Meet Our Doctoral Students
Bayan Aldhahwani (She/Her/Hers)
Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology

Contact Information:
Research Discipline/Bio
Bayan is a doctoral student in the Kinesiology program at Columbia University, Teachers College. Bayan's research interests lie at the intersection of motor control and movement analysis. Bayan worked as a full-time faculty member specializing in neurological rehabilitation in the department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences at Umm Al-Qura University. Also, she worked part-time as a Physical Therapist working with individuals with neurological disorders. During her master's studies, Bayan volunteered as a research assistant in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. She assisted in various projects including investigating the use of natural language processing (NLP) to develop precise rehabilitation treatment for individuals with stroke, as well as leading a project on disparities in functional outcomes post-arthroplasty.
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Motor Control and Learning), Teachers College, Columbia University
Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 2022
Bachelor of Physical Therapy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 2019
Publications/Exhibitions
Sivarajkumar, Sonish et al. “Mining Clinical Notes for Physical Rehabilitation Exercise Information: Natural Language Processing Algorithm Development and Validation Study.” JMIR medical informatics vol. 12 e52289. 3 Apr. 2024, doi:10.2196/52289
Bove, Allyn et al. “Beyond Discharge Disposition: A Scoping Review on Sociodemographic Disparities in Rehabilitation Use after Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.” Physical therapy, pzae074. 18 Jun. 2024, doi:10.1093/ptj/pzae074
Last Updated: Oct 3, 2024
Jehan Alomar
Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology

Research Discipline/Bio
A PhD candidate and the Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Labs Manager at Teachers College, Columbia University. Jehan specializes in movement sciences, focusing on using motion capture technologies and inertial measurement units to study complex movements. Her research aims to explore complex mobility in individuals with movement disorders. She is a trained physical therapist with experience investigating the feasibility and validity of assessments and technological solutions in physical activity and exercise science. Jehan is a Saudi youth delegate at the United Nations Future Summit 2024.
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Motor Control and Learning), Teachers College, Columbia University, Expected 2026
Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 2017
Bachelor of Science & Doctor of Physical Therapy, Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, 2015
Honors/Awards
Saudi Youth Delegate, Future Summit Action, United Nations, 2024
Saudi Cultural Mission Scholarship (Doctoral), Saudi Cultural Mission, 2020 & 2024
MISK Leadership and Professional Development Fellowship, MISK Foundation, 2021
Saudi Cultural Mission Scholarship (Full Master’s), Saudi Cultural Mission, 2016
Invited Inspirational Speaker, MISK Foundation, 2021
Publications/Exhibitions
Alomar, J. A., Yu, T., Li, H., Delfing, D., Gu, Y., Wani, D., & Quinn, L. (2024). Development of the Floor Sitting Rising Movement Observation Tool (FSR-MOT). Abstract presented at the Combined Section Meeting, 2024.
Alomar, J., Wani, D., Yu, T., Leung, S., Romero, L., El-Feky, S., Wong, J., Pu, K., & Quinn, L. (2024). The spatiotemporal characteristics of floor sitting rising in Parkinson's disease (PD). Abstract presented at the Movement Disorder Society International Congress, 2024.
Last Updated: Oct 1, 2024
Andrew Buser
Ed.D. Student, Motor Learning

Contact Information:
Research Discipline/Bio
An EdD student in the Motor Learning and Control program and Neurorehabilitation Lab at Teachers College, Columbia University. Andrew specializes in postural control and movement sciences, focusing on corrective exercise therapy for pain management and performance enhancement. His studies and research aims include exploring the relationships between postural equilibrium, structural integrity, and functional movement patterns with the pathophysiology of orthopedic conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. Andrew is a licensed Chiropractor and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with corrective exercise therapy clinical experience with civilian populations of all ages and military special operations communities.
Educational Background
Doctorate of Chiropractic, Southern California University of Health Sciences, 2014.
Bachelor of Science, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, 1996.
Last Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Kellie Hoehing (She/Her/Hers)
Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology

