Faculty Mentors

Identifying a mentor whose research portfolio fits your specific research and professional goals is a critical step in the admissions process. 

  • Cristian Cuadra.

    624 Kimball Tower

    Phone: (716) 829-5444

    ccuadra@buffalo.edu

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Topics: Neurorehabilitation; movement disorders; neuromodulation; motor control; Contribution of spinal reflex to movement control with emphasis on developing neuromodulatory interventions to improve function after neuropathology

  • James A. Lenker.

    621 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-6726

    Fax: (716) 829-3217

    lenker@buffalo.edu

    Associate Professor
    Director, Advanced Graduate Certificate in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology Program
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Topics: Community-based outcomes research in the areas of: computer-based assistive technology; wheeled mobility and seating; office ergonomics interventions; work conditioning programs; home modifications; complete streets. Evaluation of accessible public transportation systems. Usability testing to support development of new assistive technology device products.

  • Hang Jin Jo.

    522 Kimball

    Phone: 716-829-2905

    hangjinj@buffalo.edu

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Topics: Neural mechanisms of motor control; modulation in cortical and spinal circuits; neuroplasticity

  • Vijaya Prakash Krishnan Muthaiah, PT, PhD.

    633 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-6290

    Fax: (716) 829-3217

    vijayapr@buffalo.edu

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Interests: Auditory/vestibular neurodegeneration in occupational hazards and neurotrauma such as blast induced traumatic brain injury and cerebrovascular accidents.

  • Kirk Personius.

    623 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-6940

    Fax: (716) 829-3217

    kep7@buffalo.edu

    Clinical Associate Professor
    Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions
    Affiliated Faculty
    Cell, Gene and Tissue Engineering Center

    Research Topics: Neuromuscular development and regeneration, animal models of neuromuscular disorders, and sarcopenia.

  • photograph of Dr. Sharon Ray.

    505 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-6799

    sray5@buffalo.edu

    Clinical Associate Professor
    Director, Rehabilitation Science PhD program
    Co-Director, Rehabilitation Science MS program
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Interests: School-Based Practice for Related Service providers; Translating policy to practice for occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners; Implementing Multi-tiered systems of Support; Translational Science; Supporting children and families with special needs; Addressing the comprehensive feeding needs of children with special needs; Supporting the use of Assistive Technology in Schools

  • sue ann sisto.

    510 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-2609

    Fax: (716) 829-3217

    suesisto@buffalo.edu

    Chair
    Professor
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Topics: Rehabilitation research related to gait biomechanics across the lifespan, neuromodulation in spinal cord injury on sensory motor outcomes, recovery of locomotion in spinal cord injury, caregiver/care recipient relationships in the families that include individuals with in spinal cord injury, and effects of community camps on empowering people with spinal cord injury and impacting their physical/psychosocial functioning and quality of life.

  • Janice Tona.

    526 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-6741

    Fax: (716) 829-3217

    tona@buffalo.edu

    Occupational Therapy Program Director
    Clinical Associate Professor
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Topics: Understanding the functional implications of neuropsychiatric disorders including Tourette Syndrome with an emphasis on postinfectious neuropsychiatric disorders including Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), and Long-COVID. Optimizing comport and success for individuals with developmental disabilities in primary care settings, including improving the dental office experience using sensory, motor, and behavioral interventions. Creating optimal educational environments and interprofessional experiences for future healthcare providers across disciplines.

    526 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-6741

    Fax: (716) 829-3217

    tona@buffalo.edu

  • Professional headshot of Dr. Ghazala Saleem.

    504 Kimball

    Phone: (716) 829-2589

    Fax: (716) 829-3217

    ghazalas@buffalo.edu

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Rehabilitation Science
    School of Public Health and Health Professions

    Research Interests: Neuromotor and physiological mechanisms in medically/socially vulnerable populations with brain injury; Motor control/learning and targeted neuromodulatory interventions to facilitate function and recovery; Psychometrics; Large Data Research; Clinical trials