OUR TEAM

Dr. Dan White |  Principal Investigator, Director

Associate Professor, University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy

dkw@udel.edu

Daniel K. White is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware.  Dr. White received his Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, M.S. in Physical Therapy, and Sc.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences from Boston University. He completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Boston University School of Public Health and earned a M.S. in Epidemiology from the Boston University School of Public Health 2013.

Dan is the Director of the Delaware ACTIVE Lab, which focuses on the study of free-living behaviors in the home and community environment and how these behaviors benefit health.  The goal of the lab is to develop clinically feasible and practical ways to increase physical activity in older adults, in people with arthritis, and people after total joint replacement.  Dr. White is an Associate Editor for Arthritis Care and Research, and an active member in the American Physical Therapy Association. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Rheumatology Research Foundation.

Go Back to Our Team

Research Coordinator

Jennifer Copson

jhaight@udel.edu

Jennifer brings a decade of experience as a science and engineering educator to her role as the research coordinator for the ACTIVE Lab.  She earned a Master of Arts (MA) from Wilmington University in Secondary Education.  From the University of Delaware she earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology and a Master of Science (MS) in Biomechanics, where her work focused primarily on the effect of movement and loading direction on scapulothoracic orientation.  Jennifer is interested in community outreach programs and has led several diversity initiatives to increase underrepresented populations in the STEM field.  She enjoys the varying responsibilities of this position which include engaging with diverse audiences, creating project timelines, and preparing regulatory documents.  In her spare time, Jennifer is busy being a citizen scientist or enjoying some time on the golf course.

Go Back to Our Team

Jason Jakiela | Postdoctoral Fellow
Jason is a postdoctoral researcher in the Delaware ACTIVE Lab. He received his PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science from the University of Delaware in 2023, his MS in Health & Exercise Science from Wake Forest University in 2015, and his BS in Health Sciences from Furman University in 2013. He previously worked for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as a project coordinator in a biomechanics lab before coming to the University of Delaware in 2018. Jason’s dissertation work focused on the relationship between stair climbing behaviors and risk of developing future poor health outcomes in adults with knee OA. His research interests broadly encompass exploring the relationship of free living behaviors, namely physical activity and sedentary behaviors, with health outcomes such as physical function and quality of life in older adults and adults with knee OA.

Go Back to Our Team

Thomas Bye
Thomas is a second-year Ph.D. student at the University of Delaware (UD). He received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2018 and his Masters of Science in Kinesiology in 2019 from Michigan Technological University (MTU) focusing on respiratory muscle fatigue, bioenergetics, biomechanics, and space physiology. You may see him treating patients in the UD Physical Therapy clinic where he is a physical therapist or around the STAR campus researching physical activity/exercise, sedentary behavior, and osteoarthritis (OA) health outcomes related to function and performance. His long-term research goal is to bring knowledge to action in the clinical setting improving evidence-based practice and outcomes for patients. He enjoys the camaraderie and the work the ACTIVE Lab performs. Interestingly, Thomas competed for MTU and Team USA in Nordic skiing and enjoys visiting breweries, skiing, running, and backpacking in the outdoors with his family, friends, and dog.

Go Back to Our Team

Sydney Liles
Sydney is a first-year PhD student at the University of Delaware (UD). With a Bachelor’s degree from The College of William and Mary in 2020 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware in 2023, she possesses a solid academic foundation and a deep understanding of patient care. Her current focus centers on treating patients at the UDPT clinic while conducting research on physical activity and health related outcomes in adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Driven by a passion for improving long-term outcomes, her ultimate goal is to expand knowledge about the benefits of physical therapy and physical activity levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In her leisure time, she indulges in outdoor adventures, engages in creative hobbies like crochet and baking, and cherishes quality moments with loved ones. With her dedication, expertise, and diverse interests, Sydney is a valuable asset to the ACTIVE lab, committed to advancing the field and making a positive impact on individuals’ lives.

Go Back to Our Team

DPT Students

Andrea Rose 
Andrea is currently a second year DPT student at the University of Delaware. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Taylor University in 2021. She worked as a Physical Therapy Aide for a year before deciding to pursue the career further. Andrea also worked as a personal trainer and health educator for diabetes prevention during her undergrad which instilled a passion for movement and exercise as medicine. She loves learning more about this via research with the ACTIVE lab. In her free time, Andrea enjoys trail running and cooking/baking!

Go Back to Our Team

Alumni

Past PhD Students
Jéssica Bianca Aily
Meredith Christensen
Hiral Master

Past Post Doc 
Louise Thoma
Dana Voinier

Lab Manager
Lauren Neely

Clinical Liasion
Dr. Laura Schmitt