PhD graduate Jacquelyn Sertic recently defended her dissertation on Parkinson's disease (PD) research. Her dissertation focused on ankle proprioception (your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location) in aging adults and people with PD. The study showed that individuals with PD who have a deficit of ankle proprioception with early-stage PD tend to have higher rigidity in the leg. This finding has practical implications as it can help clinicians better predict how to direct treatment and physical therapy early on, potentially improving the quality of life for people with PD.
Reflecting on her experience, she commented: "Working with people with Parkinson's disease was a wonderful experience. They were all motivated to help with the research by volunteering their time for the project. They were patient with me and more than willing to share their experiences, which helped interpret some of the more unexpected but interesting findings. One major reason I was interested in Parkinson's disease was because of the supportive and kind community, and in doing the project, I experienced that firsthand."
Dr. Sertic, a beacon of hope in the field of Parkinson's disease research, will continue her academic journey at the University of Minnesota as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Jacqueline Palmer's lab. Her future research plans, which include studying how the cardiovascular system supports the nervous system, hold promise for further understanding and potentially treating PD. Dr. Sertic's commitment to working with people affected by Parkinson's Disease again is a testament to her dedication and the supportive community she has found. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Jacquelyn Sertic on this significant accomplishment, and looking forward to the future of her research.
