UAB Rehabilitation Science, PhD

Congratulations to four of our Rehabilitation Science PhD students - Najlaa Alotaibi, Fitzgerald Dodds, Lulwah AlMulhim, and Murdi Alanazi - on successfully defending their dissertations this fall! We’re so proud of their achievements and the impact they’re making in rehabilitation science.

Congratulations to Rehab Science PhD student Najlaa Alotaibi on her new publication in the Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology!

🧠 “Survey Validation of Exercise and Body Composition Testing and Exercise Training Programs for People With Cystic Fibrosis: A Delphi Study”

🔗 https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.71262

Congratulations to PhD student Sunkanmi Arogbokun on becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)!

Fellowship in the Academy recognizes individuals who meet the highest standards of professional competence. Earning the FAAO designation signifies Sunkanmi’s dedication to advancing the field through excellence in research, clinical practice, and professional service.

📢 Rehabilitation Science PhD student Hamad Bin Shuwayyi will present his research at the upcoming Fast FWD Summit, held Monday, Oct. 13 at the UAB Alumni House in Birmingham.

His presentation, “Effects of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Feedback on Paretic Limb Contribution in Propulsion Generation During Split-Belt Treadmill Walking in Chronic Post-Stroke Individuals,” reflects the interdisciplinary strength of UAB’s program, jointly sponsored by the Departments of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy.

Best of luck, Hamad!

Join us in congratulating Hadeel Alghanim, a PhD student in the Rehabilitation Science program, on being named one of 10 finalists in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition hosted at UAB!

She’ll be presenting her research live this Friday, October 10, from 2–4 PM at the Hill Student Center’s Alumni Theater and she’d love to see faculty, colleagues, and friends in the crowd.

The 3MT® competition, founded by the University of Queensland, challenges PhD students to present their research clearly and concisely to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.

Let’s show our support as Hadeel takes the stage! ✨

📣 We’re proud to share that PhD student Hadeel Alghanim will present her scoping review, “Psychological and Physical Activity Outcomes Following Rotator Cuff Repair,” at the 2025 Comprehensive Neuroscience Center Retreat.

Her research is part of her thesis work in UAB’s PhD in Rehabilitation Science program, co-sponsored by the Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

📍 Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center
📅 September 17–18, 2025

Congratulations to UAB PhD in Rehabilitation Science students Lulwah Almulhim and Talal Alshammari on their recently published scoping review! The article explores how computerized training tools are being used in vision rehabilitation to support individuals with visual field deficits and visual scanning impairments.

📖 Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40305001/

Congratulations to our students Murdi Alanazi and Nazmul Hassan, on their recent publication in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation! Their work helps guide physicians on when to refer patients for manual therapy to support recovery from musculoskeletal conditions.

📄 Read the article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999325006215

🎉 Congratulations to Andy Cao, a student in UAB's PhD in Rehabilitation Science program, for tying for second place in Best Poster at SHP Research Day!

His project, "Effects of Spinal Mobilization on Cerebrospinal Fluid Inflammatory Markers in a Rodent Model of Muscular Low Back Pain," reflects the program’s focus on innovative, translational research that advances rehabilitation science.

Congratulations to UAB’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for being ranked #17 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report! This top 20 ranking reflects the department’s commitment to excellence in education, clinical training, and research. We’re proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement.