Autonomic Rehabilitation and 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

Siddhi Shrivastav, PhD
Postdoctoral scholar at University of Washington

Meet Siddhi!

Siddhi received her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Washington after achieving a B.S. in Physiotherapy at Maharashtra Institute of Health Sciences and M.S. in Health and Rehabilitation at University of Pittsburgh.

Siddhi’s research focuses on using neurotechnology to improve the quality of life for individuals with limited mobility, particularly those with spinal cord injuries. She explores how spinal cord stimulation impacts gait and autonomic function, blending quantitative measurements with qualitative insights. By using mixed methods, Siddhi aims to examine how people’s self-perceptions of their recovery align with objective changes in their physical abilities. Her work aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and the personal experiences of those undergoing rehabilitation, advancing both scientific understanding and patient-centered care.

Outside of work, Siddhi is passionate about exploring the outdoors, where she captures the beauty of nature through photography. At home, she enjoys baking for friends and family and engaging in strategic board games.

Ryo Nakahara, PT, PhD

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.

Sarah Nasson
Research Study Coordinator I

Meet Sarah!

Sarah graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2021 with a BS in Biology, BA in Psychology, and Neuroscience minor. After working in a wet lab using mouse models to study neuroimmunology of the gut, she transitioned to clinical research and started working with kids. When she’s not in the lab Sarah is coaching recreational gymnastics, rock climbing, biking, and loving on her cats.  

John Williams
DPT candidate

Meet John!

John is a 2nd-year DPT Student studying at the University of Washington. He has a BS in Biology (Physiology) also from the University of Washington. He was born in the Seattle area and has lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of his life. His hobbies include cooking, hiking, and playing a variety of sports. He hopes to learn more about neurological rehabilitation and the newer modalities used in the lab to inform and improve clinical practice in his future career as a PT.

Benjamin Aguila
DPT Candidate

Meet Ben!

Benjamin (Ben) is a second-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He is originally from Gilbert, Arizona and earned a B.S. in Exercise Science and a B.A. in Spanish from Northern Arizona University. Ben enjoys running outdoors as well as playing soccer, tennis, and disc golf. He plans to pursue a career in sports physical therapy.

Emilee Putsche Young
DPT Candidate

Samantha McGlothin
DPT Candidate

Meet Samantha!

Samantha (Sam) is a second-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Originally from Georgetown, Colorado, a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, she earned her B.S. in Exercise Science from Georgia State University and also holds an A.S. in Welding Technology. Sam’s research interests span physiology, biomechanics, and pelvic health.

Emma Chung
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Emma!

Emma (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate from San Francisco, California. She is studying public health on a pre-physical therapy track. Outside of school and 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.

Joanna Zhou
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Joanna!

Joanna (she/her)! is an undergraduate researcher here at Samejima Lab as a sophomore majoring in Electrical & Computer Engineering. Her academic interest lies in the field of healthcare engineering, particularly medical device development and signal processing, working toward an ambitious goal: to address health challenges through engineering. Her hometown is Shanghai, China (Yes, she’s an international student!) Outside the lab, Joanna a passionate calligraphy artist.

Ellie Bieler
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Ellie!

Eliana (AKA Ellie) (she/her) is an undergraduate in the class of 2025 at the University of Washington where she is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Neural Computation and Engineering. She is interested in neuroplasticity and the application of neurotechnology to rehabilitation. A fun fact about her is that she went to an after-school circus class when she was younger, and is still able to juggle.

Colton Carroll
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Colton!

Colton (he/him) is a 2nd year undergrad studying Computer Engineering. Colton grew up in Bothell, WA and his hobbies include cooking, playing sports, hiking, and building computers and electronics. He is currently helping research the effects of electrical stimulation on the cardiovascular system in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Collaborators of the Lab