In the Rehabilitation Science, PhD program, pairing with a faculty mentor is a key requirement and must be approved by the program director. Each student is matched with a faculty member whose expertise aligns with their academic and professional interests. This personalized mentorship begins early in the program and continues throughout the student's journey, including the critical dissertation phase. Our faculty mentors are committed to providing guidance, support, and specialized knowledge to help students navigate their research and achieve their goals. Explore our list of faculty mentors by field to find the ideal match for your academic aspirations.
Mentors By Field
Noha S. Daher, DrPH
Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, School of Public Health
Professor, Allied Health Studies, School of Allied Health Professions
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/daher-noha/research
- Diagnostic Impact of Same-Session Multiple Lung Nodule Sampling During Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Medicine, (04/2024) Status: Approved
- Effects of English Narrative Intervention for Spanish-English Bilingual Children on Narrative Discourse and Morphosyntactic Abilities, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (12/2023) Status: Approved
- Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Function in Individuals with Chronic Motion Sensitivity: A Cross-Sectional Study, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Physical Therapy, (07/2023) Status: Approved
- Immediate Effect of Ankle Mobilization on Active Range of Motion and Gait in Subacute Stroke, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Physical Therapy, (07/2023) Status: Approved
Lida Gharibvand, PhD
Director, Allied Health Studies, Allied Health Studies, School of Allied Health Professions
About
I have broad academic teaching and research expertise related to epidemiology, health-related research, statistical analysis, biostatistics, survival analysis, advanced mathematics, computer engineering, experimental designs, and clinical trials. My research interests involve air pollution, cancer, public health, geriatrics, DNA methylation, diet and nutrition, medical science, and oncology. I perform statistical analysis in support of PhD students’ research projects and mentor PhD students in all facets of research involving study design, data collection, data analysis and visualization, and publication of new findings.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/gharibvand-lida/research
- A Comparison of Acute Blood Glucose Response to 2% Lactaid Milk vs. 2% Regular Milk in a Non-Diabetic Population, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (07/2024) Status: Approved
- Exploring the Needs of Female Veterans Transitioning from Military Service and Reintegrating into Civilian Society through an Occupational Therapy Lens, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (05/2024) Status: Approved
- Impact of Increased Self-Awareness on Occupational Based Practice Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners in the Hand Therapy Setting, Role: Research Tech/Assistant, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (03/2024) Status: Approved
- Exploring the Effectiveness of Dance as an Intervention to Promote Social-Emotional Health within the Everyday Lives of Children with ASD, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (02/2024) Status: Approved
Liang Ji, DrPH, MPH
Assistant Professor, Allied Health Studies, School of Allied Health Professions
Assistant Professor, Surgery, School of Medicine
About
As a biostatistician, my major role in the research is to apply statistical methods to medical and public health research, and this typically include study design, data analysis, results interpretation, and conclusion summary report. I am interested in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams to develop models that assess risk factors, treatment outcomes, and disease trends. I am also interested in statistical software programming and algorithm development for medical and public health research.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/ji-liang/research
- A Comparison of Acute Blood Glucose Response to 2% Lactaid Milk vs. 2% Regular Milk in a Non-Diabetic Population, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (07/2024) Status: Approved
- Effectiveness of current nutrition education for Type 1 Diabetes patient's caregivers at Loma Linda University Health, Role: Investigator, LLU Center for Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyles, and Disease Prevention, (07/2023) Status: Approved
- The Effect of Hydration Status on Hand Grip Strength, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (07/2023 - 05/2024) Status: Completed
- Association Between Early Parental Feeding Practices and Development of Picky Eating (Fussy Eating) and Growth, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (06/2023 - 05/2024) Status: Completed
Julia E. Hollister, PhD
Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Allied Health Professions
About
My clinical and professional research has focused on the intersection between stuttering and aspects of resiliency and client/family-centered care. As an ASHA Board Certified Specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders, I have been professionally interested in whole person care for almost 20 years. My research has also spanned reflective learning pedagogy, spiritually responsive care, as well as human resilience and wholeness in several forms.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/hollister-julia/research
- The impact of temperament on Speech Language Pathology students’ responses to stuttering, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (03/2024) Status: Approved
- Outcomes of attending a self-help conference for children who stutter: A mixed methods study, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Status: Completed
Karen J. Mainess, PhD
Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Allied Health Professions
About
My personal interest is in the study of neurodiverse children and adults. Doctoral studies I have served as mentor for have ranged from appropriate assessment of social communication, effective dietary approaches, intervention approaches, and support for neurodiverse adults entering the workforce. I have also studied the effect of peer tutoring and interdisciplinary team approaches to managing at-risk students in the public schools. My research seeks to promote equity in the care of neurodiverse individuals by moving away from the medical model of ableism and moving toward social self-efficacy and successful social communication. I am also interested in the study of emergent literacy in toddlers and preschool age children.