Research Discipline/Bio
Kellie is a second year PhD student studying the effects of physical activity and exercise on individuals with heart failure. She is interested in assessing the clinical utilization of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in various populations. She is currently working under Dr. Carol Gaber within the ExerT Clinic and completing research work under Dr. Rochelle Goldsmith at the Columbia University Medical Center - Center for Advanced Heart Failure.
Educational Background
Master of Science, Exercise Physiology, Central Michigan University, 2021
Bachelor of Science, Clinical Exercise Science, Central Michigan University, 2019
Publications/Exhibitions
Hoehing, K., & Keener-Denoia, A. (2024). Metformin and exercise prescription: Time for evidence-based guidance. The Journal of physiology, 10.1113/JP286649. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP286649
Hoehing, K., Murrell, K., Fitzpatrick, R., Keteyian, K., Nelson, R., Zuhl, M. (2022) Facemask use during graded exercise testing in the COVI-19 pandemic: minimal concern. Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Bluhm, M., Hoehing, K., Nelson, R., Zuhl, M. (2022). The impact of type-2 diabetes mellitus on cardiac rehabilitation outcomes: a meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Last Updated: Oct 25, 2024
Cara Kanner
Ed.D. Student, Movement Sciences (Physical Therapy)

Research Discipline/Bio
Cara Kanner is a candidate for the Doctor of Education degree in Movement Sciences. She works as an associate faculty and research physical therapist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is a board-certified pediatric physical therapist. She is part of the Montes Lab with research focused on individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her primary research focus is on bone health in SMA.
Educational Background
Doctor of Physical Therapy, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 2017
Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, University of Miami, 2013
Honors/Awards
Teacher's College General Scholarship, 2023
NYPTA Participation Award, 2017
University of Miami Dean scholarship, 2009-2012
Semi-finalist in Siemen's Competition in Math, Science, & Technology, 2008
Publications/Exhibitions
Kanner CH, Rodriguez-Torres R, Wallach R, Bakarania P, Montes J. Therapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises for a Child With Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Case Report. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2025;37(2):282-287. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001188
Rodriguez-Torres R, Kanner CH, Gay EL, et al. Development of the SMA EFFORT: A new approach to characterize perceived physical fatigability in spinal muscular atrophy. Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases. 2025;12(1). doi:10.1177/22143602241313326
Sudnawa KK, Pini N, Li W, Kanner CH, Ryu J, Calamia S, Bain JM, Goldman S, Montes J, Shen Y, Chung WK. Clinical characteristics, longitudinal adaptive functioning, and association with electroencephalogram activity in PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder. Clin Genet. 2024; 1-10. PMID: 39169681
Ziegler A, Carroll J, Bain JM, Sands TT, Fee RJ, Uher D, LeDuc C, Kanner CH, Montes J, Glass S, Douville J, Mignon L, Gleeson JG, Crooke ST, Chung WK. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy in an individual with KIF1A-associated neurological disorder. Nature Med. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03197-y
Trancho C, Stickney B, Kinirons S, Uher D, Kanner CH, Rao AK, McDermott MP, Garber CE, De Vivo DC, Montes J. Low Bone Mass in Ambulatory Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Proactive Approach for an Often Overlooked Impairment. J Clin Med. 2024; 13(5):1336.
Zreibe K, Kanner CH, Uher D, Beard G, Patterson M, Harris M, Doerger J, Calamia S, Chung WK, Montes J. Characterizing ambulatory function in children with PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder. Gait Posture. 2024;110:77-83. PMID: 38547676
Kanner CH, Uher D, Zreibe K, Beard G, Patterson M, Harris M, Doerger J, Calamia S, Chung WK, Montes J. Validation of a modified version of the gross motor function measure in PPPR5D related neurodevelopmental disorder. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2024;19(1):45. Published 2024 Feb 7. PMID: 38326877
Last Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Adrianna Keener-Denoia (She/Her/Hers)
Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology

