Weiwei Li
Weiwei joined the DPQoL laboratory in Fall 2022 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Kinesiology. She received her bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Truman State University and her master’s degree in Occupational Science and Therapy from Grand Valley State University. Her research aims to analyze physical engagement as a behavioral modification for stroke recovery and its long-term effect on the quality of life for stroke survivors, which includes social participation, community engagement, and the ability to functional movement. Her goal is to conduct high-quality research for people with disabilities and advance scientific-based knowledge in clinical practice for underserved communities. Ultimately, eliminating health inequities, increasing community engagement, and creating equitable outcomes in health education lead to self-advocating communities.
Sahel Moein
Sahel joined DPQoL in 2022 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology. She has a background in Medicine and received her M.D degree from Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Her research experience is about functional independence, quality of life, and life satisfaction in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. Her current research interests at DPQoL concentrate on developing mobile health technologies to improve community participation and quality of life in wheelchair and scooter users.
Kathryn Huang
Kathryn joined the DPQoL laboratory in the Summer of 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Kinesiology. She received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from UIUC. Her research experience is in independent living, quality of life, and exercise participation among persons with Spinal Cord Injuries. She currently is researching the needs of families with a child with a disability as they send their child to post-secondary education. In the future, she hopes to be a well-rounded physical therapist that works with children with disabilities and their families to encourage independent living and higher quality of life.
Annika Koester
Annika joined the DPQoL Laboratory in the Fall of 2023 and is pursuing a Master’s in Kinesiology. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences and is the graduate assistant coach at the University of Illinois’ Wheelchair Track Team, where she works with coaches and athletes to help develop and coordinate training. In the future, she hopes to research and develop assistive technologies and exercises for those with spinal cord injury and improve equitable opportunities in adaptive sports.
Andie Tangonan
Andie joined the DPQoL Laboratory in the Fall of 2023 and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Kinesiology. She received a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences in 2020 and a master’s degree in Healthspan Promotion and Rehabilitation in 2023 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research experience is in sports medicine, biomechanics, and disability studies. During her undergraduate career, she worked with teenagers and children with autism to engage in building social skills and professional development skills. Her masters research focused on working with martial arts athletes and understanding their muscular endurance. In the future Andie hopes to connect her two different research backgrounds and to focus on how to promote physical activity and sports participation in individuals with disabilities.
Paige Lindahl-Lewis
Paige joined the DPQoL Laboratory in Fall 2023 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Community Health part-time. She is also the Associate Director for Beckwith Residential Support Services. Paige received a bachelor’s degree in Leisure Studies (Therapeutic Recreation) and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Administration from UIUC. Her research interest encompasses what influences students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder adaptation to college and subsequent college experience. Specifically, the relationship of these students’ perceptions of their disability identity, influence of parenting styles, and non-academic learning opportunities. Paige aspires to develop interventions that influence student success/retention in post-secondary education by remaining in higher education or branching out to focus on secondary education environments.