Team

Jocelyn F. Hafer, PhD

Principle Investigator

Before coming to UD in 2019, Dr. Hafer completed a PhD in kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a postdoc in kinesiology at the University of Michigan. Prior to that, she earned a BS in physiology at Michigan State University and completed an MA in applied exercise physiology at Columbia University Teacher’s College while working as a research technician in the Leon Root, MD Motion Analysis Laboratory at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Hafer’s research interests center around identifying biomechanical and physiological factors that affect gait function and joint health, particularly in aging and knee osteoarthritis. When not thinking about science, she enjoys running, hiking, and eating good food.

Julien Mihy, MS

BIOMS PhD Student

Julien is a current graduate student in the Biomechanics and Movement Science (BIOMS) program. Julien earned his B.S. and M.S. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences. He completed his thesis entitled, “Does Wearing Multiple Pairs of Shoes Influence Injury Rates?” under the supervision of Dr. Julia Freedman Silvernail. Julien’s research interests include training related variables that may lead to injuries in runners and wearable technology to measure these variables outside of the lab.

Mayumi Wagatsuma, MS

BIOMS PhD Student

Mayumi is a graduate student in the Biomechanics and Movement Science (BIOMS) program. She received her B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University, Long Beach, and her M.S. in Kinesiology with the Adapted Physical Activity option from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Her Master’s thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Taeyou Jung focused on the relationship between muscular strength and balance in people post-stroke. She also worked as a lecturer and research coordinator at the Center of Achievement at CSUN. Her research interest is exploring the role of muscular function and gait biomechanics in the elderly population and individuals with movement disorders. During her free time, Mayumi likes to play sports, especially volleyball, camping, and finding food that makes her smile.

Fany Alvarado, MS

BIOMS PhD Student

Fany is a graduate student working in the Biomechanics and Movement Science (BIOMS) program. Fany received her B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University, Northridge and her M.S. in Kinesiology with an option in Sports Medicine and Injury Studies from California State University, Long Beach. Fany completed her Master’s thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin Valenzuela, which focused on the effects of percussive therapy on athletic performance and passive range of motion. Her research interests include exploring biomechanical factors that affect joint health and function. On her free time, Fany likes to explore the outdoors, go on walks with her dog, and finding great food places.

Millissia Murro, MS

BIOMS PhD Student

Millissia is a current graduate student in the Biomechanics and Movement Science (BIOMS) program at the University of Delaware. Millissia earned her B.S. and M.S. in Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University. She completed her thesis titled “An Examination of Hip Muscle Activation in those with Hip- Related Groin Pain during Single-Legged and Double-Legged Squats” under the supervision of Drs. Jean McCrory and Kate Jochimsen. Her current research interest is understanding the various biomechanical factors that influence the potential progression and improvement of symptoms in clinical populations, i.e. knee osteoarthritis. In her free time, Millissia enjoys cooking, hiking, and playing with her dog Raina.

Jenna Mlecko

Physical Therapy Student

Jenna is a graduate student in the Physical Therapy Program. She received her B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Delaware. As an undergraduate student, Jenna worked on activity recognition using wearable sensors and researched stair walking in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and drawing.

Grace Chesley

Undergraduate Student

Grace is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She is a member of the Exercise Science club, as well as a member of the Delta Delta Delta Panhellenic sorority. Grace plans to continue her education by attaining a master’s degree in physiology, or a related area. Outside of the lab, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and running marathons.

Andrew Gorski

Undergraduate Student

Andrew is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sports Health. After graduation, he hopes to continue his education by pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy. He is a brother of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and he is a representative for the UDance Dance Marathon. Andrew is most interested in exploring the patterns linked to gait and mobility as it relates to increased age and high frequencies of illness. Outside of the lab, Andrew enjoys working out, listening to music, watching new movies or TV shows, and viewing live sporting events and theatre performances.

Kathleen Downs

Undergraduate Student

Kathleen is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in strength and conditioning. After graduation, Kathleen is interested in pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is a member of the Pi Beta Phi Panhellenic sorority and a member of the UD club track and Field team. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing sports, weightlifting, cooking, and listening to music.

Former Undergraduate Assistants

Andrew Hunt, 2020-2021
Kelly Young, 2020-2021
Satvika Kadiyala, 2020-2021
Fern Argudo, 2021-2022
Ryan O’Neill, 2022-2023
Kate Menzer, 2023 INBRE Summer Scholar

Team Collaborators