Dr. Hanks is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology as well as an Affiliate of the Disability Resources and Educational Services and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois. With backgrounds and training in rehabilitation engineering, sport biomechanics, and adapted sports medicine, Dr. Hanks’ primary research interests include shoulder biomechanics and musculoskeletal health and function in manual wheelchair users and wheelchair athletes. Dr. Hanks is an active member of the American Society of Biomechanics and the American Spinal Injury Association as well as a Certified Athletic Trainer with more than 10 years’ experience working with youth, collegiate, and Paralympic athletes. Dr. Hanks earned a BS in Athletic Training from the University of Michigan and an MS in Exercise Science and a PhD in Kinesiology from Auburn University. Dr. Hanks also completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dr. Hanks’ hobbies include spending time with his wife and daughter and their dogs, attending concerts, road trips to visit family, playing basketball, and watching documentaries.

Moon is currently pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics/Motor Control. Her research interests include shoulder biomechanics and the determinants of shoulder pain among manual wheelchair users and developing strategies to improve upper extremity health and overall health-related quality of life in this population. Her work aims to contribute to a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities of all ages can lead physically active and fulfilling lives. In addition to her research, Moon is a Graduate Teaching Assistant with HK 353 – Biomechanics of Human Movement. Moon earned a BS in Sports Medicine from CHA University (South Korea) and an MS in Movement Science from the University of Michigan. In her free time, Moon enjoys playing tennis and badminton, traveling, watching movies, exploring coffee shops, and indulging in video games.

Colleen is currently pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics/Motor Control. Her research interests include bone and soft tissue morphology with a particular interest in identifying and characterizing structural differences in aging adults and special populations. Colleen approaches her clinical research questions leveraging her background as a Certified Athletic Trainer with several years’ experience working primarily with Division I hockey and lacrosse athletes. In addition to her research, Colleen is a Graduate Teaching Assistant with HK 353 – Biomechanics of Human Movement and HK 438 – Mechanisms of Exercise and Sport Injury. Colleen earned a BS in Athletic Training and an MS in Health and Kinesiology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she was a member of the Omaha Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Laboratory and UNO Pitching Laboratory. Colleen is an avid music lover and spends her free time attending concerts, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Ziggy.

Savanna Rudy is currently pursuing a MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics/Motor Control. Savanna has a passion for biomechanics research to develop strategies for injury prevention and hopes to pursue a career in academia or physical therapy working with pediatric and underrepresented groups with disabilities. In addition to her research, Savanna is a Graduate Teaching Assistant with HK 353 – Biomechanics of Human Movement. Originally from Central Illinois, Savanna earned a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she was a member of the Kinesiology Student Association, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, and Women’s Club Volleyball. Savanna enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, traveling, hiking, watching sports, and trying new restaurants with friends. 

Jeremy is currently pursuing a MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics/Motor Control. Jeremy has a passion for research and teaching and hopes to pursue a professional career in academia. In addition to his research, Jeremy is a Graduate Teaching Assistant with HK 250 – Motor Development and Control. Originally from greater Los Angeles, Jeremy earned a BS in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona where he was involved with research exploring interventions to reduce blood glucose levels of sedentary adults. Jeremy enjoys watching movies, rock climbing, and training for and racing in triathlons and other endurance sports. 

Hannah Panchal is currently pursuing a MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics/Motor Control. Hannah has a passion for sport biomechanics research and hopes to pursue a career in human performance coaching working with elite athletes. In addition to her research, Hannah is a Graduate Teaching Assistant with HK 250 – Motor Development and Control. Originally from Upminster, England, Hannah earned a BS in Exercise Science from Lander University in South Carolina where she competed as a student-athlete on the Women’s Tennis team at the Division II level. Outside of her studies, Hannah enjoys going to the gym, playing tennis, and watching sports on TV.