CHPPRR Faculty
Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD
Assistant Dean for Doctorate Foundational Curriculum
Professor of the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities
Director of the Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Program; Senior Fellow of the Sealy Center on Aging
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Obesity, frailty, disability, muscle strength, and population health and health disparities
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0177
P: 409-266-9691 | F: 409-772-8931 | E: soalsnih@utmb.edu
Amber B. Armstead, DrPH, OTR, BCPR
Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Health disparities among marginalized groups, neurological based OT interventions, health promotion and wellness, chronic disease management
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1142
P: 409-772-3082 | F: 409-747-1615 | E: abarmste@utmb.edu
Jacques Baillargeon, PhD
Professor and Chair ad interim, Department of Epidemiology
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Pharmacoepidemiology, Cancer epidemiology, Infectious disease epidemiology, Patient-centered outcomes research, Comparative effectiveness research, Health services research, Correctional health care
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1150
P: 409-772-4534 | F: 409-772-9127 | E: jbaillar@utmb.edu
Patricia Blair, PhD, LLM, JD, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Professor, SON Graduate Studies
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Correctional, Healthcare, Health Disparities, Health Care Policies, Ethical Issues, Criminal Justice Systems
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1132
P: 409-772-8270 | E: pablair@utmb.edu
David A. Brown, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Senior Vice President and Dean, School of Health Professions; Interim Director, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Neural control and biomechanics of locomotion
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1028
P: 409-772-3001 | E: davibrow@utmb.edu
Gregory Brusola, DPT, PhD, PT, MSCS
Assistant Professor of Instruction
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Exploring the role of exercise and physical activity in disease modification in multiple sclerosis (MS). Investigating the intersection between cognition and balance/gait in MS. Outcome measure use and validation in the neurological
population. Examining the clinical feasibility and use of neuromodulation in motor skill learning and acquisition, physical and cognitive performance in individuals with neurological diagnoses, such as MS and stroke.
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: 409-772-3068 | E: gabrusol@utmb.edu
Diane Collins, PhD, OT
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Effect of Sustained Exercise on Physiological and Behavioral Factors among Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Leisure Activity Participation among Children and Adolescents with Autism; Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Practice
in Community Settings; Telerehabilitation Enhanced Wellness Programs for Spina Bifida; Use of Service Dogs on Daily Tasks Performance and Effect on Mood for Persons Who Use Wheelchairs.
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1142
P: 409-772-3080 | F: 409-747-1615 | E: dicollin@utmb.edu
Peter Cram, MD, MBA
Professor and Chair, Department of Internal Medicine
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Using administrative data to compare healthcare utilization and outcomes across developed countries; Enhancing communication of risk and prognosis to patients and after low impact hip fractures; Studying prices of care and the impact
of price transparency efforts
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0569
P: 409-772-9891 | E: pecram@utmb.edu
Brian Downer, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Population Health and Health Disparities
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Areas: Quality and outcomes of post-acute care; Epidemiology of dementia and cognitive decline in diverse populations; Hispanic health and aging
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1153
P: 409-266-9659 | E: brdowner@utmb.edu
Steven R. Fisher, PhD, PT, GCS
Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Clinical interests have centered on the physical functioning of older adult clinical populations - and how physical functioning in this context relates to important outcomes.
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: 409-772-3068 | F: 409-747-1613 | E: stfisher@utmb.edu
Rebecca Galloway, PhD, PT, GCS, CEEAA
Associate Professor of Instruction, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Fall Risk and Prevention, Debility/Deconditioning, Rehabilitation Outcomes, Geriatric Rehabilitation and Interprofessional Education
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: 409-772-3068 | F: 409-747-1613 | E: regallow@utmb.edu
Michael Goodman, MDiv MPH DrPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Applied social epidemiology, “flourishing communities" (an investigation of mental, behavioral, clinical, social and psychological factors), health systems strengthening to improve delivery and utilization of HIV treatment, adverse
childhood experiences and their contribution to population health, determinants of family and community violence, and community-based interventions to improve the welfare of vulnerable children and families in sub-Saharan Africa
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0435
P: 713-292-6588 | E: migoodma@utmb.edu
James S. Goodwin, MD
George and Cynthia Mitchell Distinguished Chair of Geriatric Medicine; Professor, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Comparative effectiveness of cancer care in the elderly, recovery of function after hospitalization; Overutilization of medical tests and treatments; Assessing individual provider performance with administrative data
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0177
P: 409-747-1987 | F: 409-772-8931 | E: jsgoodwi@utmb.edu
Zbigniew Gugala, MD, PhD
Associate Professor and Director of Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Wounds and injuries, prevention of infection, rehabilitation
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0165
P: 409-747-5760 | F: 409-747-5747 | E: zgugala@utmb.edu
Latia Hickerson, PhD, MPH, APRN, WHNP-BC
Assistant Professor,
Department of SON Undergraduate Studies
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Outcomes of a group prenatal care model, Pregnant women living with HIV.
