Our Team
Our Team
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Director: Dr. Jared W. Skinner
Director: Dr. Jared W. Skinner
Dr. Jared W. Skinner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health and Exercise Science at Appalachian State University. He completed a Geriatrics Advanced Fellowship at Malcom Randall Veterans Hospital with an emphasis on neurorehabilitation (2016-2019). Prior to that he earned his Ph.D. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a focus on Biomechanics from the University of Florida in 2016. North Carolina native, he completed both his M.S. in Exercise Science (2011) and B.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning (2009) at Appalachian State University.
Dr. Skinner's research centers on enhancing the quality of life for older adults and individuals with movement disorders through physical rehabilitation and neurorestoration. His specific interests include the biomechanical analysis of gait and daily activities, neural control of movement, and the clinical symptoms and treatment of movement disorders. Currently, he is exploring innovative multimodal approaches, such as motor imagery and noninvasive brain stimulation, to improve motor learning and skill acquisition.
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-skinner-phd-6859a770/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=p8bE42cAAAAJ&hl=en
Our Students
Our Students
Ansley Patton, B.S., Graduate Assistant
About me:
Originally from Waxhaw, NC, I transferred to ASU in 2022 where I earned my B.S. in Exercise Science. I am currently a Kinesiology M.S. Candidate with a research concentration. I believe exercise is medicine and am pursuing my ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist Certification post graduation.
Undergraduate Honors Thesis: Acute Effects of Exercise on Autonomic Function in Parkinson's Disease.
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansley-patton-3b376b264/
Breanna Gibson, Undergraduate Senior Research Assistant
About me:
I am from Union Grove, NC and I began in the lab Spring of 2023. I love research and I am hoping to gain a lot of knowledge and experience working with people and developing various skills. I plan to take the leadership and physical skills I learned in the lab and continue my practice at Wingate University's DPT program.
Honors thesis: Effects of Resistance Training on Fatigue Levels Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-gibson-5854842a2/
Matt Mitarotondo, Undergraduate Biochemistry and Exercise Science.
About me:
A New York native, I moved to the NC mountains following my military service. I am pursuing an MD program and I hope to work in the field of Radiology Oncology.
Daliana Estevez, Undergraduate Exercise Science Student
About me:
I am from the Dominican Republic and an out-of-state student from New Jersey.
I started working in the Locomotor Learning Lab in Fall 2024, assisting lab partners with their research. I'm eager to learn about the research process and apply these insights to better help future patients. I love learning and can't wait to attend PA school after graduating!
Honors thesis: Understanding Activity and Walking Patterns in Parkinson’s Disease
Nathan Gordon, Undergraduate Exercise Science Student
About me:
I am from Durham, NC, and a member of the Honors Program at Appalachian State University. I plan to pursue a career in physical therapy and have a strong interest in understanding how exercise affects the human body.
I joined the lab in Spring 2025 and look forward to gaining research experience, working with peers, and building skills to prepare for graduate school and my future career.
Past students
Past students
Lauriel Ramirez-Tello, Undergraduate Exercise Science Student
Lauriel Ramirez-Tello, Undergraduate Exercise Science Student
About me:
I am from Charlotte, NC, and plan to pursue an MD after graduation in Spring 2025. My goal is to specialize in Family Medicine and integrate exercise as a form of preventative care into my practice.
Mabry Watson, Master's Exercise Science Student
About me:
I am from Fleetwood, NC. I obtained my B.S. in Exercise Science from ASU and am currently a 2nd Year Graduate Student in Exercise Science - Research Concentration.
I primarily work in the injury lab on the TRACK ACL study but I help out in the locomotor lab training other students on how to use the ROX ProXs.
Master's thesis: Mental Imagery and Action-Observation with Brain Stimulation in Chronic Ankle Instability
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.
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