Meet Jesse — Using wearable devices to improve rehabilitation for those with musculoskeletal disease.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I use motion capture technology and wearable devices to examine how people physically move throughout life and how they integrate rehabilitation plans into their daily activities. With my research, I am working to improve the validity of our measurements and identify ways to increase equity and accessibility to rehabilitation.
Q: What is your research area of interest, and what led you to that interest?
A: I am interested in understanding how movement and exercise relate to musculoskeletal disease. This interest began in my undergraduate studies when I had the opportunity to lead a research project related to the biomechanics of a strength exercise. I came into my graduate studies thinking I would continue my focus on athletic development, but realized I wanted to learn more about the link between biomechanics, pain, musculoskeletal disease and interventions to improve quality of life.
Q: What is one of the biggest achievements of your career?
A: In graduate school, I learned that it is important to celebrate all your wins, no matter how small. One of my proudest moments was when I published my first manuscript as first author. As a first-generation academic, coming from a small college with no research experience, this was a great achievement.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
A: I would travel to Scotland because I love the land and the people. They also make some darn good whisky.
Q: What is your favourite band?
A: I grew up listening to Pink Floyd. To this day, I still believe that they are one of the greatest bands of all time.
Q: Who motivates you?
A: The people I work with, including my colleagues and the participants in the studies I conduct, motivate me. There is nothing more encouraging than hearing that the rehabilitation program we have implemented has made a meaningful change to someone’s life.
