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Abbie Ferris, Ph.D.

Abbie Ferris, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Laboratory Director

Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics
College of Natural and Health Sciences

Contact Information

Phone
970-351-1238
Office
Gunter 2640
Mailing Address
University of Northern Colorado
School of Sport and Exercise Science
Campus Box 39
Greeley, CO 80639

Education

2015 – Ph.D., University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

2009 – M.S., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

2004 – M.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA

2001 – B.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA

Professional/Academic Experience

2012- 2015
University of Northern Colorado – Greeley, CO
Research Assistant
2010 – 2012
Center for the Intrepid, Military Performance Lab, Fort Sam Houston - San Antonio, TX
Research Associate

Research/Areas of Interest

Abbie’s research motivation is to better understand amputee gait and improve functional ability. Currently she is investigating the biomechanical effects of various socket suspension techniques in individuals with lower limb amputation.   Specifically, she is interested in functional outcomes of these devices and how they may alter loading and gait.

Recently, Dr. Ferris has begun investigating the use of cannabis and its possible effects on gait, balance, and functional ability in adults. As cannabis has been fairly recently legalized, it has opened opportunities for investigation previously closed to researchers. While the majority of research has been focused on the physiologic changes, little research has been performed on the biomechanical effects use may trigger. The primary focus is to identify if acute Cannabis usage affects gait in users vs non-users. In particular, she is investigating kinematics and kinetics of gait in both groups as well as dynamic and static balance changes.

Publications/Creative Works