Fellows

FELLOW

Brianne Borgia, Ph.D.

Dr. Brianne Borgia’s research focuses on lower extremity gait mechanics, the prevention of injuries in an aging population, and the extrinsic factors, such as footwear, that may affect our movement. As part of her fellowship, she aims to investigate the mechanisms of age-associated gait deficits and develop feasible intervention approaches that can help promote increased mobility and physical activity. 

Photo of Brianne Borgia

FELLOW

Taylor McElroy, Ph.D.

Dr. McElroy is serving her T32 fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Sung Min Han. She is eager to explore how NMD affects mobility in the context of aging.

Taylor McElroy, Ph.D.

Fellow

Valay Shah, Ph.D.

Dr. Valay Shah uses MRI and fMRI techniques to capture brain deficits that relate to mobility impairment in older adults.

Valay Shah, Ph.D.

Fellow

Emily Smail, Ph.D.

Dr. Emily Smail uses epidemiologic methods to study three core areas: assessment of mental distress and behavioral modifications in response to a changing environment (i.e., COVID-19); prevention of adverse aging phenotypes; and evaluation of ecological mobility and mobility decline in older adults.

Photo of Emily Smail

Previous Fellows

Previous Fellow

Erika Pilner, Ph.D.

Dr. Erika Pilner quantified the efficacy of balance training on neuromechanical components by manipulating sensory information and measuring electrocortical and biomechanics responses.

Erika Pilner, Ph.D.