Research
https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/mainess-karen/research
- Preschool Teacher’s Knowledge and Attitudes on the Application of Emergent Literacy, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (04/2024) Status: Approved
- Effects of Communication Partner Training on Understanding Functions of Echolalia Produced by Autistic Children, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (05/2023) Status: Approved
- A Conceptual Collaborative Framework for Early Identification of Elementary School-Age Students at Risk for Language and Literacy Disorders, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (02/2022 - 04/2023) Status: Completed
- The Impact of Student Supervision on Supervisor Productivity in Medical Settings, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (06/2020) Status: Approved
Christina V. Nobriga, PhD
Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Allied Health Professions
About
My research passion is seeking innovative ways to improve quality of life and the rehabilitation experience in individuals with swallowing disorders. This involves investigation of areas spanning from clinical and instrumental assessment through end-of-life care. I use both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to explore current practices and perspectives of various stakeholders in an effort to document lived experiences and promote excellence in care.
Research
- Can listeners hear a difference in resonance patterns via teleconferencing?, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (08/2021) Status: Completed
- The Effects of Lee Silverman Voice Therapy on the Transfeminine Voice, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (01/2021) Status: Completed
- Self-perceived voice quality in young adults with and without tobacco use, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (10/2020) Status: Completed
- Children with cleft palate: Surgical decision making, quality of life, and parental stress, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, (09/2020) Status: Completed
Edward K. Bitok, DrPH, MS, RDN
Chair, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Professions
About
Edward K. Bitok, DrPH, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with research interests in the area of vegetarian nutrition and chronic illness. Well conversant with various aspects of conducting nutrition intervention trials; including but not limited to design, protocol development, recruitment and retention, dietary and anthropometric assessment. My teaching approach involves both factual grasp of material and active and participatory learning. I strive to create a safe and relaxed learning environment where students can freely, but respectfully express themselves. I appreciate when students think critically, "outside of the box," and show excitement and passion about the subject matter. To be a teacher is a calling, a calling I strive to undertake with love and imagination, and from my location as a junior faculty, I see no end to improvement, no arrival, and no completion.
“There is, has been, and will always be a certain group of people whom inspiration visits. It’s made up of all those who’ve consciously chosen their calling and do their job with love and imagination. Their work becomes one continuous adventure as long as they manage to keep discovering new challenges in it.” - Wislawa Szymborska, recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature, 1996.
Research
- Latino Semaglutide Study (LSS), Role: Investigator, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc., (07/2022 - 10/2024) Status: Completed
- The Efficacy of Probiotics on Immune and Stress Response and Overall Quality of Life, Role: Investigator, MeriCal, (08/2021) Status: Completed
- The Effect of Hydration Status on Hand Grip Strength, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (07/2023 - 05/2024) Status: Completed
- Association Between Early Parental Feeding Practices and Development of Picky Eating (Fussy Eating) and Growth, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (06/2023 - 05/2024) Status: Completed
Heather A. Javaherian-Dysinger, OTD
Program Director, SAHP-Occupational Therapy (Entry-level), OTD, Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions
About
Teaching is a complex process involving the dynamic interaction between the students, teacher, and the knowledge. It is ever-changing affected by the individual values and life experiences of each student that enters the virtual classroom. The power of teaching is found in the strength of the connections between the students, teacher, and knowledge. It is essential to form a community of learners in which the students and teachers have a balanced and interactive responsibility to each other. “The learning community is the vehicle through which learning occurs...” (Palloff & Pratt, 1999, p. 29). I will strive to foster an online community of respect and learning. This complex process requires creativity, knowledge, and a passion on the part of the educator. It requires teaching from the heart. As such, I echo Parker Palmer’s (2007) sentiments on teaching, “To educate is to guide students on an inner journey toward more truthful ways of seeing and being in the world”. There is a responsibility to instill values of life-long learning, leadership, caring and ethics. These values help prepare the student to become a leader with a vision and commitment to enhance practice with their understanding of the occupational nature of man, the necessity of research, and their mission to promote occupational justice and participation.
