MGH Institute of Health Professions researcher Teresa Jacobson Kimberley, PhD, PT, FAPTA, has received the 2022 American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Neurology Excellence in Neurologic Research Award. 

Dr. Kimberley, a professor of physical therapy and director of the Brain Recovery Lab at the Boston graduate school, accepted the award at the association’s Combined Sections Meeting in San Antonio, TX. The annual award is presented to a member of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) who demonstrates continuing excellence in research related to neurologic physical therapy science, theory, practice, or education.  

“Dr. Kimberley is an exemplary researcher who has contributed significant knowledge to the field including improving our understanding of neuroplasticity and being a leader in using neuromodulation approaches,” Patrick Sparto, the ANPT’s director of research, told the audience in presenting the award. “She is funded by the NIH, foundations, and industry partners, showing the breadth of her work, and has consistently published in high-impact journals. Dr. Kimberley also mentors the next generation of researchers through mentorship at the Training in Grantsmanship for Rehabilitation Research workshop and advising of mentees in her research program.” 

The Brain Recovery Lab run by Dr. Kimberley, who joined the IHP in 2017, focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of motor impairment and developing novel rehabilitation interventions for neurologic disorders, such as dystonia and stroke. Her research helped to pioneer the use of neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation in the investigation of rehabilitation-related areas. The interdisciplinary and collaborative work she does is reflected in her appointments as research staff at Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Neurology, and as core faculty in the Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery.  

Her work is currently supported by over $2 million in NIH awards. She serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy and is on the editorial board of the Physical Therapy Journal and directs the IHP’s PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program.