Research Discipline/Bio
Doctoral student researcher contributing to an NIH-funded R01 clinical trial and an intervention pilot study evaluating the feasibility, implementation potential, and effectiveness of digital health–enabled behavioral interventions for cardiac patients. I also support a quality improvement initiative within the NYP Department of Rehabilitation Medicine that applies implementation science and digital health strategies to reimagine the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation.
Educational Background
Master of Arts, Applied Physiology, Columbia University, Teacher’s College, 2021
Bachelor of Arts, History, North Carolina State University
Honors/Awards
NEACSM Donna Murphy Scholarship recipient, 2022
Publications/Exhibitions
Hoehing, K & Keener-DeNoia, A (2024), Metformin and exercise prescription: Time for evidence-based guidance. J Physiol. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP286649
Duran AT, Cumella RM, Mendieta M, Keener-DeNoia A, López Veneros D, Farris SG, Moise N, Kronish IM (2024). Leveraging Implementation Science at the Early-stage Development of a Novel Telehealth-Delivered Fear of Exercise Program to Understand Intervention Feasibility and Implementation Potential: Feasibility Study. JMIR Form Res 2024;8:e55137. DOI: 10.2196/55137
Duran AT, Keener-DeNoia A, ... Moise N. (2023). Applying User-Centered Design and Implementation Science to the Early-Stage Development of a Telehealth-Enhanced Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: Quality Improvement Study. JMIR formative research, 7, e47264. https://doi.org/10.2196/47264
Keener-DeNoia A, Serafini MA, Whittman E, Fleisch E, Stavrolakes K, Pieszchata N, Diamond ME, Moise N, Duran AT (2023). Understanding patient-level implementation determinants and satisfaction with remote patient monitoring during a telehealth-enabled cardiac rehabilitation program: A theory-informed, mixed-methods approach. Poster presentation, 16th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in Washington, DC
Fleisch, E., Pieszchata, N.M., Stavrolakes, K., Keener-DeNoia, A., Duran, A.T. (2023) Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Participation Among Acute Coronary Syndrome Survivors: Telehealth-enhanced Hybrid vs. Clinic-based Delivery. Poster presentation, 2024 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Boston, MA [Poster received first place award]
Last Updated: Jun 2, 2025
Byul Kim
Ed.D. Student, Applied Physiology
Dissertation Advisor: Carol Ewing Garber
Research Discipline/Bio
I am a doctoral candidate in Applied Physiology at Columbia University, researching the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity and sedentary behavior. My dissertation examines how momentary motivation states and psychological stress influence real-time physical activity. I led the translation and validation of the Korean CRAVE scale to assess motivation for movement and rest in cross-cultural contexts. My work bridges exercise psychology, public health, and behavioral science, contributing to real-time health monitoring and adaptive interventions. I bring a strong global perspective, having represented Korea at the UN General Assembly and supported public health efforts during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. I also served as President of the Columbia Korean Graduate Student Association, leading academic and cultural programs. My goal is to develop culturally sensitive, evidence-based strategies for active lifestyles and psychological well-being.
Educational Background
Education Master of Applied Physiology, Applied Physiology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2021.
Master of Applied Physiology, Applied Physiology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2020.
Bachelor of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine, CHA University, 2019.
Honors/Awards
Teachers College Merit Scholarship, Columbia University, 2019–2023; Teachers College International Scholarship, Columbia University, 2021, 2022, 2023; SeolBong Scholarship (Merit), 2023; SMART Research Grant, Teachers College, 2024; Scholarship for Academic Excellence, CHA University, 2015–2017; Award of Academic Excellence, CHA University, 2015–2018.
Publications/Exhibitions
Kim, B., Stults-Kolehmainen, M. A., & Garber, C. E. (in progress). Translation, Psychometric Validation, and Reliability of the Korean Version of the CRAVE Scale (CRAVE-K) for Assessing Motivation States for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior. Manuscript in preparation.
Kim, B., Stults-Kolehmainen, M. A., & Garber, C. E. (in preparation). Relationship between Momentary Stress, Motivation States for Physical Activity and Instrumented Measures of Physical Activity. Manuscript in preparation.
Last Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Sirui Liu (She/Her/Hers)
Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology
But a professional badminton player, crocheter, and baker :-)

Research Discipline/Bio
A junior mechanical engineer, a junior bioengineer, a junior neuro-rehabilitation physician...
But a professional badminton player, crocheter, and baker :-)
Educational Background
Bachelor of Engineering, Transportation and equipment engineering (Mechanical engineering), Central South University, 2020;
Master of Research, Bioengineering (Musculoskeletal science), Imperial College London, 2021;
Research assistant, Bioengineering, Imperial College London, 2023;
Doctor of Philosophy, Kinesiology, Teachers College Columbia University, until now
Honors/Awards
Teachers College Doctoral Fellowship, Teachers College Columbia University, 2024
Publications/Exhibitions
-Sirui LIU, Pouya Amiri, Alison McGregor, Anthony MJ Bull. Bilateral asymmetry in knee and hip musculoskeletal loading during stair ascending/descending in individuals with unilateral mild-to-moderate medial knee osteoarthritis. Annals of Biomedical Engineering. (2023) https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-023-03289-9
-Benton, A. M., Toderita, D., Egginton, N. L., Liu, S., Amiri, P., Sherman, K., Bennett, A. N., & Bull, A. M. J. Muscle recruitment during gait in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation due to trauma compared to able-bodied controls. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology. (2024) https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2024.1429574
Last Updated: Jun 2, 2025
Nicole Metelski
Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology

Research Discipline/Bio
Nicole is a Ph.D. student in the Center for Cerebral Palsy Research, working under the advisement of Dr. Andrew Gordon. Her research focuses on novel rehabilitation interventions for children with cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Her dissertation work examines the impact of non-invasive brain stimulation plus intensive bimanual upper extremity training on motor learning in children with cerebral palsy. She also examines neurophysiological responses to treatment. Nicole presented at the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine in 2023 as well as to various labs in the United States. She is an occupational therapist by training, and worked at New York-Presbyterian Hospital as an acute care occupational therapist for 6 years. Her specialty areas included neurology, neurosurgery, organ transplant, and facial nerve rehabilitation. Nicole also work as a Course Assistant at TC, aiding with the Brain & Behavior and Research Design classes.
Educational Background
-Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Columbia University, 2016
-Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Colgate University, 2014
Honors/Awards
-Andrew and Barrie Hananel Endowed Research Fellowship, Teachers College, 2022
-Provost's Grant for Conference Presentation & Professional Development, Teachers College, 2023
Publications/Exhibitions
Metelski, N., Gu, Y., Quinn, L., Friel, K.M., Gordon, A.M., (2024). Safety and efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation for the upper extremities in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 66, 573–597.
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2024
Brendon Richbourgh
Ed.D. Student, Applied Physiology

Research Discipline/Bio
My current research is a continuation of my time as a fellow in Dr. Chuan-Ju Liu’s Translational Orthopedic lab. Under his guidance and mentorship, I received NIH Postdoctoral funding in 2012. In that learning environment, my studies involved working with two key catabolic inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, and their role in arthritis. People who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have reduced levels of exercise. Exercise offers a multitude of health benefits, including increased muscle strength, enhanced bone mineral density, increased stroke volume, and reduced joint pain. RA is more prevalent in older, female, and non-Hispanic Black individuals. Black women are a marginalized demographic with the worst health outcomes and have been disproportionately underrepresented in medical research. Under the direction of Dr. Felicia Mensah, I am studying the impact of exercise on the lived experiences of marginalized communities with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Educational Background
Master of Education, Applied Physiology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2025
National Institute of Health Postdoctoral Fellow, Translational Orthopedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, 2016
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Universidad Iberoamericana, 2011
Bachelor of Arts, Art History and Premedical Studies, Bucknell University, 1998
Honors/Awards
Membership in Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, 2025
ORAL PEER-SELECTED PRESENTATIONS- New England Science Symposium, Harvard Medical School, 2016. Osteoarthritis Research Society International World Congress (OARSI) Paris, 2014. Yale Bouchet Conference, Yale University, 2014. Philadelphia Regional Biomedical Postdoctoral Research Symposium at the University of Pennsylvania, 2013
Publications/Exhibitions
Uddin SM, Richbourgh B, Ding Y, Hettinghouse A, Komatsu DE, Qin YX, Liu CJ. Chondro-protective effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound.Osteoarthritis Cartilage.2016 Nov;24(11):1989-1998. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2016.06.014. Epub 2016 Jun 27.
Zhao H, Gonzalezgugel E, Cheng L, Richbourgh B, Nie L, Liu C. The roles of interferon-inducible p200 family members IFI16 and p204 in innate immune responses, cell differentiation and proliferation.Genes and Diseases. 2015 Mar;2(1):46-56.
Zhao YP, Tian QY, Liu B, Cuellar J, Richbourgh B, Jia TH, Liu CJ.Progranulin
knockout accelerates intervertebral disc degeneration in aging mice.Scientific Reports. 2015 Mar 16;5:9102. doi: 10.1038/srep09102.
Zhao YP, Liu B, Tian QY, Wei JL, Richbourgh B, Liu CJ. Progranulin protects against osteoarthritis through interacting with TNF-α and β-Catenin signalling.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2015 Dec;74(12):2244-2253. doi: 10.1136 annrheumdis-2014-205779. Epub 2014 Aug 28.
Wei J, Richbourgh B, Jia T, Liu C.ADAMTS-12: a multifaced metalloproteinase in arthritis and inflammation. Mediators of Inflammation. 2014;2014:649718. doi: 10.1155/2014/649718. Epub 2014 Apr 28. Review.
Uddin SM, Mundra JJ, Jian J, Tian Q, Gonzalez-Gugel E, Richbourgh B, Liu CJ. Progranulin inhibition of TNFα.Immunology & Cell Biology. 2014 Apr;92(4):299-300. doi: 10.1038/icb.2014.7. Epub 2014 Feb 11.
Konopka J, Richbourgh B, Liu C.The role of PGRN in musculoskeletal development and disease.Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Ed). 2014 Jan 1;19:662-71. Review.
Jian J, Zhao S, Tian Q, Gonzalez-Gugel E, Mundra JJ, Uddin SM, Liu B, Richbourgh B, Brunetti R, Liu CJ.Progranulin directly binds to the CRD2 and CRD3 of TNFR extracellular domains.FEBS Letters. 2013 Nov 1;587(21):3428-36. doi: 1 0.1016/ j.febslet.2013.09.024. Epub 2013 Sep 23.
Last Updated: Jun 27, 2025
Lilliana Romero (She/Her/Hers)
Ed.D. Student, Motor Learning
Dissertation Advisor: Lori Quinn