Learning is self-reflective. Self-reflection allows the student and educator to examine his or her learning and teaching strategies coupled with the actual experience. Reflection should be introspective and challenge the student and educator to assess progress and areas for growth. Students are expected to take responsibility in pursuing their quest for knowledge and actively participating in discussions with peers and faculty. We are on a journey together for knowledge, excellence, and the ability to affect change in ourselves and society.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/javaherian-dysinger-heather/research
- Exploring Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Knowledge, Motivation, and Organizational Support to Address Substance Use Disorder in the Acute Care, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (02/2024 - 01/2025) Status: Completed
- The Burden to Care: Exploring the Impact of Loss of a Loved One on Occupations, Roles, and Routines for Caregivers, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (03/2023) Status: Approved
- Effectiveness of Health and Resilience Programming for Occupational Therapy Students, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (01/2023) Status: Approved
- Exploring the Injeti Self-Esteem Model with High School Students: A Qualitative Study, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (01/2023) Status: Completed
Julie D. Kugel, OTD
Program Director, Occupational Therapy (Post-professional), OTD (Online), School of Allied Health Professions
About
The profession of occupational therapy has brought such great joy and satisfaction to my life. After practicing in the areas of inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient hands and pediatrics, and school-based therapy I discovered another love, teaching. I believe the teacher is on a journey with their students towards a deeper understanding of the given topic. It is my utmost desire to instill a desire for lifelong learning as well as the mission of Loma Linda University which is to "further the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ." I believe this can only occur through compassionate actions and focusing on all aspects of the person including but not limited to rest, leisure, social, mental, physical, and spiritual. It is the goal of my life to show the love of Christ to those I come in contact with and to share this passion with my students as well.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/kugel-julie/research
- Exploring the Needs of Female Veterans Transitioning from Military Service and Reintegrating into Civilian Society through an Occupational Therapy Lens, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (05/2024) Status: Approved
- Impact of Increased Self-Awareness on Occupational Based Practice Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners in the Hand Therapy Setting, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (03/2024) Status: Approved
- Exploring Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Knowledge, Motivation, and Organizational Support to Address Substance Use Disorder in the Acute Care, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (02/2024 - 01/2025) Status: Completed
- Exploring the Effectiveness of Dance as an Intervention to Promote Social-Emotional Health within the Everyday Lives of Children with ASD, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (02/2024) Status: Approved
Arezou Salamat, OTD
Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions
About
Dr. Salamat is an Associate Professor at Loma Linda University, Department of Occupational Therapy. She completed her doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University with an emphasis on addressing the needs of children in foster care in collaboration with the Department of Child and Family Services. She is certified in infant massage, sensory integration, and has extensive experience in infant NDT and addressing the needs of children who experienced early childhood trauma. For more than two decades, Dr. Salamat has been working with children and their families who have had adverse experiences in life that lead to disabilities and lack of participation and engagement in living. Dr. Salamat, locally and nationally, provides workshops and training for professionals and families addressing the mental and emotional needs of children and their families through promotion, prevention, and providing intervention strategies. Dr. Salamat strongly believes that children are the foundation of our society and addressing their needs will shape the future of not only the family unit but also our communities.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/salamat-arezou/research
- Exploring the Effectiveness of Dance as an Intervention to Promote Social-Emotional Health within the Everyday Lives of Children with ASD, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (02/2024) Status: Approved
- An exploration of current parenting experiences related to the social-emotional development of children during the COVID-19 endemic, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (03/2023) Status: Approved
- Exploring the Role of Occupational Therapy Practitioners with Children and Families Involved in Early Intervention Services, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (12/2022 - 11/2024) Status: Completed
- Exploring the Impact of an Occupational Therapy Program for Former Sex Workers, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Occupational Therapy, (03/2022) Status: Completed
Michael J. Davidson, PhD
Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation School of Medicine
Associate Professor, Orthotics and Prosthetics School of Allied Health Professions
About
