Kristan Leech PhD, DPT, PT
Assistant Professor
Professional Interests
Dr. Kristan Leech is a physical therapist and neuroscientist who studies motor learning and walking rehabilitation in individuals with central nervous system damage and disease. Her research lab designs and implements behavioral experiments to investigate the factors that contribute to a person’s capacity to change their gait and learn a different walking pattern. The team uses many techniques to conduct this work, including three-dimensional motion capture, electromyography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, cognitive testing, interactive biofeedback, and clinical examinations. Ultimately, Dr. Leech’s goal is to translate experimental findings and develop clinically relevant interventions targeted at improving walking function in neurologic populations.
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, 2019
- Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, Northwestern University, 2015
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2010
- Bachelor of Science, Physiology, University of Arizona, 2007