Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences: Faculty of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) Program

Our faculty members are innovative, experienced researchers and educators who are committed to the highest standards. Most have experience with major project funding by NIH, NIDRR, and Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR).

Lisa Chiarello, PT, PhD, PCS - Associate Professor
Research: Models of service delivery in early intervention with a focus on family-centered care, parent-child relationship, and child playfulness. Determinants of participation outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
Teaching: Advising in PhD program. Pediatric concentration in post professional program and pediatric curriculum in professional entry-level program.
Service: Provide Early Intervention Services for KenCrest; Chair of Practice Committee, Section on Pediatrics, APTA

Dave Ebaugh, PT, PhD, OCS – Clinical Associate Professor
Research: Identification and treatment of neuromuscular and kinematic patterns associated with shoulder pathology.
Teaching: Orthopedic concentration in post professional program and anatomy, kinesiology, and orthopedic curriculum in professional entry-level program.
Service: Chair of Research Committee, American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists.

Maggie O'Neil, PT, PhD, MPH - Assistant Professor
Research: Conducts pediatric rehabilitation and health services research in community and clinical settings. Principal investigator on an NIH grant that examines interventions for prevention and reduction of childhood overweight in primary care settings.
Teaching: Teaches in the entry-level and post-professional programs in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. Teaches in the following areas: pediatrics, research, health services and health policy. Mentors students in community-based health services and research projects in health centers in the inner city. Teaches in the School of Public Health in the Departments of Community Health and Prevention and Health Management and Policy.
Service: Active member of the APTA, Section on Pediatrics, Research Committee and the APHA, Section on Maternal and Child Health. Active on national, state and local levels in physical therapy and public health task forces examining health outcomes and in advocacy for quality child and family health services.

Margo Orlin, PT, PhD - Assistant Professor
Research: Role of foot biomechanics on lower extremity alignment, gait and balance in children with cerebral palsy. Electrical stimulation gait training to improve walking function and posture for children with cerebral palsy. Determinants of activity and participation outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
Teaching: Advising in PhD program. Pediatric concentration in post professional program and pediatric curriculum in professional entry-level program.
Service: Elected Member of the Board of Directors, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity; Appointed Member of the President’s Council of Magee Rehabilitation Hospital; Member of Program Committee, Section on Pediatrics, APTA; Chair of Memorial Scholarship Committee, Section on Pediatrics, APTA.

Robert Palisano, PT, ScD - Professor
Research: Prognosis for motor function in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Activity and participation of children with physical disabilities. Outcomes measurement in children receiving rehabilitation interventions.
Teaching: Advising and scientific inquiry and writing in PhD Program. Evidence based practice in entry level and post-professional DPT programs. Pediatric curriculum for entry level DPT.
Service: Editor, Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics; grant reviewer for foundations and federal agencies in the United States and Canada.

Sheri Silfies, PT, PhD - Assistant Professor
Coordinator, Research Facilities
Research: Identification and treatment of impairments in neuromuscular control of trunk mobility and stability in patients with low back pain focusing on mechanism of recurrent low back pain.
Teaching: Advising and Foundations in Research in the PhD program. Applied Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Spine Rehabilitation in the post-professional and professional entry-level programs.
Service: Member of Orthopedic Section, Research Committee, APTA.

Sue Smith, PT, PhD - Associate Professor
Director, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Director, PhD Program
Research: Methodological studies, exercise interventions and health promotion in patients with pain and dysfunction, especially patients with spinal pain and women with osteoporosis.
Teaching: Teach in the PhD and in the post-professional and entry-level DPT programs in areas of research, measurement and spinal rehabilitation.
Service: Provide patient care at the 11th St. Family Health Service; manuscript reviewer for Physical Therapy; Medical Advisory & Professional Education Committee, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter, Arthritis Foundation.