Researcher Spotlight: Meredith Wells, Post-Doctoral Fellow – Geriatrics

What is your professional background?
I received my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Ithaca College and my master’s degree in Kinesiology and Biomechanics at Ball State University. I have a PhD in Biomechanics from Georgia State University, and I currently work as a post-doctorate research fellow. My research previously focused on injury prevention in healthy athletes, but I currently work with individuals with neurocognitive disorders in areas of balance, mobility, and quality of life.

Which division do you work in? Who is your mentor?
I work in the division of Geriatrics and Gerontology. My mentor is Dr. Madeleine Hackney.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
In my current research project, we are using a custom-programmed robot to determine if robot-led physical exercises are safe, feasible, and fun for people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy older adults. Participants go through six different exercises of increasing difficulty that are instructed and led by a robot and then provide feedback about the experience. The goal is to see if individuals with and without neurological disorders enjoy using a robot as an exercise partner. This work is important because it could be an excellent way for individuals that would normally be less independently mobile and more homebound to keep moving and stay active.

What do you like most about Emory?
Something I really appreciate about Emory is how interconnected and collaborative the faculty and staff are. Everyone is always willing to help out a fellow colleague with their different projects.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite movie is The Wedding Date.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and ballroom/country dancing.

What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years.