Past Students

Kelsie Bryant, Undergraduate Student

About me:

• Exercise Science Major, Departmental Honors. 

• I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina. 

• I began research with the Locomotor Lab in Fall 2023. I assist with various lab projects, Parkinson's disease being my primary research interest. I hope to conduct an honor thesis prior to graduating. 

• After undergrad I look forward to continuing my education in physical therapy school. 

Natalie Thulien, B.S., Master's Student graduate assistant 

About me:

• B.S. (2023)- Appalachian State University - Exercise Science

• Second-year ES grad student, research concentration. Passionate about sleep architecture and cognitive function in both healthy and special populations!

Master's Thesis: Sleep Architecture and Nocturnal Blood Pressure in First Responder Spouses

Undergraduate Honors Thesis: How Sleep Architecture, Executive Function, and Cardiovascular parameters differ in normal weight vs overweight young adults. 

Olivia Chapman, Undergraduate Student

About me:

• Exercise Science Major, Medical Humanities Minor. I am also part of the exercise science departmental honors program for the Beaver College of Health Sciences. 

• I'm from Durham, NC, and I began in the lab Spring of 2021. I work in the lab leading and conducting research as well as training our other lab members. I also work with the inter-professional clinic inside Leon Levine Hall doing gait and balance assessments.

• I hope to continue to advance my skills and one day go to PA school! 

Honors Thesis: The Benefits of a Dynamic Warmup for the Equestrian Athlete During Cold Temperatures.

Kendyl Allen, Undergraduate Student

About me:

• I am an Exercise Science Major with a Minor in Health Care Management. I am from Lexington, North Carolina.

• I joined the lab in the Spring of 2022 and have assisted in various research projects. I am also a PT Small Interest Group Leader of the Health Professions Club

• I plan to continue to be involved in research as I move on to PT school at Wingate University next year!

Caitlin Earp, B.S., Master's Student graduate assistant 

About me:

• Second-year graduate student, Exercise Science- Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration. 

• I am from Clayton, NC, which is right outside of Raleigh. 

• I started working in the lab fall of 2023. I have helped out with the Motor Synchrony and Autism study as well as the Parkinson's Disease Autonomic Function study. 

• After getting my master's I plan to do something in the clinical exercise field.

Hannah Collins, Undergraduate Student

About me:

• Exercise Science Major

• I am from Howell, New Jersey. I was a transfer student in the fall of 2022. 

• I began working in the gait and balance lab in the fall of 2023. In the lab, I assist with inputting data and interacting with participants through the research procedures.

• After college I hope to continue to learn about the different types of technologies and their relevance in physical therapy school.

Lizzie Muscarello, B.S., M.S.

AIHW Hickory Interprofessional Clinic Manager

About me:

• B.S. (2019) -  Wingate University - Exercise Science

• M.S. (2023) - Exercise Science (Research, Strength & Conditioning)

• Passionate about locomotor learning & neuroscience, proper movement patterns, strength programs for gymnasts and other artistic athletes, and dissemination of research to people who otherwise don't have access to peer-reviewed articles. 

Master's Thesis Project: The Effects of Brain Stimulation (tDCS) and Mental Training on the Learning of a Novel Motor Skill 

Because of her work with the lab, Lizzie got her first job out of school with the Appalachian Institute of Health and Wellness and now oversees the clinic and gait lab in the App State Hickory Campus! 

Paige Bramblett, Adjunct Professor, B.S., M.S.

About me:

• Head Coach of the Women's Rugby team at AppState (2023)

• B.S. (2019) College of Charleston, Charleston, SC - Exercise Science, Psychology

• M.S. (2022) Appalachian State University, Boone, NC - Exercise Science, Research

• My research is focused on exploring ways to increase motivation for people, especially those with chronic neuromuscular disorders like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons, to become more physically active

Brandon Ellis, B.S., M.S.

About me:

• BS Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, 2019, minor in Coaching

• MS Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, 2023, Research concentration with an emphasis in Strength and Conditioning 

• Interests: Athletic performance, combat sports, science-based tools to enhance general wellness and performance, and strength training.

Master's Thesis project: “The Effects of Cold Water Immersion on Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation, Salivary Cortisol Levels, and Executive Functioning”

Bryan Taylor, B.S., M.S.

About me:

• I received my bachelor's from ASU in Anthropology and Biology.  I am a graduate student in the Exercise Science program.

• I have trained in parkour and ballet for several years, and this sparked my interest in neuromechanics and the optimization of fundamental human movements in both athletic and clinical populations.

• My research focus is on using electrical stimulation to alter pain perception and improve flexibility.

Bryson Campbell, B.S.

About me:

• I am a research assistant as part of the locomotor learning lab. Independent of the lab, I am an exercise science student planning to graduate in December 2023. I hope to attend Physical Therapy School and my experience in the lab is valuable to that process and my future career goals. Outside of school, I love to play basketball, run, and weight lift.

Jaden Tuitt, B.S.

About me:

• I am an Exercise Science Major

• I got involved in the lab to gain experience and knowledge in how to conduct and apply research. I love the gait and balance aspect because it is very relevant to my future career aspirations.

• I plan to attend Physical Therapy School

• I am conducting a thesis study on Injuries in Karate Athletes 

Maya Ristanovic, B.S.

About me:

• I am a Grad student in the Exercise Science program. I graduated from App's Exercise Science program and have been involved in research with multiple labs for most of my years here. 

• I am particularly interested in the neuroscience side of physical therapy and rehab.