Autonomic Rehabilitation Collaborative (ARC) Lab

People

Dr. Soshi Samejima, DPT, PhD
Lab Principal Investigator

Soshi Samejima is an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Dr. Samejima earned his BS in PT degree from Kanazawa University in Japan, and transitional DPT degree from MGH Institute of Health Professionals. He received his PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Washington. He also completed his postdoctoral fellow training mentored by Dr. Andrei Krassioukov at the University of British Columbia, ICORD.

Current Members of Dr. Samejima’s Research Team

Ryo Nakahara, PT, PhD
Postdoctoral scholar

Meet Ryo!

Dr. Ryo Nakahara joins us from Japan as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Washington, following the completion of his PhD in Human Health Sciences at Kyoto University. With a background in physical therapy, his research focuses on promoting functional recovery in conditions such as osteoarthritis and central/peripheral nerve injuries. He is particularly interested in how autonomic function can be improved for individuals with spinal cord injury. Outside of research, he enjoys exploring new cultures, playing sports, and spending time in nature.

Fumihiko Suenaga, MD
Postdoctoral scholar

Meet Fumihiko!

Dr. Fumihiko Suenaga joins the University of Washington as a postdoctoral scholar from Chuzan Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. He began his medical career in gastroenterology before transitioning to rehabilitation medicine and is currently conducting research on spinal cord injury. He is particularly interested in autonomic function, including bowel function and blood pressure regulation, as well as the potential of neuromodulation to improve these functions in individuals with spinal cord injury. Outside of research, he enjoys spending time with his dog.

Ellie Bieler
Research Assistant

Meet Ellie!

Eliana (Ellie) graduated from the University of Washington in 2025 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Neural Computation and Engineering. She has prior research experience in brain-computer interfaces and preclinical spinal cord injury. She is interested in neuroplasticity and the application of emerging technologies to rehabilitation. A fun fact about her is that she attended circus camp as a kid and is still able to juggle.

Alexa de Brouwer
Research Study Coordinator

Meet Alexa!

Originally from Los Angeles, CA., Alexa graduated from the University of Washington in 2026 with a B.S. in Biology. Her research interests include autonomic dysfunction and rehabilitation, as well as neuroplasticity and recovery following spinal cord injury. Through her work in the lab, Alexa is particularly interested in understanding how research of emerging technologies can inform rehabilitation. She hopes to pursue a career in physical therapy, where she can integrate research, clinical practice, and patient-centered care. Outside of lab, Alexa enjoys skiing, backpacking, crocheting, and listening to music. A fun fact about her is that she is a beekeeper of four hives.

Jo Nasson
Research Assistant

Meet Jo!

Sarah Joana (Jo) graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2021 with a BS in Biology, BA in Psychology, and Neuroscience minor. She is excited to start UW’s DPT program in fall 2026 and continue learning about rehabilitation. When she’s not in the lab Jo is listening to music, rock climbing, biking, and loving on her cats.  

Emma Chung
Research Assistant

Meet Emma!

Emma (she/her) is a UW grad (’26) from San Francisco, California. She studied public health in school and is looking forward to physical therapy school. Outside of lab, Emma enjoys getting outside, baking, and crocheting little animals.

Pramati Barath
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Pramati!

Pramati (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student at UW Seattle interested in studying Neuroscience and Biophysiology. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and photography.

Berkeley Smith
DPT Student

Meet Berkeley!

I’m a 2nd-year DPT Student at the University of Washington. I grew up on a small alpaca ranch in Redmond WA, and completed my B.S in Kinesiology at Western Washington University. I have both clinical and research interests in neurological physical therapy. In my free time I enjoy all things football related, playing video games and spending time with family and friends!

Christina Suk
DPT Student

Meet Christina!

Christina is a second-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She was born and raised in Seattle and earned a B.S in Neuroscience from the University of Washington. Outside of school, she enjoys being outdoors and crafting.

Joanna Zhou
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Joanna!

Joanna (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate studying Electrical & Computer Engineering at University of Washington. Her academic interest lies in the field of healthcare engineering with a focus on signal processing and machine learning. Outside the lab, Joanna is a passionate calligraphy artist!

Erik Odderson
MD Student

Meet Erik!

Erik is currently a medical student at Rocky Vista University in Parker, CO. He earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington. Originally from Kirkland, WA, Erik enjoys cycling, hiking, and running (he completed his first marathon this summer!). He plans to pursue a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency and potentially a fellowship – or two!  

Anu Marimuthu
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Anu!

Anu (she/her) is an undergraduate student at the UW Seattle studying biology-physiology and public health. Outside of the realm of rehabilitative medicine, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and making coffee. 

Jaime Beenen
Community Consultant and Researcher

Meet Jaime!

Jaime brings both research experience and lived experience with spinal cord injury to her work and is especially interested in patient-centered research that connects clinical knowledge with the experiences of people living with disabilities. Her interests include pregnancy after spinal cord injury, autonomic function, and improving healthcare experiences for people with disabilities. Outside of research, Jaime enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and disability advocacy.

Ashwika Mattam
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Ashwika!

Ashwika (she/her) is a 2nd-year undergraduate at UW, planning to study Neuroscience. She is interested in exploring neuropharmacology approaches to restore motor/sensory function in SCI patients. Outside of lab, she enjoys painting portraits and classical dance. 

Jackie Boese
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Jackie!

Jackie (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate studying neuroscience at UW. She is especially interested in exploring solutions to dysautonomia. Outside of lab, she works as a barista in Suzzallo Library and enjoys cooking, baking, coloring, and going on walks.

Aditi Malleshachari
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Aditi!

Aditi is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington planning to study neuroscience. She is interested in exploring the effects of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries and the role of neurorehabilitation. She also works as a Behavior Technician, where she enjoys working directly with clients and gaining experience in patient-centered care. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new cafes.

Armaghan Fakhremoghaddam
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Armaghan!

Armaghan (she/her) graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Biology and Psychology. She is passionate about neuroscience, with a particular interest in understanding the nervous system, the effects of neurological injuries, and the mechanisms underlying recovery and rehabilitation. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine while continuing to explore and contribute to the field of neuroscience. Outside of the lab, Armaghan enjoys traveling, playing the piano, and reading mystery novels.

Lab Alumni

Benjamin Aguila
DPT Student

John Williams
DPT Student

Emilee Putsche Young
DPT Student

Samantha McGlothin
DPT Student

Zina Merakov
Undergraduate Researcher

Laura Winston
Undergraduate Researcher

Ishan Nair
Undergraduate Researcher

Jenny Phan
Undergraduate Researcher

Colton Carroll
Undergraduate Researcher

Siddhi Shrivastav
Postdoctoral Scholar

Collaborators of the Lab