Faculty
The faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy is a powerful blend of highly regarded educators, researchers, and clinicians. Their wide-ranging clinical interests give students access to unique learning experiences, including:
- Participating in Camp John Marc (a summer camp for young people with disabilities)
- Training with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment that helps patients relearn gait after an injury
- Implementing and carrying out an evidence-based clinical practice
- Attending interdepartmental grand rounds
- Developing a professional portfolio
- Providing care in the faculty practice
Patricia Smith, PT, PHD, NCS
Professor and Department Chair
Graduate School: PhD, Texas Woman’s University, 2006
Interests: Neurological rehabilitation and outcomes research
Patricia Blau, PT, PhD
Associate Professor and Department Vice-Chair
Graduate School: PhD, University of Texas at Dallas, 2002
Interests: Neurological rehabilitation with emphasis on vestibular dysfunction and facial nerve re‑education
Beth Deschenes, PT, MS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Graduate School: MS, University of Kansas Medical Center, 1996
Interests: Orthopaedic manual therapy; fitness and wellness
Julie DeVahl, PT, MS
Assistant Professor
Graduate School: MS, University of Minnesota, 1984
Interests: Clinical education; electrotherapy and orthopaedics
Karen McCain, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor
Graduate School: DPT, Regis University, 2006
Interests: Stroke rehabilitation and locomotor retraining
Edward Mulligan, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor
Graduate School: DPT, Regis University, 2008
Interests: Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Leslie Nelson, PT, MPT
Faculty Associate
Graduate School: MPT, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2003
Interests: Orthopaedic rehabilitation for adult and pediatric patients
Ross Querry, PT, PhD
Associate Professor
Graduate School: PhD, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1999
Interests: Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Susan Simpkins, EdD
Associate Professor
Graduate School: EdD, Columbia University, 1999
Interests: Postural control and balance in the pediatric population
Scott Smith, PhD
Associate Professor
Graduate School: PhD, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1999
Interests: Neurocardiovascular control during exercise in health and disease
Jason Zafereo, PT, MPT
Assistant Professor
Graduate School: MPT, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2001
Interests: Orthopaedic manual therapy