Dr. Adam Lepley’s research interests are focused on maximizing clinical outcomes following musculoskeletal injury, specifically involving the knee. In particular, Dr. Lepley examines the neural contributions to muscle dysfunction and their involvement in lower extremity biomechanical and self-reported disability.

Email: Adam.Lepley@uconn.edu

Twitter: @Lepley_Adam

Dr. Lindsey Lepley’s research interests center around examining the negative neuromuscular effects of traumatic joint injury and identifying therapeutic approaches capable of combating neuromuscular dysfunction. Much of her previous and current research has evaluated the effects of eccentric exercise and electrical stimulation on the recovery of muscle function after ACL reconstruction.

Email: Lindsey.Lepley@uconn.edu

Twitter: @LindseyLepley

Dr. Lindsay DiStefano is extremely active with conducting research to determine the best strategies to promote physical literacy and reduce the risk of youth sports-related injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, in children. Dr. DiStefano has published numerous research papers and presented nationally and internationally. She is currently engaged with major research studies to identify best practices for implementation and dissemination of interventions to improve safe physical activity participation and ensure proper development of physical literacy in children.

Email: Lindsay.DiStefano@uconn.edu

Dr. Devaney’s primary interest is prevention and management of upper quarter injuries in overhead athletes with a focus on the relationship between spine impairments and the development of throwing-related shoulder and elbow injuries. Additionally, she continues to work on validation of clinical measures of posture and cervical mobility in overhead athletes.

Email: Laurie.Devaney@uconn.edu

Dr. Kristin Morgan’s research interests involve gait pattern analysis; quantifying dynamic joint stability; computational modeling of human movement; detecting and assessing lower extremity injury risk.

Email: Kristin.2.Morgan@uconn.edu

Julie Burland joined UCONN’s SOAR lab in August 2015. Her primary research interests are in regards to recovery of physical function and psychological factors influencing post-operative and return to sport outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Julie is currently involved in ongoing investigations examining the inter-relationships between joint biomechanics, alterations in neural activity and self-reported/psychological deficits after ACLR. Julie received her Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) in 2012 and Masters of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY) in 2014. She then worked for a year at Elite Sports Medicine, a division of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) (Farmington, CT) as an Athletic Training Resident. She is currently in her final year of the PhD program at UCONN within the Department of Kinesiology. Julie and her husband John enjoy spending their free time playing with their silly dog Scooby.

Email: Julie.Burland@uconn.edu

Steve’s research focus is to understand the neural mechanisms associated with musculoskeletal injuries, particularly those that afflict the knee joint. Secondary to Steve’s main focus is the development of effective rehabilitation strategies for the treatment of injury associated with deficits in neural mechanics.

Email: Steven.Davi@uconn.edu

Email: Cody.Butler@uconn.edu

Justin’s research interest involves novel therapeutic interventions to influence neural excitability following musculoskeletal injury. For his Masters thesis project, Justin will be investigating a novel form of tDCS brain stimulation and it’s effect on neuromuscular control in patients with ACL injury.

Email: Justin.Rush@uconn.edu

Emma’s research interest includes assessing risk factors for lower extremity injury, particularly in the youth athletic population. Emma also has an interest in physical literacy and educating communities on the importance of physical literacy.

Email: Emma.Zuk@uconn.edu

Undergraduate Students (Major)

Jiana Baker (Physiology and Neurobiology)

Margaret Burke (Psychological Sciences)

David Csordas (Physiology and Neurobiology/Pathobiology and Veterinary Science)

Kyle Kalotai (Chemistry)

Jessica Lavine (Kinesiology)

Elena Masiello (Kinesiology)

Gustavo Porto (Allied Health)