F
aculty
Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Principal Investigator
Dr. Sarah Kraeutner
Hometown
Mashhad, Iran
Awards
UBC Okanagan Postdoctoral Fellowship
Please describe your research.
My research focuses on how the healthy nervous system controls our actions, aiming to uncover the underlying neural and behavioral processes that govern goal-directed movements in humans. During my graduate studies, I used robotics and virtual reality environments to manipulate human perception and examine how we adapt. In my postdoctoral fellowship, I will apply this expertise to transform stroke rehabilitation in the Okanagan by creating a hybrid program—combining at-home and in-lab training—to enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors and improve access to rehabilitation services.
We perform goal-directed actions every day—often without thinking about them. In the past few minutes, I’ve reached to open my computer, grab my water bottle, or check my phone. We rarely consider the importance of these simple movements until something goes wrong, whether due to neurological disorders or brain injuries. This fundamental aspect of human movement has always fascinated me. I was driven to first understand how the nervous system controls our actions, so I could eventually apply this knowledge to clinical populations.
The inspiration for my research is deeply personal. My paternal grandfather, Soleyman, was the most playful and fun-loving figure throughout my childhood. Although he managed diabetes for many years, it was only in the final years of his life that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—something his doctors had struggled to identify. Back then (~25 years ago), diagnosing Parkinson’s was far more challenging. I am inspired by Soleyman’s life and by the progress science has made in understanding Parkinson’s and other motor disorders. Being part of this ongoing scientific endeavor fills me with purpose and hope.
Why did you decide to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship?
While my research so far has focused on studying healthy populations, I’ve always wanted to apply the same principles to clinical settings and use them to help people. My work with Dr. Kraeutner will give me the opportunity to explore goal-driven learning and motor control in individuals who have experienced significant impairments due to stroke. This research will also allow me to contribute to rehabilitation programs aimed at improving their quality of life.
One question I’ve never had the chance to investigate is how motivation and engagement impact learning. Through our study, we aim to explore this within stroke rehabilitation. By incorporating gamification, we hope to enhance patient engagement in their recovery process, leading to faster and more effective outcomes. An added benefit of our approach is that the game can be used both with and without supervision, enabling patients to practice at home rather than traveling long distances across the Okanagan to attend a clinic.
All of this excites me, and I’m really looking forward to my time as a postdoctoral fellow!
Why did you choose to come to UBC Okanagan and study?
UBC Okanagan and Dr. Sarah Kraeutner’s lab foster a collaborative environment that supports innovative research making it the ideal place for my postdoctoral work. My project focuses on improving stroke rehabilitation outcomes, particularly addressing the challenge of accessibility to rehabilitation services in the Okanagan’s large catchment area. Dr. Kraeutner shares this goal, and together, we aim to develop and test a hybrid rehabilitation model that combines at-home and in-lab training. With her expertise and the lab’s existing infrastructure, I am confident this project will have a meaningful impact.
Where do you think your research will take you next?
My long-term goal is to become a professor, teach at a university, and lead my own research group. This postdoctoral experience will be instrumental in helping me achieve that by expanding my research expertise and providing access to mentorship, collaborative networks, and professional development opportunities.
What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
I love playing volleyball, running half marathons, and competing in Ironman races. I also enjoy camping, traveling, and exploring new cuisines. Plus, I’m a big dog lover!