Our Research Team

Nine smiling people stand indoors around a tall informational display banner with

Meet the minds driving rehabilitation innovation

Our research team brings together leading experts to tackle the most complex challenges in rehabilitation. With specialties in spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, assistive technology, user experience and usability, pharmaceutical and device trials, and data science, we turn discovery into action. Through collaboration, clinical insight, and advanced technology, we deliver solutions that improve lives every day.

Headshot of Deborah Backus

Leading the future of research and innovation

For more than three decades, Dr. Deborah Backus has championed research that moves beyond theory to deliver real-world impact. As Vice President of Research & Innovation and Director of the Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute, she leads a vision where science, technology, and clinical practice converge to redefine what’s possible in rehabilitation.

Measuring progress, driving possibility

Our impact goes beyond ideas, it’s seen in the results we deliver. Here’s a snapshot of what our team achieved in FY25 (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025).

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50+ interdisciplinary experts driving discovery.

64

64 peer-reviewed publications shaping clinical practice.

141

141 presentations from our team shared worldwide.

A man with a knee brace walks in a rehabilitation facility alongside a female physical therapist, who is offering guidance. Exercise equipment and a laptop are visible in the background.

The people behind the breakthroughs

Our research team is a diverse group of innovators working across disciplines to advance rehabilitation science. From neuroscientists and psychologists to engineers, usability experts, and clinical specialists, each member brings unique expertise to solving complex challenges.

Research leadership

Meet the leaders shaping the future of rehabilitation research.

  • 19264

    Brad Willingham

    Ph.D.
    Director of Multiple Sclerosis Research Program
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    Brick Johnstone

    Ph.D.
    Director of Acquired Brain Injury Research
  • 9949

    Chris Maurer

    PT, MPT, ATP
    Center for Assistive Technologies Program Manager
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    Deborah Backus

    PT, Ph.D., FACRM
    Vice President of Research and Innovation
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    Edelle Field-Fote

    PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, FASIA
    Director of Spinal Cord Injury Research and the Hulse SCI Research Laboratory
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    John Morris

    Ph.D., FARCM
    Director, Accessibility User Research Collective

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