Current Members
Doctoral Students
Mike Decker
PhD, Motor Control and Learning: University of Texas at Austin (Expected Spring, 2009)
MS, Biomechanics: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (1996)
BS, Exercise and Sport Science: Oregon State University (1996)
Mike is currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Biomechanics Research Laboratory (part of the Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation) in Vail, Colorado. Prior to holding this position he was an instructor in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado in Boulder. While at the UT campus Mike held several positions including teaching and research assistantships. Much of his research has involved ACL injury and, more recently, functional electrical stimulation in paralytic patients, and muscle activation patterns during fatigue.
Trena Herring
MS, Motor Control: Univeristy of Texas at Austin (2005)
BS, Physical Therapy: Southwest Texas State University (2001)
BA, Biology (1989) and Psychology (2002): University of Houston
Trena is a Doctoral candidate in the Movement Science program, and is being co-advised by Dr. Spirduso and Dr. Abraham. Previous research projects have looked at Parkinsonion tremor frequency in fine motor control, specifically pinch grip tasks. Currently, she is working on a project that aims to describe aging effects on fine motor control during pinch grasp tasks. Trena has been a physical therapist for 8 years, working in the orthopedic and neurological rehab area as well as worker's comp. Eventually she would like to be a professor at a PT school, and teach motor learning and control, while doing further research on neurological aspects of aging. Her personal interests include church and her children's activities and sports.
Amy Lam
MS, Exercise Science: California State University, Sacramento (year)
BS, Athletic Training: Brigham Young University (year)
Amy is a certified athletic trainer (ATC, NATA) and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS, NSCA). Prior to coming to UT, she has worked as an athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and personal trainer. Her research interests lie in the areas of sports performance, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. She is currently assisting with the Decades Study under Dr. Spirduso and Dr. Abraham. Her career goal is to become a professor. When not studying, Amy enjoys wakeboarding and outdoor activities.
Masters Students
Nicole Bohnsack
BS, Kinesiology (Business Minor): Pennsylvania State University (2008)
After running track and cross country for Penn State, Nicki developed a passion for running and gait. She is planning to study running forms, including Chi running and Pose running theories, and determine how gravity contributes to gait. She is currently working on early stages of her thesis with Dr. Abraham and local runners in the community. After completing her degree at UT, Nicki plans on pursuing a career in footwear development and design for a running company. She also would like to be a consultant for teams.
Landon Hamilton
BS, Exercise Science: Miami University of Ohio (2008)
Landon came to UT right after finishing at Miami University. His research interests include injury prevention and structural integrity. Currently he is doing research on muscle activation patterns during a pinch force task. He is still trying to decide what he would like to do with his career. In the meantime, he enjoys being a member of the UT Graduate Rugby team.
Kristin Madl
Master of Teaching, Physical Education and Health: University of Virginia (2003)
BS, Physical Education and Health: University of Virginia (2003)
Kristin is a certified athletic trainer (ATC, NATA) and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS, NSCA). After graduating from Virginia, she worked in a clinic-outreach setting as an ATC. She then worked for a sports medicine device manufacturer as a training/technical specialist. Her research interests include the lower extremity biomechanics in arthritic patients. Eventually she would like to work in a training or instructional design function for a medical device company.
Rick Roussel
BS, Food Science and Technology: Texas A & M University (2004)
Rick is most interested in studying falling in the elderly, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairments. In his time at UT, he has assisted in research on motor control and learning in manual force control tasks. A past project compared movement and tremor characteristics of Parkinson's patients, essential tremor patients, and healthy older adults. Currently Rick is investigating force control characteristics present in the transition from application to release of force during manual force control tasks, and the effects of training on these control characteristics. He hopes to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Rick is a member of the UT Club Roller Hockey team.