Q&A with health and exercise science assistant professor Neha Lodha

by Marissa Isgreen | May 8, 2017 11:15 AM

Neha Lodha is an assistant professor in CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science, and is also the director of the Laboratory for Movement Neuroscience and Rehabilitation[1]. Lodha graduated with a Bachelor’s of Technology in information and communication engineering from the University of Gandhinagar in India. She then earned her Ph.D. in applied physiology and kinesiology at the University of Florida before completing a postdoctoral fellowship with Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. Learn more about her research interests and why she came to CSU below.

1. [2]What brought you to the Department of Health and Exercise Science at CSU?

I was attracted to the Department of Health and Exercise Science at CSU because of its outstanding and highly balanced approach in teaching, research, and outreach activities. The determining factors in my decision to accept the position at CSU over other universities were the people and culture in the department. I found people were open, supportive, and grounded regardless of whether they were staff, students, or faculty. And, I wanted to be a part of such an environment where work would be fun even though it was challenging.

2. What are your research interests, and how did you get into that topic?

In my lab, we study how the central nervous system controls movement and how disease and aging impair movement. Our goal is to develop rehabilitation interventions to improve driving, walking, and hand function in individuals with stroke and transient ischemic attack.

As an engineering undergraduate, I wanted to use tools and problem-solving skills to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Therefore, I applied to a Ph.D. program in kinesiology where my research focus would be stroke motor recovery. Over the years, I have received excellent training and have thoroughly enjoyed working in this area.

2. What’s your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy is that as teacher my role is to excite and motivate students about the material so that they are willing to learn and explore on their own. I believe that learning occurs as much outside the class as inside. Therefore, I enjoy facilitating learning by bringing together individuals with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds to create self-learning groups.

4. What’s your favorite thing about campus?

My favorite thing is the beautiful view of the mountains regardless of where you are on campus. Often, to recharge myself during the day, I walk outside my office to the open, green areas with a backdrop of mountains.

The Department of Health and Exercise Science is in CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences[3].

Source URL: https://source.colostate.edu/qa-health-exercise-science-assistant-professor-neha-lodha/

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