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1029
P: 409-772-8265 | E: lwhicker@utmb.edu
Claudia Hilton, PhD, OTR, MBA, FAOTA
Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Executive function, autism spectrum disorders, participation, intervention
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1142
P: 409-772-9441 | F: 409-747-1615 | E: clhilton@utmb.edu
Lynne Hughes PhD, PT, OCS, MTC
Associate Professor and Director of Bridge PTA to DPT Program, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Posture, Manual Therapy, Diabetes
Contact: 301 University Blvd. Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: 409-772-3068 | F: 409-747-1613 | E: lyhughes@utmb.edu
Daniel C. Jupiter, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Data Science
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Lower extremity complications of diabetes, including ulceration, amputation, and infectious diseases such as osteomyelitis
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1028
P: 409-772-6616 | F: 409-772-5272 | E: dajupite@utmb.edu
Mansoo Ko, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | PT Bio
Research Area: Gait analysis
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: 409-772-3068 | E: mako@utmb.edu
Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Biostatistics and Data Science; Don W. and Frances Powell Professorship in Aging Research
Research Expert Profile| Web Biography
Research Area: Comparative effectiveness research, Health services research, Cancer outcomes research, Health policy research, Pharmacoepidemiology, Developing/refining algorithms and prediction models
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1150
P: 409-772-5276 | P: 409-772-9127 | E: yokuo@utmb.edu
Emily Lantz, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, Metabolism & Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Muscle metabolism and physiology, Aging, Women’s Health
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1124
P: 409-772-0643 | E: ejlantz@utmb.edu
Mi Jung Lee, PhD, BSOT
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Health informatics, measurement science, home modification
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1137
P: 409-772-9446 | E: mijlee@utmb.edu
Chih-Ying "Cynthia" Li, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Health Services Research
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1142
P: 409-772-9492 | F: 409-747-1615 | E: chili@utmb.edu
Elizabeth Lyons, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Nutrition and Metabolism
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Physical activity interventions, cancer survivorship, technology, video games, mobile devices
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1124
P: 409-772-2575 | E: ellyons@utmb.edu
Karthik Mani, OTD, OTR, FACOT
Assistant Professor and Level II Fieldwork Coordinator, Department of Occupational Therapy
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Professional issues that affect practice, occupational therapy in developing countries, outcome measures and assessments, population health
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1142
P: 409-772-3060 | F: 409-747-1615 | E: kamani@utmb.edu
Kyriakos Markides, PhD
Annie and John Gnitzinger Professor of Aging Studies; Professor, Department of Department of Population Health & Health
Disparities; Editor, Journal of Aging and Health
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Aging and health issues in the Mexican American population
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1150
P: 409-772-9137 | E: kmarkide@utmb.edu
Janna McGaugh, ScD, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Associate Chair of Academics and Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Development and measurement of clinical reasoning skills in physical therapy students, residents
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: 409-772-3068 | E: jamcgaug@utmb.edu
Christopher Messenger, PhD, MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Assistant Professor
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Clinical Dietetics, Quality Improvement Methods, General/Clinical Informatics
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1124
P: 409-772-3308 | E: cmmessen@utmb.edu
Melinda Sheffield-Moore, PhD
Senior Vice President and Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Lawrence E. Ethridge, Jr. Distinguished Professor, Department of Internal
Medicine
Web Biography
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1050
P: 409-747-2180 | E: melmoore@utmb.edu
Charles Mouton, MD, MS, MBA
Executive Vice President & Provost,
Professor, Department of Family Medicine
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Women’s health, health disparities, late life domestic violence, and aging
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0129
P: 409-772-1902 | E: cpmouton@utmb.edu
Andrew Murton, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Cellular mechanisms responsible for the loss of muscle mass in critical illness states; the impact of lifestyle and aging on muscle and whole-body metabolism; nutritional interventions to improve muscle mass and function following periods
of illness and/or disuse
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0644
P: 409-772-0185 | E: ajmurton@utmb.edu
Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD
Associate Professor, Nutrition, Metabolism & Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Areas: Traumatic brain injury and stroke, Minority aging, Continuity of care, Health literacy, Ethnic minority health and behavioral health disparities, Psychosocial adjustment to disability
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1137
P: 409-747-1632 | F: 409-747-1638 | E: mrpappad@utmb.edu
Janak Patel, MD
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Department of Infection Control & Healthcare Epidemiology
Web Biography
Research Area: Exploration of the host-virus-bacteria interactions as they relate to respiratory viral infections and development of bacterial otitis media, evaluation of a variety of anti-infective agents and vaccines in prevention and treatment
of childhood infections, and epidemiologic studies of perinatal HIV infection
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1028
P: 409-772-3192 | E: jpatel@utmb.edu
M. Kristen Peek, PhD
Professor and Dean ad interim, School of Public and Population Health, Chair ad interim, Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health
Research Expert Profile| Web Biography
Research Area: Social Epidemiology, Health Disparities, Psychological Stress and Stress-related Biomarkers, Minority Aging and Health
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1150
P: 409-772-9143 | F: 409-772-2573 | E: mkpeek@utmb.edu
B. Montgomery Pettitt, PhD
Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry, Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Pharmacology and Toxicology
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Molecular recognition of proteins and DNA in solution and the relationship to signaling in cells; signaling that becomes unregulated leading to cancer and other diseases is central to the medical motivation in his laboratory
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0304
P: 409-772-0723 | E: mpettitt@utmb.edu
Mukaila Raji, MD, MS, FACP
Professor, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Cognitive impairment, dementia and disability on older adults
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0177
P: 409-772-1987 | F: 409-772-1952 | E: muraji@utmb.edu
José Rojas, PhD, RRT, RPFT, FAARC
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Respiratory Care
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Mechanical ventilation, simulation technology, acute lung injury, lung physiology
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1146
P: 409-772-9405 | E: jdrojas@utmb.edu
Gulshan Sharma, MD, MPH, FCCP
Senior Vice President, Chief Medical & Clinical Innovation Officer; Sealy and Smith Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine; Director, Division of Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Quality improvement, health services research, provider continuity, end of life care
Contact: 301 University Blvd. Galveston, TX 77555-0561
P: 409-772-2436 | F: 409-772-9532 | E: gusharma@utmb.edu
Jeanne M. Smith, DPT, PT, OCS, SCS, MTC, STC
Professor of Instruction and Director of Clinical Education for the PTA to DPT Bridge Program, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Neurological disorders/stroke, robotics/assistive devices
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: 409-772-3068 | E: jeamsmit@utmb.edu
Heidi Spratt, PhD
Associate Professor
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Clinical studies applied to a wide range of disorders, diseases, and populations including those in the fields of infectious diseases (specifically dengue fever and Chagas disease), liver cancer, internal medicine and geriatrics, and
pediatric respiratory infections
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1150
P: 409-747-6806 | F: 409-772-5272 | E: hespratt@utmb.edu
Oscar E. Suman, PhD
Leon Hess Professor for Burn Injuries Research; Professor, Department of Surgery
Research Expert Profile | Web Biography
Research Area: Exercise physiology & burns
Contact: 301 University Blvd., Galveston, Texas 77555-0735
P: 409-772-3889 | F: 409-747-0966 | E: oesuman@utmb.edu
Rodney L. Welsh, PhD, PT, OTR
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Profile|
PT ProfileResearch Area: Rehabilitation Utilization and Outcomes
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1144
P: (409) 772-3068 | E: rlwelsh@utmb.edu
Dana Wild, PhD, PT
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Research Profile |
ASA BioResearch Area: Pediatrics, early intervention
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1028
P: (409) 772-3068 | F: (409) 747-1613 | E: dlwild@utmb.edu
Steven E. Wolf, MD
JD and LH Jamail Distinguished Chair Vice-Chairman; Professor and Chief, Division of Burn and Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery
Research Profile|
Surgery BioResearch Area: Burns, trauma, surgical critical care
Contact: 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550-2725
P: (409) 770-6607 | F: (409) 770-6919 | E: swolf@utmb.edu
Rebeca Wong, PhD
Peaches & Shrub Kempner Distinguished Professor in Health Disparities, Vice-Chair for Research, Department of Preventive
Medicine and Population Health; Director, WHO/ PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health; Associate Director, Claude Pepper Older American Independence Center, and the Sealy Center on Aging
Research Profile |
SCoA BioResearch Area: Economic consequences of population aging, in particular in Mexico and among immigrant Hispanics in the U.S.
Contact: 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-0177
P: (409) 772-3068 | F: (409) 747-1613 | E: rewong@utmb.edu