Principal Investigator
Dr. Jayasinghe obtained her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southern California. Her postdoctoral studies were completed at Michigan State University and at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research focus is on upper limb motor control and motor learning in individuals with movement disorders. More specifically, she is interested in exploring how different forms of sensory feedback and various aspects of cognition play a role in producing efficient and accurate movement. Dr. Jayasinghe co-directs and teaches Neurorehabilitation I (PT 6286) and mentors a research group (PT 8193) in the DPT program. On a personal note, Dr. Jayasinghe is originally from Sri Lanka and likes to travel and learn about different cultures and cuisines.
Research Coordinator
Michele Darger, MOT/L
Michele Darger is a research coordinator in the MCR lab. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Minnesota. She has extensive experience working with stroke patients at Courage Kenny and research experience from the Courage Kenny Research Institute. In addition to her current role at the University of Minnesota, she helps post-menopausal women on lifestyle health and wellness. She has many interests and hobbies including gardening & cooking, Qi Gong & Tai Chi, and traveling.
Graduate Student
Pramisha Thapa
Pramisha Thapa is a PhD student in the Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Minnesota. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from Sikkim Manipal University, India. She is originally from Nepal and is a registered PT back there. Having worked as a Physical Therapist in Nepal for some time, she developed an interest in studying movement deficits in individuals who survived neurological disorders like stroke, cerebral palsy, etc. Her hobbies include painting and spending time outdoors and hiking.
DPT Students
Beth Albrecht
Beth is a 2nd-year grad student in the DPT program at the University of Minnesota. She received her B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is interested in research that focuses on rehabilitation strategies for individuals with movement impairments. In her free time, Beth enjoys powerlifting, cooking, and going for walks.
Evan Croy
Evan is currently a 2nd year in the DPT program at the University of Minnesota. I received my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota as well before taking a year off for work and travel. In my free time I love being outdoors, hanging out with friends and traveling whenever I can.
Zaynab Kassam
I am currently a second year DPT student at the University of Minnesota. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota as well in Kinesiology. Currently I am interested in pursuing a career in either neuro rehabilitation or in orthopedics. I am excited about this lab because I want to learn more about the cognitive impacts in stroke patients and how their stroke impacts their movement. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, playing tennis and volleyball, and traveling.
Taylor Krone
Taylor is a 2nd year DPT student at the University of Minnesota. I also completed my undergrad degree at the U where I received my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and minor in nutrition, while running cross country and track (go Gophers!). I’m most interested in neuro inpatient rehab right now, and I’m excited to learn more about the impact that stroke has on a patient's motor control and their rehabilitation process. In my free time I like to spend time with my friends, run, and visit my fiance in Nebraska!
Lillian Rapp
Lillie is a 2nd year graduate student at the University of Minnesota’s DPT program. Lillie is originally from Frankfurt, Germany and moved to the United States when she was young. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2023 with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Physical Activity & Wellness Promotion. Lillie has previously volunteered at a transitional rehabilitation clinic, working with recovering stroke patients as well as patients who have sustained traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. In her free time Lillie enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, and participating in varying intramural sports.
Undergraduate Students
Joshua Cheng
Joshua is a junior year student at the University of Minnesota. Originally from Malaysia, he moved to Minnesota to earn his bachelor's degree in Computer Science. With his data analytics expertise, Joshua aims to leverage the new findings from the data to make a positive social impact. Whenever given additional time and financial opportunities, he enjoys exploring diverse food cuisines or traveling to different cities or countries.
Jordan Nguyen
Jordan is a 3rd year undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota and is originally from Maple Grove, Minnesota. Academically, she is interested in working in the medical device industry and exploring how the human body functions. In her free time, she stays active through dance, volleyball, and pickleball and enjoys reading and traveling.
Previous Lab Personnel & Alumni
- Tyler Cinq-Mars, DPT Class of 2025
- Abigail Hyland, DPT Class of 2025
- Kitty Lu, DPT Class of 2025
- Katherine Sakshaug, DPT Class of 2025
- Tyler Schildt, DPT Class of 2025
- Michaela Craigan, DPT Class of 2024
- Katherine Ellis, DPT Class of 2024
- Emma Herbeck, DPT Class of 2024
- Jake Van Wyk, DPT Class of 2024
- Samantha Timanus, CSE 2024
- Lelti Asgedom, Research Coordinator 2023-2024
Collaborators
- Rachel Hawe, DPT, PhD Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota
- Fabrice Sarlegna, PhD, Research Scientist, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, ISM, Marseille
- Robert Sainburg, PhD, OTR, Professor, Departments of Kinesiology and Neurology, Pennsylvania State University