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Alter - Favelli - 2026

Mentor: Frances Gavelli, PhD | gavellif@cc.nih.gov
Lab
Biomechanics-Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Neurorehabilitation & Biomechanics (NAB) Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department CC
Mentor: Katharine Alter, MD | kalter@cc.nih.gov
Lab
Biomechanics-Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Neurorehabilitation & Biomechanics (NAB) Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department CC

Exoskeleton-Mediated Gait Training in Children

Drs. Alter and Dr. Gavelli, experts in neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, respectively, are collaborating on a series of projects with the common theme of using state-of-the art imaging and imaging analysis to elucidate the neuromuscular underpinnings or various pathologies/impairments. Currently, our primary focus involves determining if NMUS can be accurately employed as a differential diagnostic tool to correctly diagnose individuals with late-onset Tay Sachs (LOTS) relative to individuals with other neuromuscular impairments, presenting similarly to our patients with LOTS. Our second focus is investigating how dynamic cartilage contact is altered after a temporary block of the lateral quadriceps muscle in individuals with patellofemoral (PF) pain. The BESIP intern will concentrate on the NMUS project, while being exposed to the PF pain project. The specific project will involve collecting and analyzing NMUS data to determine if leg/arm dominance alters these measures in both healthy controls and patients. For the project the intern will:

  1. Assist in patient recruitment and data collection, including clinical data collection for patients enrolled in NIH-wide protocols.
  2. Become familiar with the neuromuscular anatomy of the upper and lower limbs.
  3. Perform a brief review of the literature to gain an understanding of the project.
  4. Process and analyze NMUS data to directly answer the primary hypothesis of their project.
  5. Synthesize the data into an abstract. If time, study outcomes, and resources allow, this work will also move towards a manuscript.

This project is an excellent opportunity for students with aspirations in a wide array of fields: biomechanics, physiatry, image analysis, computer programming, orthopaedics and radiology. The combined mentorship will provide a wide spectrum of clinical exposure, research training, and the application of engineering principles to clinical research. Throughout this project, the intern will receive mentorship and gain experience with clinical research data collection, NMUS and MR imaging analysis (ImageJ, MIPAV), data synthesis techniques (Matlab, SPSS), literature review, and writing. There will be opportunities to learn about ongoing research in the NAB lab (e.g., Dr. Bulea’s work), as well as research in the Rehab Medicine Department.