3MAP Lab

Dr. Michael Harris-Love is a Principal Investigator with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System GRECC, and he serves as a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center (CU Anschutz). He has over 20 years of experience in the areas of geriatrics, rheumatology, and exercise science, which include previous clinical appointments at the Mayo Clinic and the NIH Clinical Center. His research expertise in muscle performance is reflected in his previous role as an investigator for protocols at NIAMS, NINDS, NIEHS, the DC VAMC and George Washington University. Dr. Harris-Love currently serves as the Director of the Muscle Morphology, Mechanics, and Performance Laboratory. He is also the Director of the Physical Therapy Program at CU Anschutz and a Fellow of  both the American Physical Therapy Association and the Gerontological Society of America...  (more info)

Ms. Katie Boncella is a Research Assistant in the Muscle Morphology, Mechanics and Performance Laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University, and a Masters degree in Sport and Exercise Science with a concentration in Biomechanics from the University of Northern Colorado.  She is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Bioengineering from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Ms. Boncella has previous research experience as a Research Assistant for the Soft Tissue Mechanics Lab at Colorado State University and the Biomechanics Lab at the University of Northern Colorado. (katie.boncella@cuanschutz.edu)

Jonathan Beausejour is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow within the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System GRECC and the Muscle Morphology, Mechanics and Performance Laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. After obtaining his Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Life University in Atlanta, Georgia, he earned his master’s degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Biomechanics at Auburn University.  Jonathan completed his PhD training at the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he examined neuromuscular and muscle capacity adaptations following resistance training, muscle fatigue, and neuromodulation protocols among athletes, older adults, and other special populations. During his time at UCF, Jonathan has served as an instructor and earned graduate certificates in Advanced Quantitative Methodologies and Anatomical Sciences. His current work involves combining neuromuscular assessments and musculoskeletal imaging techniques to better understand sarcopenic-associated deficits in muscle function among older adults, and further inform clinical interventions designed to improve muscular performance and recovery.

Dustin Oranchuk, PhD, CSCS*D is a Senior Instructor at the University of Colorado and contributes to the Exercise Science course at UCCS. He is also a Professional Research Associate in the Muscle Morphology, Mechanics and Performance Laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Originally from Canada, he earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. He then worked with the Canadian Sport Institute before pursuing a MSc at Adams State, where he served as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist for several NCAA teams. Dustin later became the Head Strength and Conditioning Specialist for the University of Calgary Dino's football team. He completed his PhD training at the Auckland University of Technology with a stint at Victoria University Melbourne where he examined muscle architecture, morphology, and performance changes arising from different contraction types. Afterwards, Dustin worked at Acumen Health with various clinical and athletic populations. Dr. Oranchuk aims to utilize musculoskeletal imaging and functional testing to improve clinical outcomes. 

Micah Brown is a Research Assistant in the Muscle Morphology, Mechanics, and Performance Laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He earned a double Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of Colorado Boulder, along with a certificate in Public Health. He is currently a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and is pursuing the dual Rehabilitation Science PhD Pathway. His research interests include muscle mechanics and morphology, as well as neuromuscular physiology. He aims to advance the use of ultrasound imaging to better characterize changes in muscle morphology and their relationship to muscle function in patient populations with myopathies, peripheral neuropathies, and spinal cord injuries.

Dr. Lauren Van Valkenburgh is a Research Assistant in the Muscle Morphology, Mechanics and Performance Laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  She is a current PhD student in Rehabilitation Science (Advisor, Dr. Mark Manago) at the University of Colorado, Anschutz. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Her clinical experience as a physical therapist includes work with both orthopedic and pelvic health populations. Her research interests include rehabilitative strategies for individuals with bladder and bowel dysfunction and related quality of life factors. She hopes to contribute to the existing body of research on muscle morphology and bladder dysfunction in individuals with neurologic disease.