Principal Investigator

Dr. Christine Clarkin 
Assistant Professor 
Office: 25 West Independence Way, Room 103 
Email: chrisclarkin@uri.edu 
Phone: 401-874-2998

Christine Clarkin, PT, DPT, PhD received her B.S. degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Vermont in 1987, her DPT from Simmons University in Boston in 2010, and her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Rhode Island in 2020. She has worked as a physical therapist, senior therapist, clinical education coordinator, and clinic director in a variety of settings including acute care, acute rehab, and home health care settings for more than 35 years. Her experience has been across all diagnoses with a focus on neurologic impairments, amputee, and burn and wound care and has been LSVT BIG certified since 2013. She began her academic career as an assistant professor in 2019 in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Rhode Island and has focused on clinical translational research related to neuroplasticity and Parkinson’s disease.

Current Lab Members

Brianna Patton – Graduate Student (DPT)

Brianna Patton is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2025.

Rebecca Shorr – Graduate Student (DPT)

Rebecca Shorr is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2025.

Lindsey Swider – Graduate Student (DPT)

Lindsey Swider is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2025. 

Kaitlin Broyles, Graduate Student (DPT)

Kaitlin Broyles is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the Empower PD project.

Katarina Cardoso, Graduate Student (DPT)

Katarina Cardoso is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the Theracycle project.

Elise Garfield, Graduate Student (DPT)

Elise Garfield is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the Empower PD project.

Avery Hanan, Graduate Student (DPT)

Avery Hanan is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the Empower PD project.

Roshwaun Isidor, Graduate Student (DPT)

Roshwaun Isidor is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the Theracycle project.

Grace Pelletier, Graduate Student (DPT)

Grace Pelletier is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the Empower PD project.

Savanna Perkins, Graduate Student (DPT)

Savanna Perkins is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the PEG (Co2026) project.

Anna Seifried, Graduate Student (DPT)

Anna Seifried is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the Empower PD project.

Charlotte Vitale, Graduate Student (DPT)

Charlotte Vitale is currently a student in the University of Rhode Island Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Class of 2026. She is working as a member of the PEG (Co2026) project.

Former Lab Members:

• Emma-Leigh Lamonde – DPT, Class of 2024
• Amanda Seick – DPT, Class of 2024
• Emma Tolley – DPT, Class of 2024
• Sonya Valente – DPT, Class of 2024
• Briana Gough – DPT, Class of 2023
• Samantha Harrison – DPT, Class of 2023
• Kelcey Meyer – DPT, Class of 2023
• Lauren Parente – DPT, Class of 2023
• Hannah Whalen – DPT, Class of 2023
• Taylor Worthington – DPT, Class of 2023
• Kaley Ahern – DPT, Class of 2022
• John Arruda – DPT, Class of 2022
• Rachel Bartels – DPT, Class of 2022
• Oliver Cowles – DPT, Class of 2022
• Nicole Mahan- DPT, Class of 2021
• Natalie Peterson – DPT, Class of 2021
• Briana O’Grady – DPT, Class 2020
• Morgan McKenny – DPT, Class of 2020