Physical Therapy Newsletter | Student Life

PhD Live!

PhD student, Dannyelle Long, was one of just eight students selected from across NYU to take part in the inaugural PhD Live!, which is a university-wide initiative designed to help doctoral students collaborate and share their complex research in clear, engaging ways.

Representing NYU Steinhardt, Dannyelle worked with peers from multiple disciplines and received coaching from Ben Lillie, former TED Talk writer and Moth StorySlam Champion, to refine her dissertation into a concise, three-minute talk. She also presented her poster, “Comparison of Knee Kinematics Assessed with Markerless and Marker-Based Approaches During a Basketball-Specific Task,” showcasing her research at the APTA 2025 Combined Sections Meeting in Texas.

Dannyelle joined PhD Live! to enhance her ability to communicate across disciplines. “Ben’s coaching helped me make complex ideas more engaging through storytelling,” she says. “I now feel more confident sharing my research with broader audiences.”

At the April 9th PhD Live! showcase at The African Grove Theatre, Dannyelle’s talk impressed judges and earned her an invitation to present to the NYU University Senate later that month.

APTA CSM 2025

PhD student Soniya Kadam presented her research poster at the APTA 2025 Combined Sections Meeting in Texas. Her poster, titled “Surface Electromyographic Analysis of Knee Muscles During Yoga and Activities of Daily Living,” examined how knee muscles activate during yoga and everyday movements, offering insights that could inform rehabilitation strategies and injury prevention.

Kadam expressed gratitude to Dr. Smita Rao, PT, PhD, for her invaluable mentorship and to her collaborators from the NYU MERIIT Lab for their support and contributions throughout the project. Kadam’s presentation reflected the team’s shared commitment to advancing evidence-based approaches to movement science and physical therapy practice.

DPT Student Awarded 2025 Rizing Tide Foundation

Alexis Colliard, first-year DPT student, has been awarded the 2025 Crest: Rizing Star Scholarship from the Rizing Tide Foundation! Rizing Tide, founded by practicing physical therapist Heidi Jannenga, is committed to supporting “high-achieving future BIPOC leaders who are pursuing a career as a physical therapist” through its scholarship awards. Selected from nearly 400 applicants across 20 DPT programs nationwide, Alexis exemplifies the qualities Rizing Tide seeks in its scholars: academic excellence, strong character, meaningful community engagement, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive physical therapy profession. Read more about Rizing Tide and its scholarship program at https://rizing-tide.com/scholarships/

As a Rizing Star, Alexis receives $5,000 to support her Doctor of Physical Therapy education, along with mentorship, leadership development, and connection to a vibrant professional network. Awardees may also be considered for the scholarship in future years, reflecting their ongoing commitment and achievements. Alexis’s dedication, passion, and leadership make her a shining example of the next generation of physical therapy professionals.

PT Students Increase Skills with Pilates and Rock Steady Boxing

This fall, our DPT students swapped textbooks for mats and boxing gloves as they participated in two optional certifications: Pilates and Rock Steady Boxing. While not required, both programs give students valuable new skills to better assess, analyze, and treat patients—expanding their clinical toolbox in creative ways.

Through Pilates certification, students learn to integrate Pilates principles into rehabilitation, designing personalized programs that improve core strength, flexibility, body awareness, and functional movement. By addressing the root causes of pain and movement dysfunction, Pilates helps promote balance, control, and pain-free living.

The Rock Steady Boxing certification adds a different kind of workout to the mix. Aimed at individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, this evidence-based program uses boxing-inspired drills and functional exercises to enhance balance, coordination, and confidence, while improving overall quality of life. Sometimes, the best therapy really does pack a punch.

Kudos to DPT Students Ben Moore and Carter Ellis!

Congratulations to third-year DPT students Ben Moore and Carter Ellis, who completed the Ironman 70.3 Musselman race this past July in Geneva, NY, in the beautiful Finger Lakes region!

The grueling race featured a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. Ben finished in 6:01:43, placing 479th overall out of 1,396 participants, while Carter crossed the line in 6:02:41, earning 510th place.

Ben and Carter trained together throughout last fall and winter, and several of their classmates joined them at the race to cheer them on—making for an unforgettable race weekend. Looking ahead, Carter has his sights set on completing a full Ironman (double the distance in all three events) in the next year or two—and he is hoping Ben might join him for the challenge!

2025 Inaugural and White Coat Ceremony

We were delighted to host our 12th White Coat Ceremony on October 11th — congratulations to the NYU DPT Class of 2028! We’re so excited to welcome you to our department, our school, and the inspiring profession of physical therapy.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Blanca Ruiz Guerenabarrena to the PhD in Physical Therapy program, where she will be mentored by Dr. Ericka Merriwether, PT, PhD.

A huge thank-you to our second- and third-year DPT students for volunteering and helping make this special day possible. It was wonderful to see families and loved ones from across the country — parents, grandparents, friends, and significant others — joining us both in person and via livestream.

Thank you for sharing in this memorable celebration with us!

Department of