Updated: April 2, 2015
Kristan Leech, PT, DPT
CBC Scholar: Class of 2013
PhD Candidate, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program School, Northwestern University, Advisor: T. George Hornby
HORNBY LAB WEBPAGE
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research focuses on investigating the effects of locomotor exercise intensity in humans with incomplete spinal cord injury. Exercise intensity (power output) is suggested to have a role in potentiating neuroplasticity and motor recovery following neurological injury. However, the effect of locomotor exercise intensity on locomotor function in humans with incomplete spinal cord injury remains unclear. My project aims to determine the effect of locomotor exercise intensity on movement patterns during ambulation and the expression of molecular biomarkers of neuroplasticity, in addition to the role of serotonin signaling in the latter. By clarifying the behavioral and molecular effects of locomotor intensity, this work will further delineate intervention parameters necessary to maximize functional motor recovery following neurological injury.
PUBLICATIONS:
Holleran CL, Rodriguez KS, Echauz A, Leech KA, Hornby TG. Potential contributions of training intensity on locomotor performance in individuals with chronic stroke. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2015 Apr;39(2):95-102. (PubMed)
Hornby TG, Holleran CL, Leddy AL, Hennessy P, Leech KA, Connolly M, Moore JL, Straube D, Lovell L, Roth E. Feasibility of Focused Stepping Practice During Inpatient Rehabilitation Poststroke and Potential Contributions to Mobility Outcomes. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2015 Feb 26. [Epub ahead of print] (PubMed)
Leech KA, Kinnaird CR, Hornby TG. Effects of serotonergic medications on locomotor performance in humans with incomplete spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma. 2014 Aug 1;31(15):1334-42. (PubMed)
Straube D, Moore J, Leech K, Hornby TG. Item analysis of the berg balance scale in individuals with subacute and chronic stroke. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2013 May-Jun;20(3):241-9. (PubMed)
Saraf P, Rafferty MR, Kahn JH, Moore JL, Hendron K, Leech K, Hornby TG. Daily stepping in individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Phys Ther. 2010 Feb;90(2):224-35. (PubMed)
AWARDS AND HONORS:
- Judge, Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair, March 2013
- Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC) Scholar, 2013-2014
- Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship – I, Foundation for Physical Therapy, 2012-2013
- Barnes-Leahy Award, Foundation for Physical Therapy, 2012-2013
- NIH Predoctoral Fellowship Trainee (T32 HD057845), 2012-2013
- Florence P Kendall Doctoral Scholarship, Foundation for Physical Therapy, 2010-2011
- College of Applied Health Sciences Achievement Award, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2010
- Donna K Roach Award, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2009
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
- NUPT 513-2 – Neuroscience II, Guest Lecturer, NU Physical Therapy Department, Fall 2012
- NUIN 440 – Advanced Neuroanatomy, Teaching Assistant, NU Interdepartmental Neuroscience, Winter 2012
- NUPT 513-2 – Neuroscience II, Teaching Assistant, NU Physical Therapy Department, Fall 2011
- PT 605 – Plasticity of Tissues and Organ Systems, Guest Lecturer, UIC, Spring 2009-2011
SERVICE:
- Physical Therapy Practice Counsel – Registry Staff Representative, 2013-2014
- Neuroscience Tutor, NU Physical Therapy, 2011-present