PHYSIOLOGY OF WALKING
AND ENGINEERING REHABILITATION
(POWER) LABORATORY
Max Kurz, PhD
Director, PoWER Laboratory, Boys Town National Research Hospital
Associate Clinical Professor, Creighton UniversityPhD – Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (2006)
MS – Biomechanics, University of Nebraska - Omaha (1997)
BS – Biology, Doane University (1994)
Max Kurz, PhD, is a senior research scientist at the Institute for Human Neuroscience and the Director of the Physiology of Walking & Engineering Rehabilitation (PoWER) laboratory. His research program uses a blend of multimodal neuroimaging (EEG, MEG, sMRI) and advanced biomechanical engineering methods to uncover the neurophysiology of how individuals make cognitive-motor decisions, integrate sensory information, and generate motor actions. Primary areas of interest include igniting beneficial neuroplasticity in children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (i.e., cerebral palsy, Down syndrome). In addition, his research is directed at the development of innovative rehabilitative solutions.
Dr. Kurz has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts that have appeared in tier-one journals such as Cerebral Cortex, NeuroImage, NeuroImage: Clinical, Journal of Biomechanics, and Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. His research has had sustained support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other industry sponsored contracts.
Publications: 100+
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Dynamical Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait (NIH R01 HD108205)
Neurophysiology of Responders and Non-responders with Cerebral Palsy (NIH R01 HD101833
Morgan Busboom, PT, DPT
Graduate Student
PoWER Lab DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy, Creighton University
MS – Exercise Physiology, University of Nebraska - Omaha
BS – Exercise Science Major, Health Administration Minor, Creighton University
Morgan is a graduate student in the PoWER Lab. She is a physical therapist who has a special interest in pediatric and transition-aged populations. During her PhD training, she is interested in using neuroimaging and biomechanical methods to study current and novel physical therapy treatments in persons with cerebral palsy. She hopes that through this work, therapy treatments and outcomes can be optimized to provide the best care for patients. In her spare time, Morgan enjoys spending time with her husband, two dogs, and son. She also enjoys being outside, traveling, and as a new mom getting to explore new things through her son’s eyes!
Elizabeth Dao
Graduate Student
PoWER LabBS – Neuroscience, Bethel University
Elizabeth Dao is a neuroscience graduate student in the PoWER Lab. She is passionate about working with children with motor impairment, specifically children with cerebral palsy. Elizabeth aims to apply modalities of neurostimulation, neuroimaging, and rehabilitation science to gain insight into neuroplasticity and neurodevelopment. Her path toward this field of research and topic is deeply inspired by her brother, who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Elizabeth has much to learn from her brother and the community of individuals with cerebral palsy to help shape her research. Outside the lab, Elizabeth enjoys playing tennis, downhill skiing, playing the piano, playing the Vietnamese zither, instructing and practicing yoga, and traveling the world with her family and friends.
Jennifer Kime, MS
Research Lab Manager
PoWER LabMS – Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University
BS – Biomedical Engineering with Mathematics & Health Care Ethics minors, Saint Louis University
Jennifer is the research lab manager for the PoWER lab. In her role, she oversees operations for the lab. Her research interests include biomechanics of movement and biomedical advancement for people with disabilities. In her free time, she loves to take her three dogs on walks at a new park every week.
Sarah Baker, MA
Research Study Coordinator
PoWER Lab MA – Biomechanics, University of Nebraska-Omaha
BS – Bioengineering minor Mathematics, California Lutheran University
Sarah is a research study coordinator for the PoWER Lab. In this role, she focuses on the development of new technologies, the management of the data processing pipelines and the collection of evaluable data from children and adults with developmental disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy and Down syndrome). When she is not working, you can find her on the pickleball court.
Olyvia Kastner, BA
Research Study Coordinator
PoWER LabBA – Psychology and Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Olyvia is a research study coordinator in the PoWER lab. In this role, she leads the data acquisition team as they recruit participants and acquire data. She works closely with the lab manager to lead recruitment efforts and to help manage ongoing as well as future studies. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University in hopes of being a therapist one day. She is very passionate about connecting with others, going to concerts, and trying new restaurants.
Liana Chinen
Research Assistant I
PoWER LabBS – Biology, Creighton University, (Current)
Liana is a research assistant at IHN in the PoWER Laboratory. She is studying biology on the pre-medical track at Creighton University. She is interested in neuroscience research, particularly involving altered movement seen in geriatric patients and in clinical populations such as individuals with cerebral palsy. As a dancer since the age of 4, she is passionate about contributing to science that works towards discovering ways to maintain and/or improve mobility. In her free time, she enjoys dancing for the Creighton Dance Company and Hawaii Club, volunteering, reading, FaceTiming her family in Hawaii, and going out to dinner with friends.
Jiraros Meejang, BS
Research Assistant I
PoWER LabBS – Neuroscience, University of Maryland
Jiraros is a research assistant in the PoWER Lab who works closely with the lab director and supports research projects in neuroscience. Her current research interests focus on how the brain functions observed by MEG and EEG while performing tasks and how the brain changes over time evidenced by MRI scans. Before moving to Nebraska, Jiraros worked with various neurobehavioral patients as a clinical assistant at Kennedy Kreiger Institute. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and attending live sporting events.
Katherine Scalzo, BA
Research Assistant I
PoWER LabBA – Psychology, Hendrix College
As a research assistant in the PoWER Lab, Katherine's roles include data acquisition for various research projects. Current research interests include studying the interaction between brain health and movement in different populations. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time outdoors.
Taylor Uyema, BS
Research Assistant I
PoWER LabBS – Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha
As a research assistant in the PoWER Lab, Taylor's role involves subject recruitment and data acquisition in studies primarily focused on developing innovative, rehabilitative solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities. Her research interests include optimizing physiological responses to exercise, sports biomechanics, and movement neuroscience. Taylor intends on pursuing a PhD in Exercise Physiology in the future. In her free time, Taylor enjoys travelling, music festivals, and staying active.
Logan White, MS
Research Assistant I
PoWER Lab MS – Biomechanics, University of Nebraska-Omaha
BS – Health Science, Friends University, Wichita
Logan White is a research assistant at IHN in the PoWER laboratory, where he works on the acquisition team. His responsibilities currently include participant recruitment and data acquisition through cognitive testing, clinical assessment and utilizing various brain imaging techniques (EEG, MEG, fMRI). Logan intends to pursue a PhD and eventually become a director of a human performance lab. In his free time, he enjoys both watching and playing sports (primarily basketball), playing guitar, and avidly supporting the Kansas Jayhawks.