Principal Investigator
Dr. Mariusz Furmanek
Assistant Professor, Ryan Research Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Affiliate Member of the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program (INP)
Office: 25 West Independence Way, #108
Email: mariusz.furmanek@uri.edu
Phone: 401-874-5733
Mariusz Furmanek, Ph.D., PT, DPT is a new Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Furmanek is an Affiliate member of the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program (IPN). He graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland, in Physical Therapy, Physical Education, and Kinesiology. Dr. Furmanek completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Movement Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, where he received his DPT. He has clinical experience in outpatient orthopedics and neurorehabilitation. Dr. Furmanek’s research and academic focus are on Motor Control and Neuroscience in rehabilitation, athletic training, and virtual engagement.
Current Lab members
David Ornstein
Ph.D. candidate (Physical Therapy/Kinesiology)
David Ornstein is a Physical Therapist (DPT) currently enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (Physical Therapy Specialization) program at the University of Rhode Island. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. After graduating, he completed an Orthopedic Residency through Evidence in Motion and is currently enrolled in a Fellowship of Sports and Orthopedic Manual Therapy through the Institute of Athletic Regeneration. He serves as founding faculty of the Performance Physical Therapy’s Orthopedic Residency, and is adjunct faculty for Bay State College’s Physical Therapy Assistant program. He previously served as adjunct faculty for Bryant University’s Physician Assistant studies program.
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Tyler Foster – PhD student (Physical Therapy)
Tyler Foster is a Physical Therapist (DPT) currently enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (Physical Therapy Specialization) program at the University of Rhode Island. He graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science with an undergraduate degree Exercise Science with Pre-Med concentration. Afterwards, Tyler attended Boston University and graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He has completed an Orthopedic Residency through Evidence in Motion and is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist. He has served as founding faculty member of Performance/Highbar Physical Therapy Orthopedic residency and has previously served as adjunct faculty for Bryant University Physician Assistant studies.
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Michał Pawłowski – PhD, Post-Doc
Michal Pawlowski, Ph.D., B.Eng is an Assistant Professor in the Human Motor Behavior Department at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland. He graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice in Physical Education and Kinesiology and from the Institute of Information Technologies in Katowice, Poland in Computer Science. Dr. Pawlowski completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology at Pennsylvania State University under the supervision of Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology Mark Latash. Dr. Pawlowski’s research focuses not only on Motor Control (coordination, motor synergies, biomechanics, perception and virtual reality aspects) but also on athletic training and sports sciences (especially functional training).
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Zoe Hetrick Undergraduate student (Kinesiology)
Zoe Hetrick is a Junior in undergraduate at the University of Rhode Island studying Kinesiology. Her goals include attending Physical Therapy School to earn her DPT, and beginning a career as an acute care Physical Therapist after graduation. She is originally from Putnam, CT, and loves spending time with her family and friends when she is not at school.
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Valentina Cvackova – undergraduate student (Neuroscience and Psychology)
Valentina is a junior double-majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology with research interests in the clinical use of neuroscience, primarily in OCD, schizophrenia, and BPD. As part of MCR-Lab, she looks forward to using VR and connecting her life as a tennis player by gaining broader physiological and motor neuroscience horizons.
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Nicholas Dionizio – graduate student (DPT)
Nicholas Dionizio is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctorate of Physical Therapy program class of 2025. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. During the 4 years of his undergraduate degree, he was part of the division one football program and hopes to have a career as a physical therapist working with athletes. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym and hanging out with friends, and playing golf when he can find the time. He is excited to be a part of this research project.
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Amanda Wheelock – graduate student (DPT)
Amanda Wheelock is a first-year DPT student at the University of Rhode Island. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Amanda is excited to work on this project for the next two years.
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Andrew Cooley – graduate student (DPT)
Andrew is a first year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Rhode Island. Prior to attending URI, he graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island with a B.S. in Health Sciences while also competing in ice hockey at the NCAA level. Born and raised in Wasilla, Alaska, Andrew continues to enjoy his home state over the holidays and during the summer months; visiting his family’s cabin and exploring everything the Last Frontier has to offer. In his leisure he enjoys challenging hikes, weight lifting, traveling, and checking out breweries around the Northeast. After completion of the URI DPT program, he aspires to see more of the country while working as a travel PT around the U.S.
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Taylor Hyde – graduate student (DPT)
Taylor Hyde is a graduate student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at URI. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She is involved in research including studying the mechanism of action of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.
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Natasha Justa – graduate student (DPT)
Natasha Justa is a first-year DPT student at the University of Rhode Island. She graduated from URI in Spring 2022 with her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. Natasha plans to be a pediatric physical therapist in the future. Natasha is excited to be a part of this research for the next two years.
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Lizzy Moy – graduate student (DPT)
Lizzy is a first year graduate student at URI’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She graduated from URI with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2023. Her research interest centers around exploring the interaction between the brain and the body’s movements. She looks forward to learning more about motor control and neuromuscular rehabilitation.
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Weizhao Zhang – graduate student (DPT)
Weizhao Zhang is a student of physical therapy in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Rhode Island. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport with the bachelor’s degree in health science. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with the master degree of rehabilitation science.
