Doctor of Education in Movement Science Graduates

Congratulations to our graduates from the Doctor of Education in Movement Science (Physical Therapy) program!

Cara Kanner, PT, DPT, EdD, defended her doctoral dissertation in Fall 2025. Her dissertation entitled “Factors Associated with Bone Health in Ambulatory Children and Adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy” was completed under the mentorship of Dr. Jacqueline Montes. She is currently Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy) at CUIMC, where she primarily conducts research in neuromuscular disorders and mentors DPT students during their research elective. 

Genevieve B. Smith, PT, DPT, EdD defended her doctoral dissertation in Spring 2026. Her dissertation entitled “Sensory Integration and Cognitive Motor Interference in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment”, was completed under the mentorship of Dr. Ashwini K. Rao. Her dissertation received the Arthur J. Nelson Research Designated Fund Grant from the NY State Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Smith is currently Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at State University of New York Downstate, where she teaches DPT students, and conducts research on cognitive motor interference in posture and gait in older adults and those with Mild Cognitive Impairment.