Lab of Emily Fox, PT, DPT, MHS, Ph.D.
Department: Physical Therapy
Hometown: Parker, Colorado
Doctorate from: University of Colorado Boulder
Research focus: Mechanisms of neuroplasticity that enhance motor recovery after neurological injury, with an emphasis on how interventions like acute intermittent hypoxia facilitate voluntary motor output. My work integrates neurophysiology, biomechanics and biomarkers of intervention responsiveness to advance precision neurorehabilitation strategies that benefit both veterans and the broader population.
What drives me: Seeing the impact of my research on the field and on individuals living with neurological injury motivates me every day. I love driving science forward through innovation, creativity and collaboration — especially when those efforts help move rehabilitation closer to being more personalized and effective.
Something few people know about me: I’ve volunteered with athletes of all abilities in adaptive sports programs, and I also have a fascination with sharks.
My favorite foods: Italian, sushi and milkshakes.
In my free time, I like to: Mountain bike, ski, kayak, hike and take my 120-pound Great Pyrenees out to play.
“Throughout high school and college, I volunteered with physical therapists in long-term care hospitals, supporting patients with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Witnessing the progress patients achieve through different neurorehabilitation strategies sparked my interest in the science and in how I might contribute to advancing these approaches.”