Most recent degree: Masters of Philosophy
Research goals: AI Powered Assistive Technologies
Faculty advisor: Anitha Saravanan
Ph.D. in Health Sciences Cohort
Newest Students
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program welcomed its twelfth cohort on Aug. 14, 2026, at NIU's Naperville campus.
Nine new students, numerous returning students and CHHS faculty and administrators from across the university kicked off the event with dinner. Several alumni of the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program gave presentations about their dissertation research and their journey through the program.
The in-person residency weekend gives students from across the country the chance to meet and develop lasting relationships as they journey through this program together. They also had the opportunity to meet with their advisors in person.
The 2026 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
Student Biographies
Get more information and view member biographies from previous year cohorts.
Most recent degree: MBA at the University of Florida
Research goals: Clinical endpoints in aortic disease treatment, as well as clinical study design in rare pediatric diseases
Faculty advisor: Elizabeth Moxley
Most recent degree: Masters of Science in Biology
Research goals: My long term research goal is to become a Vice Chair of Research within an academic medical center and lead my own research laboratory. I am passionate about developing impactful research programs that advance patient care, mentoring the next generation of researchers and contributing to the strategic growth of clinical and translational research within an academic hospital setting.
Faculty advisor: Kunal Patel
Most recent degree: M.S.ed
Research goals: Clearer exercise prescription for improving bone mineral density and strength in perimenopausal females.
Faculty advisor: Peter Chomentowski and Laura Marinaro
Most recent degree: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Research goals: My research goal is to design and develop an innovative cardiopulmonary rehabilitation device that enhances patient assessment, monitoring, and rehabilitation outcomes. I am interested in integrating biomedical engineering, wearable sensor technology, and evidence-based physical therapy to create cost-effective solutions that improve exercise tolerance, functional capacity, and quality of life for individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Through this research, I aim to translate innovative technologies into practical clinical tools that support personalized rehabilitation and improve patient care.
Faculty advisor: Kunal Patel
Most recent degree: Master's in Health Science
Research goals: Healthcare Education/Interdisciplinary Education or Environmental Determinants of Health
Faculty advisor: Kathryn Mazurek
Contact Us
Ph.D. in Health Sciences
Wirtz Hall 227
815-753-9283
phdhs@niu.edu