Merrill Landers is a professor in the department of physical therapy and has been the chair since 2011. He earned a BS in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University, a DPT from Creighton University, and a Ph.D. from UNLV in Biological Sciences (Integrative Physiology with cognates in neurobiology and statistics). He is a licensed physical therapist and an ABPTS Certified Specialist in Orthopedics. He is also a Credentialed Fellowship Graduate of the APTA Education Leadership Institute.

Dr. Landers’ current research interests focus on understanding the physical and psychological factors associated with balance impairment and falls among patients with Parkinson’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment. He is currently exploring the relationship between fear of falling and avoidance behavior, and its downstream consequences. He is also exploring the biological mechanisms of exercise and physical activity as a neuroprotective strategy in Parkinson’s disease and how this is moderated by a single nucleotide polymorphism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Val66Met). He is interested in motor priming using transcranial direct current stimulation to facilitate improved rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Landers has additional interests in vestibulo-ocular reflex function in concussion and orthopedic issues related to the spine.

Additional information can be found on his curriculum vitae.