DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES

2023 Degree Candidates

Benjamin G. Adams

Research Mentor

Dr. Richard Westrick, PT, DPT, DSc

Dissertation: Leveraging Big Data to Identify the Predictors and Timing of Outcomes Following Knee Surgery: Improving Military Readiness in the U.S. Army

I would like to dedicate my work to the U.S. service members who fight to protect our country. This includes those who have served in the past, are currently in service, and those who will come to serve in the future. Our research will continue to strive for innovation and improved healthcare in order to better provide for those who are military and civilian alike.

As the proverb goes: "It takes a village to raise a child." I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my closest mentors, colleagues, peers, family, and friends who supported me throughout this academic journey. Thank you all!

Kristen Nunn

Research Mentor

Dr. Sofia Vallila Rohter, PhD, CCC-SLP

Dissertation: Feedback in aphasia rehabilitation: Evaluating task modifications and learning outcomes

Thank you to everyone in the MGH IHP PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program for your support over the last four years! I’d like to give an extra thank you to my mentors, friends, and family.

Dr. Sofia Vallila-Rohter, thank you for your unwavering enthusiasm. Over the past four years, you have encouraged me to develop as a researcher, clinician, and instructor. Your open-mindedness has allowed me to develop my research in ways I would have never expected, and I am excited to see what’s next!

Dr. Yael Arbel, thank you for your generosity with your time and for sharing your expertise with me. Dr. Lauryn Zipse, thank you for always providing me with insightful feedback. Dr. Marjorie Nicholas, thank you for pushing my thinking. Dr. Nara Gavini thank you for being invested in the well-being and training of the PhD in RS students. Drs. Bob Hillman and Alex Johnson, thank you for your support when I started the program. Dr. Mike Dickey, thank you for sharing your passion for science and encouraging me to pursue my PhD.

Thank you to the Cognitive Neuroscience Group – Megan Schliep, Victoria Tilton-Bolowsky, Carla Tierney-Hendricks, Savetrie Bachan, Ayelet Kershenbaum, Lauren Baron, and Asiya Gul and my PhD cohort, Amy, Ben, Carla, Isha, Marc, Melissa, Mike, Savetrie, Steve, and Xue. You made even the most challenging times enjoyable.

Thank you to the Aphasia Research Club for sharing with me why aphasia research matters.

Victoria, thank you for understanding everything. Savetrie, I’m so happy we connected on day one. Ayelet, the curiosity and compassion you show in your research is inspiring. Jennie and Sneha, thank you for your unconditional support and of course, friendship. Casey, Heather, and Nerissa –our Tuesday calls gave me something to look forward to every week.

Thank you to my parents for going to great lengths to provide me with the opportunities that made this possible and for always believing in me. Thank you to my sister, Kelley, and sister-in-law, Hannah. Kelley, thank you for answering every text and call no matter the reason or time.

Last but certainly not least, Francesco, thank you for coming along for the ride on this one! You brought laughter and care when I needed it most. You celebrated each and every win with me, no matter how small. Next stop – Pittsburgh!