People

PostDoctoral Fellows

Charlotte DeVol

Charlotte received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from NC State University in 2019 before earning her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington in 2024. Her dissertation, with Dr. Kat Steele, focused on quantifying the effects of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation on gait mechanics for children with cerebral palsy. With the Human Neuromechanics Laboratory, Charlotte is studying how neural mechanisms change with age and affect mobility using novel techniques of mobile brain imaging and uneven terrain treadmill walking in older adults. Her research interests span gait biomechanics, neuroscience, rehabilitation, and assistive technology for individuals with neurological injury across the lifespan. Outside of research, Charlotte also enjoys hiking, baking, yoga, and painting.

Brendan Pinto

Brendan received a BSc with Honours in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, a MSc in Biomechanics & Neurophysiology from the University of Guelph and a PhD in Biomechanics from the University of Waterloo. Prior to joining the Human Neuromechanics Laboratory, he worked as an exercise professional for 12 years and in industrial research and development for 5 years. Brendan’s personal, professional and academic experiences have motivated his research and teaching interests to broadly focus on advancing strategies to equip individuals with the sensorimotor ability to achieve peak physical performance and injury resiliency.

Robin Mathieu

Robin earned his Mechanical Engineering degree and a Master’s in Biomechanics from the University of Lorraine (France) before completing his Ph.D. in Biomechanics at the University of Bourgogne (France) in 2024. His dissertation focused on motor control during healthy aging, exploring compensation and deterioration mechanisms that help older adults maintain physical health. At the Human Neuromechanics Laboratory, Robin uses cutting-edge mobile EEG approaches to analyze spectral power differences between older adults with cognitive decline and those aging typically during walking and spatial navigation. His expertise spans motion analysis, electromyography (EMG), EEG, and metabolic cost assessment in motor control tasks. Outside of research, Robin enjoys fitness, futsal, hiking.

Tyler Wiles

Description: Tyler received his B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos in 2019 and 2021, respectively, before earning his Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Kinesiology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2025. His dissertation focused on using machine learning to identify individuals and their age group from gait patterns that behave like fingerprints. He has specialized training in dynamical systems and nonlinear analysis of human movement variability. Tyler also has experience investigating how walking influences the perception of distance; thermoregulation and the optimization of surfing wetsuits and related materials; and various aspects of motor control. Outside the lab, Tyler enjoys surfing and music.

PH.D. Students

Jonel “Raven” Morris

Raven received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology in the Fall of 2020. Her degree was primarily focused on mechanics and the development of orthopedic implants. She will be working on the Mind In Motion project in the Human Neuromechanics Lab. She is interested in the relationship between the visual cortex and motion. Her career goal is to research for a company or lab focused on the development of visual prosthetics. (Email)

Lauren Hanchar

Lauren graduated in 2024 from Elon University with a B.S degree in Engineering. She is interested in the neurophysiology and biomechanics of human movement to improve health and support individuals with disabilities. Outside of research, she enjoy running, hiking, and cooking.

Ryan White

Ryan graduated from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University in 2024 with a B.S. In Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Neuroscience. There, he completed an honors thesis project entitled “Default and Executive Network Coupling Leads to Higher Creative Thinking: A Neurofeedback Study,” in which he studied the leading proposed mechanism for creative cognition. Ryan is largely interested in the field of cognitive neuroscience as a whole, and is looking forward to learning more about the cognitive neuroscience behind motor planning. Outside of research, he enjoy being active whenever possible, whether it be biking, hiking, kayaking, or playing baseball or basketball.

Visiting Scholars

Melanie Klapprott

Melanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hildesheim (Germany) and a Master’s degree in Neurocognitive Psychology from the University of Oldenburg (Germany). She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Oldenburg in Stefan Debeners Neuropsychology Lab, investigating the neurocognitive effects of physical exercise and how mobile EEG can be used to measure these effects—even in challenging conditions, such as during swimming. Outside of the lab, she competes in triathlons and volunteers as a swim coach for adolescents.

Masters Students

Ryan Thomsen

Ryan graduated from the University of South Florida in 2025 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Biomedical Physics. During his time there, he was part of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) team at the USF Health Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair studying the effects of HBOT on Traumatic Brain Injuries in Veterans. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Biomedical Engineering. His research interests include medical devices, neurophysiology, and the treatment of brain impairments. Outside of research, he enjoys rock climbing, biking, and surfing.

Lab Manager

Ethan Swierski

Ethan received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Gannon University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a M.S. in Applied Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. His previous research was primarily focused on biomechanics, virtual reality as a training tool, and industrial ergonomics. Outside of research, he has two cats, plays volleyball, and rock climbs.