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

Kial-Ann Rasmussen, OTR/L
PhD Candidate, Rehabilitation Science

Kial-Ann Rasmussen is an occupational therapist and a 4th-year PhD candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Science 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.

Nathan Dare, OTR/L
PhD Candidate, Rehabilitation Science

Nathan Dare is an occupational therapist and 4th-year PhD Candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Science 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.

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. 

Em Burke
Adaptive Gaming

Em Burke is a second year occupational therapy doctorate student from Cuba Missouri. Em has a background in pediatric rehabilitation and has always enjoyed playing video games, so Em is very excited to be part of the adaptive gaming research.  

Hallie Comer
GoBabyGo

Hallie Comer is a second-year OTD student from Columbia, MO. She has an interest in pediatric early mobility and social participation related to activity. She is in the first stages of research working with GoBabyGo and is very excited.

Maddie Croy
GoBabyGo

Maddie Croy is a second year OTD student at the University of Missouri and part of the GoBabyGo research team. Her interests include pediatrics, early mobility interventions, and aiding children and their families during various transitional periods throughout childhood and adolescence. 

Erin Delmore
Adaptive Dressing

Erin Delmore is a 3rd year Occupational Therapy Doctorate student at the University of Missouri.  She is currently working on her capstone project focusing on compiling and creating resources related to adaptive dressing for both practitioners and people living with disabilities. 

Rachel Fagan
Adaptive Gaming

Rachel is a 4th year occupational therapy student with a passion for adaptive gaming. Since her first year in the program, she has been actively involved in this field. For her doctoral capstone project, she is spearheading the creation of a new Adaptive Gaming Program at Mizzou, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing accessibility and inclusion in gaming. 

Lindsay Friker
Adaptive Dressing

Lindsay is currently a second-year occupational therapy student working with Halinka Luba on adaptive clothing research addressing sensory processing needs. The research is aimed at the individual's participation in daily activities and overall quality of life. 

Jenna Jadlot
GoBabyGo

Jenna is a third-year occupational therapy student who has worked with GoBabyGo this past year addressing the gaps in practice surrounding comprehensive assessments for GoBabyGo. She is now getting ready to start her doctoral capstone experience with Dr. Janes, creating and providing build guides that can be used by practitioners throughout the nation. 

Annie Lakin
GoBabyGo

Annie is a third year occupational therapy student who has been involved with GoBabyGo throughout her time at Mizzou. Annie previously participated in research to further improve assessments for GBG, and currently is working with Dr. Janes for her Doctoral Capstone project that will address GBG Connect! 

Savannah Lofland
GoBabyGo

Savannah Lofland is a 2nd year OTD student from Houston, Texas. Savannah has experience working in pediatrics and has a passion for helping children explore their independence.

Halinka Luba
Adaptive Dressing

Halinka is currently a second-year student working in collaboration with Lindsay (another second-year) on expanding adaptive dressing resources. Specifically, their current research is aimed at finding clothes that fit the needs of those with sensory processing differences.

Valerie Pham
Adaptive Dressing

Valerie is a third-year occupational therapy doctoral student interested in helping to improve independence in dressing for individuals of all abilities. She is currently working on her doctoral capstone project focusing on developing a comprehensive dressing resource for children with disabilities and their families.

Hope Sponsel
Adaptive Gaming

Hope is an occupational therapy doctoral student interested in working with a variety of adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Her interests include introducing adaptive gaming options as a leisure activity for these individuals. 

Andrew Tegethoff
Adaptive Gaming

Andrew is a 3rd year OT student who has been involved in the Adaptive Gaming Program since his 1st year. He plans to build upon it for his upcoming capstone project.  He has a passion for adaptive technology with a background in repairing electronics and hopes to bring these passions to promote accessibility and inclusion to gamers of the University. 

Skylar Walk
GoBabyGo

Skylar is currently a third-year Occupational Therapy student working with GoBabyGo (GBG) on gaining information regarding assessment in GBG and developing an assessment battery. This research is aimed to address gaps in the literature around GBG and gaining perspectives of rehab professionals involved with GBG.

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.

Zachary Selby
Software Support Analyst - Specialist

Ronald Nelson
Designer, Database Designer

Ron Nelson is a professional maker focused on embedded software and hardware development to assist those who require non-standard devices for daily life. From Adaptive Gaming Controllers to Custom Technology Modification, he has a wide range of ATech interests. He brings a range of technical skills, including programming, 3D modeling, and product development to multidisciplinary teams.

Ariana Kian Mehr
Research Assistant

Ariana Kian Mehr is a senior biomedical engineering student focused on applying biomechanics to the diverse field of assistive technology. Her primary roles include developing 3D-printed assistive devices in CAD programs, such as Fusion 360 and Solidworks, and providing technical support for the lab's 3D printers.