People
Natalia Sanchez, PhD
Principal Investigator
Bio:
Natalia Sánchez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the Crean School of Health and Behavioral Sciences and Adjunct faculty at the Fowler School of Engineering at Chapman University. Dr. Sanchez received her BSc in Biomedical Engineering from Universidad EIA-Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia, and her MS and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. After completing her PhD, Dr. Sanchez completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Biokinesiology at the University of Southern California. She then transitioned to research faculty at USC funded by a KL2 award. Dr. Sanchez joined Chapman University in the Fall of 2022. In her free time, Dr. Sanchez enjoys yoga, hiking, pickleball, trivia, watching Bravo and trying new restaurants.
Contact: sanchezaldana at chapman dot edu
Samantha Jeffcoat
Research Assistant
Bio:
Samantha received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science from the University of Arizona in 2022. She joined Chapman in the Spring of 2023. In her free time she enjoys singing, video games, and hanging out with her son/cat named Beans.
Contact: jeffcoat at chapman dot edu
Andrian Kuch, PhD
Post-doctoral Research Fellow
Bio:
Dr. Kuch received his BSc and MS in Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering from Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France. He then completed his PhD at Université de Poitiers, France, where his research topic was Olympic archery (biomechanics and materials science). He joined the Gait Behavior Lab in Fall 2023 as a Postdoctoral Scholar. In his free time, Dr. Kuch enjoys road cycling, watching all kind of sports, TV shows and movies, as well as eating.
Contact: kuch at chapman dot edu
Paloma Pallante, MS
Research Assistant
Paloma received her BS and MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology from California State University, Fullerton in 2019. Currently she is an adjunct professor for the Human Health Development Department at California State University, Fullerton, and the continuing education program at both Rancho Santiago community college and Coastline community college district. She joined the Gait behavior lab as a research assistant in the Summer of 2024. In her free time, Paloma enjoys Yoga, playing guitar, and interior design.
Contact: pallante at chapman dot edu
Rachel Berns
Research Assistant
Rachel recently received her B.S. in Health Sciences from Chapman University in 2024. She partook in research in the Physical Therapy department while in undergrad, and is excited to have joined back in the Gait Behavior Lab as a research assistant as of Summer 2024. In her free time, Rachel enjoys teaching dance classes, seeing musicals, and re-watching old sitcoms.
Contact: rberns at chapman dot edu
Alejandro Aguirre Ramirez
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Bio:
Studying at Chapman University, Alejandro will receive his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in 2026. He runs competitively for the university and enjoys playing board games and listening to soundtracks.
Hailey Hashiguchi
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Bio:
Hailey is a student at Chapman University and will receive her Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Physiology in 2026. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, playing basketball, and reading.
Evan Shrier
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Bio:
Evan will receive his B.S. in Applied Human Physiology in 2027. He has a background and educational emphasis in Sports Medicine. He also runs competitive Track and Field for the University and enjoys all things athletics, fitness, and self-improvement.
Lab Alumni
Adrian Aragon - Undergraduate Research Assistant (2023-2024). BSc Applied Human Physiology