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

Ryo Nakahara, PT, PhD
Postdoctoral scholar at University of Washington

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.

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.

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. She is excited to start UW’s DPT program in fall 2026 and continue learning about rehabilitation. When she’s not in the lab Sarah is listening to music, rock climbing, biking, and loving on her cats.  

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.

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.

Zina Merakov
Undergraduate Researcher

Meet Zina!

Zina Merakov is a fourth year undergraduate  on a pre-physical therapy track majoring in Health Studies at UWB. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on long walks, and listening to music.  

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!

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.

Eric Odderson
MD Student

Meet Eric!

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!  

Lab Alumni

Benjamin Aguila
DPT Student

Samantha McGlothin
DPT Student

Emilee Putsche Young
DPT Student

John Williams
DPT Student

Jenny Phan
Undergraduate Researcher

Ishan Nair
Undergraduate Researcher

Laura Winston
Undergraduate Researcher

Collaborators of the Lab