Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults. Presented at: 56th Annual Meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society. March 6-9, 2010; New Orleans, LA. Varnell, M. Bhowmik-Stoker, M. Jacofsky, DJ. Jacofsky, MC. The Effect of Surgical Approach on Performance of Stair Ascent and Descent at Four Months Following Total Knee Arthroplasty. Presented at: 56th Annual Meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society. March 6-9, 2010; New Orleans, LA. Mahoney, M. Russo, S. Varnell, M. Jaczynski, AM. Jacofsky, DJ, Jacofsky, MC. Lower Extremity EMG During Stair Ascent Following TKA with Four Different Surgical Approaches. Presented at: 56th Annual Meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society. March 6-9, 2010; New Orleans, LA. Varnell, M. Bhowmik-Stoker, M. Jacofsky, DJ. Jacofsky, MC. The Effect of Total Knee Arthroplasty Approach on the Ability to Perform Stair Descent. Podium presented: The 2010 Annual Meeting for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. New Orleans, LA, 2010 Varnell, M. Boquiren, L. “Gait Analysis” Presentation & Lab. Presented at: The Arizona Athletic Training Association Winter Meeting; High School Session. Phoenix, Arizona, February 2006 Varnell, M. “The Biomechanics of the Shoulder in Softball Pitching” Presented at: The Rocky Mountain Athletic Training Association Conference; Student Session. Broomfield, Colorado, March, 2004 (top) |
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Paul N. Whitehead, MS, CSCStatus: Doctoral Studen in Rehabilitation Sciences within the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition Anticipated Graduation: 2016 Years at NMRL: 1 Previous Education: BS in Journalism (2007) MS in Health and Sport Science (2012) Current Certifications / Licensures: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS); National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) (2010) CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider (2010) Previous Experience: Lab Coordinator (2010-2012) Strength and Conditioning Intern Research Interests: - Injury prevention and performance optimization in athletic and military populations Current Projects: UPitt Warrior Human Performance Research Initiative UPitt Injury Prevention Initiative Variation in muscle activation patterns following ankle injection Effect of footwear during tests of dynamic postural stability Publications: Abt JP, Sell TC, Allison KF, Nagai T, Whitehead PN, McGrail MA, Lephart SM. Field and laboratory testing variance and application to daily physical training. Military Medicine. In Review. Whitehead PN, Schilling BK, Stone MH, Kilgore JL, Chiu LZ. Snatch technique of United States national level weightlifters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. In Review. Whitehead PN, Schilling BK, Peterson DD, Weiss LW. Possible New Modalities for the Navy Physical Readiness Test. Military Medicine. 2012; 177(11): 1417-25. Whitehead PN, Schilling BK, Farney TM, Bloomer RJ. Impact of a Dietary Supplement Containing 1,3-Dimethylamylamine on Blood Pressure and Bloodborne Markers of Health: a 10-Week Intervention Study. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights 2012:5 1-7. Feldmann CR, Weiss LW, Schilling BK, Whitehead PN. Association of drop vertical jump displacement with select performance variables. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2012 May; 26(5): 1215-25. Farney TM, McCarthy CG, Canale RE, Schilling BK, Whitehead P, Bloomer RJ. Absence of blood oxidative stress in exercise-trained men following supra-physiologic bouts of acute exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2012 Apr 19. [Epub ahead of print] Presentations (posters and platform): Feldmann CR, Weiss LW, Schilling BK, Whitehead PN. Association of drop vertical jump displacement and select jumping performance. Presented at the National Strength & Conditioning Association 2011 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Feldmann CR, Weiss LW, Schilling BK, Whitehead PN. Stability reliability and precision of select jumping performance variables and indicies. Presented at the National Strength & Conditioning Association 2011 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Honors / Awards: Freddie H. Fu, MD Graduate Research Award (2013) Meritorious Achievement Award in Skeletal Muscle Mechanics and Physiology (2012) Graduate Research Assistantship (2010-2012) Senior Journalist of the Year (2007) (top) |
