William E. Janes, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L

Bill is an Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Missouri and director of the AT-AT Lab. His research interests include improving the accessibility of customizable assistive technologies, improving AT research practices, and using machine learning to predict and prevent disease progression.

Faculty Page

Curriculum Vitae

Mackenzie Miller, MS
PhD Candidate, Textile and Apparel Management

Mackenzie Miller is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. She is the recipient of the Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. Mackenzie received her Master’s degree from University of Missouri in Textile & Apparel Management in 2023 along with a graduate certificate in Digital Merchandising. Her thesis focused on using 3D garment design software to create garments for people with disabilities. Her current research interests include user-centered design, creating garments for people with disabilities, and using inclusive design practices in the classroom. She also has worked in product development at an adaptive apparel company. 

Halinka Luba
Adaptive Dressing

Halinka is a third-year OTD student working with Mackenzie Miller on expanding adaptive dressing resources. Halinka is currently leading development on the Adaptive Dressing website, preparing grant funding applications, and serves as teaching assistant to an Adaptive Clothing Alterations course at Mizzou.

Juliana Earwood, OTD, OTR/L
Research Coordinator

Juliana is an occupational therapist and research coordinator in the Department of Occupational Therapy at MU. Originally from Augusta, Georgia, she completed a BS in Health Science at Furman University and an OTD at Washington University in St. Louis. Juliana works with individuals with various conditions including ALS, stroke, cancer, and post-COVID syndrome. She is passionate about contributing to the advancement of healthcare through research, innovation, and discovery.  

Sheila Marushak
Research Coordinator

Sheila is a Research Coordinator role in the Occupational Therapy Department; She coordinates an ALSA-funded feasibility study with Dr. Bill Janes entitled, “Passive In-Home and Wearable Sensors for Health Monitoring in ALS” and an R01 with Dr. Rachel Proffitt entitled, “Smart Technology for Aging and Reducing Disability”. Sheila earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mizzou in education with a science emphasis/educational psychology. She has worked for Mizzou since 2005. Health education, leadership development, quality improvement, and legislative advocacy are central themes in her career.

Nathan Dare, OTR/L, PhD
Graduate, Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Science

Nathan Dare is an occupational therapist and graduate of the Health and Rehabilitation Science PhD program at the University of Missouri. He holds a BHS in Health Science (2019) and MOT in Occupational Therapy (2021) from the University of Missouri. His research focuses on supporting families of children with neurodevelopmental conditions through caregiver coaching and health systems evaluation. His work aims to improve access to and the quality of health services for families of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Dr. Dare is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Health Science at the University of Missouri.

Kial-Ann Rasmussen, OTR/L, PhD
Graduate, Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Science

Kial-Ann Rasmussen is an occupational therapist and graduate of the Health and Rehabilitation Science PhD program at the University of Missouri. She holds a BS in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota Duluth (2011) and an MOT from the University of Missouri (2020). Her research focuses on the evaluation and measurement of assistive technology, customized assistive technology fabrication, and the innovative use of 3D printing. Kial-Ann's work aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by improving assistive technology provision. Dr. Rasmussen is currently Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman's University.

Ariana Kian Mehr
Research Assistant

Ariana Kian Mehr is a Mizzou Biomedical Engineering graduate who focused on applying biomechanics to the diverse field of assistive technology. Her primary roles in the AT-AT Lab included developing 3D-printed assistive devices in CAD programs, such as Fusion 360 and Solidworks, and providing technical support for the lab's 3D printers.