Elizabeth Wellsandt, Ph.D., D.P.T., is a new faculty member in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.
- Name: Elizabeth Wellsandt, Ph.D., D.P.T.
- Hometown: Hartington, Neb.
- New title and department at UNMC: Assistant professor, UNMC Division of Physical Therapy Education
Research Interests:
I study the biomechanical and functional outcomes analysis in a sports population with knee injuries, with a primary interest in the influence of these factors on the secondary development of osteoarthritis. I am also interested in the decision-making process for whether or not to undergo surgery following lower extremity injury.
How I fell in love with physical therapy:
My mother’s occupation as an intensive care nurse and an outstanding high school anatomy teacher stirred my initial interest in health care. In high school, I was introduced to physical therapy after I tore my ACL, and the physical therapist I worked with was willing to teach me a lot about my progression through rehabilitation. An opportunity to assist a faculty member with her research projects during physical therapy school later provided me a small taste of the research world, and after practicing clinically for three years, I returned to graduate school to pursue formal research training. I love that I have the opportunity to impact the care of patients through advancing evidence within my research.
Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science, UNMC, 2009
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, UNMC, 2009
- Ph.D., Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware, 2016
Board Certification:
Orthopedic Certified Specialist
Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Member of Orthopedic, Sports, Research, and Education Sections
Three things people may not know about me:
- My husband and I love to camp and hike, and we’re excited to share this with our two little boys.
- I enjoy anything sports, whether watching or playing. During our time in Delaware, we made it to Rutgers, Maryland and Villanova when Husker volleyball, football and basketball came to play.
- I enjoy fixing and improving things. My husband and I are in the middle of our second house renovation.
Welcome Liz!