People | Movement Control and Rehabilitation Lab

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 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 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

Aidan Nguyen

Aidan is a second year student in the DPT program. He is involved with the CHIP on campus and volunteers in clinics off campus. He has worked with stroke patients in physical therapy internships in the past and is excited to continue building his knowledge and experience in the neuro rehabilitation field. In his free time, he spends time with friends and family, exercises and explores new places outdoors.

Billy Yang

Billy is a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Minnesota. He holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. His primary areas of interest within physical therapy include inpatient rehabilitation, particularly working with individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other complex neurological and medical conditions. In his free time, Billy enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.

Hanna Larson

Hanna is a 2nd year DPT student at the University of Minnesota interested in neurologic PT. Hanna completed her undergraduate degree at the University of MN - Duluth where she received her Bachelors of Applied Science in Exercise & Rehabilitation Science with a minor in public health. She has experience in research related to virtual reality exercise and exergaming. Outside of academics, Hanna volunteers instructing adaptive snowboarding and waterskiing, working with individuals who have a wide variety of disabilities. She enjoys traveling, live music, and getting outside for some snowboarding, mountain biking, watersports, or just for a hike!

Olivia Mathias

I am currently a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Minnesota. I completed my undergraduate studies in Movement Science at Winona State University. I have a strong interest in neurorehabilitation and prosthetics, and I’m eager to deepen my understanding of how strokes impact patient recovery and rehabilitation. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my nephew, exploring new foods, playing intramural sports, and staying active in a variety of ways.

Tenzin Palmo

I am a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Minnesota, where I also completed both my undergraduate studies and a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science. My academic and clinical interests are rooted in neurorehabilitation, with a strong passion for helping individuals regain function and improve quality of life. Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active with my puppy.

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.

Previous Lab Personnel & Alumni

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