Principal Investigator
Shanie A.L. Jayasinghe, Ph.D.
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 directs and teaches Neurorehabilitation I (PT 6286) every fall and mentors a year-round research group (PT 8193) in the DPT program. She also co-teaches Peer Review and Publication (RSC 8306) every other year. On a personal note, Dr. Jayasinghe is originally from Sri Lanka and likes to travel and learn about different cultures and cuisines.
Graduate Student
Pramisha Thapa
Pramisha Thapa is a PhD candidate in the Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Minnesota. Originally from Nepal, she earned her Bachelors in Physical Therapy from Sikkim Manipal University, India. Having worked as a Physical Therapist in Nepal, she developed an interest in studying movement deficits in individuals who survived neurological disorders like stroke, cerebral palsy, etc. Her hobbies include painting and swimming in lake.
Joshua Cheng
Joshua is an incoming graduate student in the Rehabilitation Science program 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.
DPT Students
Samantha Paulsen
Sam is a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Minnesota. She earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise & Rehabilitation Science from the University of Minnesota–Duluth, where she also played volleyball. After graduating from PT school, she plans to specialize in neurologic physical therapy. Outside of her academics, Sam is involved in advocacy through the APTA and enjoys traveling and outdoor activities
Lindsay Neighbors
Willi Silva
Mason Diaz bandera
I am a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Minnesota. I completed my undergraduate degree at Iowa State University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. I have an incredible passion for neurorehabilitation and helping individuals regain function and improve their quality of life. In my free time, I enjoy being active, spending time with family, and playing board games with friends!
Undergraduate Students
Taliilee Gemechu
Taliilee is a University of Minnesota alumna with a bachelor's degree in Biology, Society, and Environment. While working as an inpatient rehabilitation medical scribe, she developed a strong interest in rehabilitation medicine and neurological recovery. She is excited to support research intending to improve rehabilitation outcomes and patient care. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, and dancing.
Rahul Senith Dissanayake
Rahul Dissanayake is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Neuroscience and pursuing a minor in Philosophy. His academic interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, particularly in understanding the mind, behavior, and human experience. Originally from Wisconsin and of Sri Lankan heritage, he hopes to explore these fields through both research and medicine. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing ice hockey, watching soccer, exploring new restaurants with friends, and spending time with dogs.
Ravindu Ranasinghe
Previous Lab Personnel & Alumni
- Hanna Larson, DPT Class of 2027
- Billy Yang, DPT Class of 2027
- Aidan Nguyen, DPT Class of 2027
- Olivia Mathias, DPT Class of 2027
- Tenzin Palmo, DPT Class of 2027
- Anja Subba, BS 2026
- Beth Albrecht, DPT Class of 2026
- Evan Kroy, DPT Class of 2026
- Zaynab Kassam, DPT Class of 2026
- Taylor Krone, DPT Class of 2026
- Lillian Rapp, DPT Class of 2026
- Jordan Nguyen, ME 2026
- 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
- Michele Darger, MOT/L, Reasearch Coordinator 2024-2025
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