Research Discipline/Bio
Lilliana Romero-Maysonet, is a doctoral student in the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, specializing in Motor Learning and Control. Her research focuses on the influence of trunk range of motion and trunk mobility on functional tasks in individuals with Parkinson' s Disease. Lilliana is a member of the Neurorehabiliation Research Lab and served as editor for Parkinson Positivos. She also translated key educational content into Spanish for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, helping expand access to reliable information for Spanish-speaking communities.
Educational Background
Master of Education, Applied Physiology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2022.
Master of Arts, Kinesiology, University of Puerto Rico, 2016.
Bachelor of Arts, Physical Education, University of Puerto Rico, 2012.
Honors/Awards
Doctoral Fellowship, Teachers College, Columbia University (September 2023- 2025)
Teaching Assistantship Fellowship by University of Puerto Rico (2013 – 2015)
FASEB MARC Program poster Presentation Travel Award (May 2015)
Scholar-in-Residence Award, University of Puerto Rico (2012- 2013)
Vegacoop Academic Excellence Scholarship, University of Puerto Rico (August 2010).
Publications/Exhibitions
Romero-Maysonet, L., Ruiz-Nieves, M., El-Feky, S., Kattumuri, V. & Quinn, L. (2025). Influence of Trunk Range of Motion on Functional Mobility Outcome in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A scoping review. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 134, Abstract.
Romero-Maysonet, L., & Amaral-Figueroa, M. (2017). The Relationship Between Fundamental Motors Skills and Physical Activity in College Age Students in Puerto Rico. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise. 49 (5), Abstract.
Romero-Maysonet, L, & Ramirez-Marrero, F. (2014). Relationship Between Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Movement Skills in Adult Women in Puerto Rico. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 49 (5), Abstract.
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025
Jordana Ulloa-Marquez
Ed.D. Student, Motor Learning

Research Discipline/Bio
I am a doctoral student in the Biobehavioral Sciences program at Teachers College, Columbia University. My research focuses on how motor learning-based interventions, such as HABIT-ILE, influence trunk control and its relationship to upper limb function in children with bilateral cerebral palsy (BCP). I am affiliated with the Center for Cerebral Palsy Research under the advisement of Dr. Andrew Gordon. My work integrates principles of motor learning, postural stability, and biomechanics to improve functional outcomes in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Grounded in the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework, my research uses kinematic analysis and clinical insights to assess movement quality and coordination. In addition to my research, I have served as a teaching assistant and guest lecturer, presenting on topics related to motor control and my published work.
Educational Background
Master of Science, Kinesiology (Biomechanics), California State University, San Marcos, 2022
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology (Exercise Science), California State University, Sacramento, 2018 (Dean’s List)
Publications/Exhibitions
Ulloa-Marquez, J., Gutterman, J., Santello, M., & Gordon, A. M. (2025). Transfer of learned object manipulations between two-and five-digit grasps. Experimental Brain Research, 243(3), 1-10.
Last Updated: Jul 9, 2025