Our research team includes:
Lab Director
Laura Rice
Email: ricela@illinois.edu
Office phone: (217) 333-4650
Dr. Laura Rice is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Science and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Duquesne University in 2004. Professor Rice’s research interests are in the area of disability and health. She is specifically interested in the prevention of secondary impairments associated with disability to maximize quality of life and community participation among wheelchair users. A related interest is in examining education techniques to enhance functional mobility, prevent the development of secondary impairments and effective utilization of assistive technology to promote health and well-being among individuals with disabilities. Please see the Publications and Grants page for an updated list of her professional activities.
Post Doctoral
Jaewon Kang
Dr. Kang joined the DPQoL Laboratory in Summer 2023 as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate. She completed her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation from the University of Florida in May 2023, following her M.S. and B.S. degrees in Occupational Therapy from Yonsei University in South Korea. Dr. Kang’s research focuses on environmental interventions utilizing telehealth technologies to support aging in place. In a recent study, she examined the feasibility of implementing 360-degree and 3D technology for remote home assessments. During her post-doctoral training, Dr. Kang aims to expand her research to encompass other technologies while focusing on individuals with functional mobility. Dr. Kang’s work at the DPQoL Laboratory is expected to make significant contributions to the field of rehabilitation and further our knowledge of how technology can effectively enhance the quality of life and functional independence of individuals with physical impairments.