I am a practice manager in an in-patient and out-patient rehab center. My research interests are in Rehabilitation Robotics, Orthotics & Prosthetics. I also have experience in biomechanics and the design, fabrication, and implementation of medical devices. My research explores ways to integrate engineering and technology into clinical care, assisting those with impairments such as stroke, amputation, and brain injury.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/davidson-michael/research
- 1-2 kg Increase in a Transtibial Prosthesis and its Effect on Gait Mechanics, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Physical Therapy, (01/2022) Status: Completed
- Comparison of Comfort, Gait and Cost Assessment of 3D Scanned and Hand casted Sockets in Unilateral Transtibial Individuals, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Physical Therapy, (01/2022) Status: Completed
- MC-The performance of an articulating prosthetic ankle in gait and balance tasks in individuals with trans-tibial amputation, Role: PD/PI, LLU - GRASP, (01/2022 - 06/2025) Status: Awarded
- The Effect of Alternative Prosthetic Alignments on Sit-to-Stand Proficiency in Transtibial Amputees, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Physical Therapy, (01/2021) Status: Completed
Everett B. Lohman, III, DSc
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, School of Allied Health Professions, School of Allied Health Professions
About
Everett B. Lohman III, Dsc, PT is a professor at Loma Linda University (LLU), Post-professional and entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs, where his focus is on infusing humanities into the musculoskeletal curricular content. In his instruction, emphasis is placed on “whole patient care,” creating a healing alliance with patients through verbal and non-verbal communication, and the development of rapport and trust. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. When not in the classroom, he serves as the Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs and Assistant Dean for Research Affairs in the LLU, School of Allied Health Professions. He has published 100+ articles and routinely serves as a dissertation chair for PhD students. He is a masters lifting athlete and devoted father and grandfather. He enjoys spreading his passion for teaching whole-patient care (mind-body-spirit) nationally and internationally.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/lohman-everett/research
- The Effects of Short-Term Circuit Strength Training Intervention on Muscle Mass, Metabolic Health, Balance, Quality of Life, and Inflammaging in Sedentary Postmenopausal Women, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Physical Therapy, (11/2023) Status: Approved
- The Effects of Magnesium Citrate Supplementation on Handgrip Strength: A Randomized Trial, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (11/2023) Status: Approved
- Comparison of surface electromyography and kinematics during deadlift variations in healthy, trained female athletes, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Physical Therapy, (07/2023) Status: Approved
- The Effect of Hydration Status on Hand Grip Strength, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Nutrition, (07/2023 - 05/2024) Status: Completed
Abdullah K. Alismail, PhD, RRT-NPS, RRT-SDS, FCCP, FAARC, ATSF
Associate Chair, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions
About
Dr. Abdullah Alismail’s research centers on medical education and innovation in the fields of cardiopulmonary science, pulmonary and critical care medicine, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. His interests include cardiopulmonary diseases and the integration of evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes in both acute and chronic care settings. He is particularly focused on the science of learning and cognition in medical education, aiming to enhance clinical training, interprofessional collaboration, and knowledge retention. Dr. Alismail is passionate about scholarship, mentorship, and leadership, with a strong commitment to advancing healthcare education and practice. He also serves as an editor for several high-impact peer-reviewed journals, including BMC Medical Education, BMC Pulmonary Medicine, Frontiers in Medicine, ATS Scholar, and PLOS ONE.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/alismail-abdullah/research
- Effectiveness of Biologic Therapy in Asthma-COPD Overlap Patients, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Medicine, (08/2024) Status: Approved
- Effectiveness of Biologic therapy in Elderly Asthma Patients, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Medicine, (12/2023) Status: Approved
- Assessment of intrinsic motivation and emotions in relation to cognitive load theory in a simulation-based environment, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, (12/2022) Status: Approved
- Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Online on Demand Lung Ultrasound Course for Respiratory Therapists, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, (06/2022) Status: Completed
Michael F. Iorio, PhD, MPA
Associate Chair, Radiation Technology, Radiation Technology, School of Allied Health Professions
About
I am more than happy to help with this request, if you think my credentials and interests, are a good fit. If yes, here is the summary you requested. I earned a doctoral degree in higher education with an emphasis on student success. My general research interests are in areas related to student success in higher education, and my scholarly activities have focused more specifically on issues related to success for historically underserved first-generation student populations.
Research
Link: https://llu.edu/academics/faculty/iorio-michael/research
- Experiences Participating in Synchronous Online Lectures among Radiography Students During COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Radiation Technology, (07/2021) Status: Completed
- Predictor of success on the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) credentialing examination: Differences by generation status, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Radiology, (08/2019 - 08/2020) Status: Completed