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Sean St Jacques – graduate student (DPT)
Sean St. Jacques, a first year DPT student in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Rhode Island. Graduated from the University of Rhode Island Kinesiology department.
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Julia Johnson – graduate student (DPT)
Julia Johnson is currently a Doctor of Physical Therapy Student at the University of Rhode Island, class of 2026. Prior to attending URI, she graduated from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2018. The focus of her career has been working with geriatric populations as a traveling LPTA. Outside work and academics, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her dog, Max. Julia is excited to participate in the MCR -Lab under the MUSE- 2 research project.
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Victoria Grzybowski – graduate student (DPT)
Victoria is a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Rhode Island. Prior to attending URI, she obtained her B.A in psychology from the University of Maine and completed an accelerated M.S in psychology, while working as a Social Services Director in a SNF in Louisiana. She is very intrigued by the mind-body connection especially within individuals that have neurodegenerative diseases. She is eager to further look into this connection specifically in those with Parkinson’s disease while working on the Muse-2 Project.
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Adrian Valdez – graduate student (DPT)
Adrian Valdez is a class of 2026 DPT student at the University of Rhode Island. He will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in May 2024. Originally from West Warwick Rhode Island, he decided to pursue his career as a physical therapist locally. Adrian won a grant as an undergraduate researcher to fund an independent study investigating the use of EMG as a wearable sleeve in a clinical setting. In his free time he enjoys working out, playing soccer, watching sports, and hanging out with friends. He is very excited to join the MCR lab for the next couple of years.
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Hunter Shaw – undergraduate student (Neuroscience)
Hunter Shaw is a sophomore in undergraduate at the University of Rhode Island from Cumberland, Rhode Island, studying Neuroscience and anticipates pursuing a PhD. His biggest research interests include diseases and disorders related to motor control. In his free time, he enjoys going to the beach, surfing, and playing soccer.
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Andrew Perry – undergraduate student (Molecular Neuroscience)
Andrew is a junior student at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Molecular neurology. Andrew is interested in neuroscience research around ALS as well as mental health. He is currently working in the clinical microbiology lab at Rhode Island Hospital. He is the president of his fraternity and has interests in philanthropy.
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Natalie Breverman – undergraduate student (Molecular Neuroscience)
Natalie is a junior student at URI majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in psychology.. She is interested in learning more about clinical research applications and took a specific interest in Dr. Furmanek’s work with the neural aspects of motor control. Natalie is currently working as a lab assistant.
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Andzelika Cetera – undergraduate student (Kinesiology)
Andzelika Cetera is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Kinesiology anticipating earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She is in the advancement of science and research by participating in and testing various potential treatments aiming at improving quality of life for individuals. During her time at URI, she has obtained observational hours at a Physical Therapy clinic and looks forward to being a Residential Assistant (RA) during the upcoming school semesters.
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Mary-Catherine Fornaro – undergraduate student (Kinesiology)
Mary-Catherine Fornaro is a junior student specializing in Kinesiology and minoring in Psychology. She is passionate about exercise and the overall physical well-being of individuals. Her professional experience includes years of working at a Physical Therapy outpatient facility, as well as being a part of athletic based research with the LaunchLab at URI. She is also the Kinesiology Club President at the University.
Lab Alumni
Donovan Kelley – undergraduate student (Biomedical Engineering)
Donovan Kelley is currently a junior pursuing my bachelors degree in biomedical engineering here at the University of Rhode Island. I am from Atkinson, New Hampshire. In my free time, I enjoy being active and working out, and have played baseball my whole life. I am currently playing for the club baseball team at URI.
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Riley Houde – graduate student (DPT)
Riley is a second year graduate student of the University of Rhode Island’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In 2021, he graduated from the URI with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. During his time as an undergraduate, Riley completed two years of independent study using motion capture technology. Currently, he is investigating the effects of mild traumatic brain injury on motor neuron excitability and reaction time. He looks forward to gaining a better understanding of human motor control and its clinical application with regards to neuromuscular rehabilitation.
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Olivia MacKenzie – undergraduate (Brain and Behavioral Sciences)
Olivia MacKenzie is currently a senior in her undergraduate attending Purdue University studying Brain and Behavioral Sciences. She is attending the University of Rhode Island for classes and involvement in research over the summer. Her goals after undergraduate include attending a Physical Therapy Program for a DPT. She is a member in the Purdue Undergraduate Neuroscience Society and experience includes volunteering in physical therapy clinics.
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Morgan Pitkin – undergraduate student (BioEngineering with a minor in Mathematics)
Morgan is a senior majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in mathematics. She is from Vernon, CT. Morgan enjoys watching and playing sports, going bowling, and doing crossword puzzles.
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Emma Lehman – undergraduate student (BioEngineering)
Emma Lehman is a junior pursuing her Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering at the University of Rhode Island. She is a responder for The University of Rhode Island Emergency Medical Services, providing medical assistance to the campus and surrounding communities. She is passionate about becoming a Physicians Assistant upon completion of her undergraduate degree. Emma is originally from Wayne, NJ, and enjoys working out and spending time on the beach in her free time.
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