Our Team
Faculty
Dawn Tarabochia, Ph.D.
Director
Associate Professor, Health and Human Development & Gerontology
Dr. Tarabochia’s research interests include the physical and psychosocial dimensions of well-being in older adults. Current projects include psychosocial factors associated with balance recovery and the physical adaptations and psychosocial benefits of physical activity in older adults.
David Graham, Ph.D.
Co-Director
Assistant Professor, Health and Human Development
Dr. Graham's research interests include varied aspects of the neuromechanics of human motion. In particular he is engaged in research related to the balance recovery ability of older adults, movement patterns of individuals with neuromotor deficits, the influence of motor coordination on joint loads, and evaluation of the material properties of muscle and tendon and their relationship to patterns of movement coordination.
Graduate Students
Justin Whitten, MS
Graduate Researcher, Health and Human Development
Justin earned his MS in Exercise Science from Montana State University in 2021 and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Exercise Science with a focus on Motor Control and Biomechanics. His research focuses on the neuromotor factors that influence balance and balance recovery ability as well as the development of balance training programs and the promotion of physical activity for older adults. Outside the lab Justin enjoys practicing muay thai, weight lifting and hiking around Montana.
[email protected]
Bryant Oleary
Graduate Researcher, Health and Human Development
Bryant is a native Montanan and current master’s student at MSU. His research focuses on healthy aging in older adults. Specifically, helping older adults maintain independence and mobility as well as the role of nutrition during aging.Bryant has spent time working with older adults in several communities as a fitness instructor most recently Missoula, MT. Bryant is an avid outdoor recreator and you can find him out enjoying the various trails, lakes, and peaks of Montana.
Dakota Peart
Graduate Researcher, Health and Human Development
Dakota earned his B.S. in Microbiology from Montana State in 2020 and is currently working on his Master’s in Exercise Science. His research is focused on exploring the effects of balance training on the joints of the lower body. Dakota is currently applying to medical schools and hopes to eventually practice orthopedics. Outside of school Dakota works with older adults in an assisted living facility and enjoys skiing, working on cars, and exploring trails around Montana.