School of Allied Health Professions

 

Tenured professor/Department head of Physical Therapy

Teaching

• Clinical Anatomy
• Neuroanatomy
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Human Development across Life Span
• Health Fitness and Promotion
• Evidence-Based Practice in PT

 

Research and Scholarship

My research focuses on promoting healthy aging, improving rehabilitation outcomes, and advancing brain health through innovative, evidence-based interventions. A major area of my scholarship examines the effects of Tai Chi and other mind-body exercises on neuroplasticity, mobility, balance, cognition, and quality of life among older adults and individuals with neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson’s disease and stroke. I also investigate the biomechanics and clinical application of assistive ambulatory devices, fall prevention strategies, rehabilitation technologies, noninvasive brain stimulation, motor recovery after stroke, and biomarkers associated with aging and neurological disorders. My anatomical research explores peripheral nerve pathways and musculoskeletal structures using cadaveric models to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. More recently, my work has expanded to implementation science, brain health promotion, dementia risk reduction, and the application of artificial intelligence and digital health technologies to improve rehabilitation access and outcomes in underserved communities. My scholarly contributions have resulted in more than 85 peer-reviewed publications and numerous presentations at national and international conferences.

 

Service (Departmental, School, Institution, and Professional Organizations)

My service activities reflect a commitment to advancing physical therapy education, rehabilitation research, and professional leadership at institutional, national, and international levels. As Professor and Head of Physical Therapy at LSU Health New Orleans, I provide leadership for academic, clinical, research, and strategic initiatives within the department and contribute to school and university governance through service on multiple committees, including the School of Allied Health Professions Promotion and Tenure Committee. Nationally and internationally, I have been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Gerontological Society of America (GSA), and other professional organizations for more than two decades, serving in leadership, mentorship, conference, and peer-review roles. I currently serve as Editor-in-Chief of Physiotherapy Research International and have served on editorial boards for numerous journals in rehabilitation, geriatrics, anatomy, neuroscience, and health sciences, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practice and the dissemination of rehabilitation research worldwide.

 

Clinical Expertise and Interests

As a licensed physical therapist with more than two decades of clinical experience, my clinical interests include geriatrics, neurological rehabilitation, fall prevention, Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, chronic disease management, and mobility enhancement through assistive technology. I have practiced across a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and community-based programs. My clinical approach emphasizes patient-centered, evidence-based care that integrates rehabilitation, health promotion, and wellness strategies, with particular interests in Tai Chi-based rehabilitation, balance and gait training, assistive ambulatory device prescription, and interventions that support healthy aging, functional independence, and quality of life. As department head, I remain committed to maintaining clinical engagement while fostering excellence in patient care, education, research, and professional service.

 

Philosophy of Education

Teaching has been the foundation of my academic career since 2003. Throughout my appointments at the University of Central Arkansas, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Allen College, and LSU Health New Orleans, I have remained committed to creating a learning environment that challenges, inspires, and supports students in becoming compassionate, reflective, and evidence-based healthcare professionals. My educational philosophy is grounded in active learning, critical thinking, and the integration of foundational sciences with clinical practice. I believe students learn most effectively when they are encouraged to question assumptions, engage in meaningful problem-solving, and apply knowledge to authentic clinical situations. My goal is not only to teach content but also to cultivate lifelong learners who can adapt to evolving healthcare environments and contribute meaningfully to their profession and society. Over the course of my career, I have taught and directed courses in anatomy, neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, evidence-based practice, health promotion, and lifespan development, while striving to model professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and scholarly inquiry. Ultimately, my mission as an educator is to prepare future physical therapists who are clinically competent, ethically grounded, intellectually engaged, and dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the individuals and communities they serve.