BS in Excercise ScienceUniversity of Iowa
Master of Physical Therapy Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Instructor for Neuroscience I&II, Physiology, and Kinesiology I&II, faculty mediator for Patient Management Rounds, and mentor for student research projects (Synthesis).

My current research efforts employ several innovative methods for quantifying multi-joint upper extremity movement control during both postural and movement tasks in individuals with stroke. I utilize the same quantitative methods to instrument direct impairment-targeted interventions in an effort to elucidate neural mechanisms underlying impaired movement and subsequent restoration of normal movement in individuals with stroke. This research is in collaboration with Julius P.A. Dewald, PT, PhD and is further augmented by collaborations with colleagues with expertise in neural imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Through my clinical research efforts I hope to contribute to the evolution of rehabilitation medicine and science by advancing neurological rehabilitation principles and techniques. The key component most likely to impact rehabilitation in this magnitude is the elucidation of the neurological underpinnings responsible for movement discoordination and through the subsequent development of more effective rehabilitation therapies for individuals with functionally debilitating movement impairments.

Physical Therapy Consulting:
I specialize in the training of Physical and Occupational Therapists in the administration of impairment, activity, and participation limitation assessments for individuals with stroke and the subsequent processes necessary for standardized delivery of assessments in clinical trials.

Member: American Physical Therapy Association (Sections on Research & Neurology), Illinois Physical Therapy Association, Society for Neuroscience, American Society of Neurorehabilitation, American Heart Association

2007-2008 Recipient of the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program for Clinical Research Award
2008-2010 Renewed recipient of the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program for Clinical Research Award

Wolf, S., Catlin, P., Ellis, M., Link, A., Morgan, B., & Piacentino, A. Assessing Wolf Motor Function Test as Outcome Measure for Research in Patients After Stroke. Stroke. 2001 Jul;32(7):1635-9.

Keller, T., Ellis, M., & Dewald, P. Overcoming Abnormal Joint Torque Patterns in Paretic Upper Extremities Using Triceps Stimulation. Artificial Organ. 2005 Mar;29(3): 229-232.

Suresh, N., Ellis, M., Moore, J., Heckman, H., & Rymer, W. Excitatory Synaptic Potentials in Spastic Human Motoneurons Have a Short Rise Time. Muscle & Nerve. 2005 Jul;32(1): 99-103.

Ellis, M., Holubar, B., Acosta, A., Beer, R., & Dewald, J. Modifiability of Abnormal Isometric Elbow and Shoulder Joint Torque Coupling After Stroke. Muscle & Nerve. 2005 Aug;32(2): 170-8.

Ellis, M., Acosta, A., Yao, J., & Dewald, J. Position-dependent torque coupling and associated muscle activation in the hemiparetic upper extremity. Exp Brain Res. 2007 Feb;176(4): 594-602.

Beer, R., Ellis, M., Holubar, B., & Dewald, J. The impact of gravity loading on post-stroke reaching and its relationship to weakness. Muscle & Nerve. 2007 Aug;36(2):242-250.

Sukal, T., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Shoulder abduction-induced reductions in reaching work area following hemiparetic stroke: neuroscientific implications. Exp Brain Res. 2007 Nov;183(2):215-223.

Ellis, M., Sukal, T., DeMott, T., & Dewald, J. Augmenting clinical evaluation of hemiparetic arm movement with a laboratory-based quantitative measurement of kinematics as a function of limb loading. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2008 Jul;22(4):321-329.

McPherson, J., Ellis, M., Heckman, C., & Dewald, J. Evidence for persistent inward currents and hyperexcitability in spinal motoneurons of individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. J Neurophys. (conditionally accepted)