Carmen P. DiGiovine, PhD ATP/SMS RET
Carmen P. DiGiovine’s research focus is on the application of science and technology to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. His most recent research activities include investigating the role of nutrition and wheelchair seating systems on the development of pressure ulcers, the effect of wheelchair rugby on the overall health of the shoulder, and the assessment of the assistive technology service delivery process through the use of outcome measures. Dr. DiGiovine is also interested in program development of assistive technology service delivery programs and the role of rehabilitation engineering in the field of assistive technology.
Sandra A. Metzler, D.Sc., P.E.
Sandra A. Metzler is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at The Ohio State University, with a courtesy appointment in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Dr. Metzler teaches and conducts research in the areas of human-centered engineering design, with focus on assistive technologies and electromechanical systems. Dr. Metzler is an active member of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
Sarah Anderson, OTD, OTR/L
Sarah is a duel-degree student and second-year PhD student in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University, where she recently graduated with her doctorate in occupational therapy. Previously, Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Art (Visual Studio Art) from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Sarah’s research is in new and emerging interactive media and technology with a focus on games for health, rehabilitation technology, and virtual reality and simulation. Her primary area of interest is currently the use of virtual reality as a platform for the cognitive assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with brain injuries. Sarah is also the chair of the Games for Health Journal Student Committee, which connects students interested in games for health and virtual technologies to research collaboration and mentorship experiences. Through rigorous scientific research, advocacy, collaboration, and dissemination, Sarah hopes to expand the potential for emerging interactive technologies within the field of rehabilitation science, and ultimately improve health-related outcomes for all individuals.
Bethany Frick, MA, CF-SLP
Bethany Frick graduated from Missouri State University in 2017 with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a B.S. in Spanish. She is now pursuing a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology and a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science at Ohio State University. She is a trainee in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program at the Ohio State University Medical Center. Her research interests include Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Assistive Technology, autism spectrum disorders, language development, and multicultural aspects of communication. She is recently defended her thesis exploring dialect and language as a barrier to AAC use of multilingual and multidialectal users of AAC.
Kaetlyn Culter, S/OT
Kaetlyn Culter is a first-year graduate student at Ohio State within the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. She is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Speech and Hearing Science from Ohio State University in May, 2020. Kaetlyn is additionally part of the Smart Columbus Study, where she works with those who have cognitive disabilities. Her interests include assistive technology devices that allow individuals to practice their autonomy and spending time volunteering with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients at local nursing homes.
Liz Mance, S/OT
Liz Mance is a first-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduate student at The Ohio State University originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She is graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a minor in psychology. Liz is a member of the lab team for the Smart Columbus Study, where she works with those who have cognitive impairments. Her other interests include volunteering and working in research regarding cerebral palsy at a nearby children’s hospital.
Ashley Stojkov
Ashley Stojkov is a third-year undergraduate majoring in Health Sciences with minors in Biology and Substance Misuse and Addiction. Additionally, Ashley is a part of the Smart Columbus study where she works with individuals with cognitive disabilities. After earning her undergraduate degree, Ashley plans to attend medical school and work in a setting that can incorporate technology as a tool to improve the lives of her patients.