Current PhD Students
Katelyn Combs, PT, DPT
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
Education:
- Wilmington College (2018) - BS, Athletic Training
- Baylor University (2020) - DPT, Physical Therapy
Faculty Mentor:
Research Interest(s):
- Physical therapy interventions to improve infant breastfeeding
- Gait training in children with cerebral palsy
Joshua Godfrey, PT, DPT
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
Education:
- Clemson University (2010) - BS, Civil Engineering
- Baylor University (2019) - DPT, Physical Therapy
Faculty Mentor:
Research Interest(s):
- Quantitative assessment of muscle properties using Myotonometry
- Identification and mitigation of risk factors associated with shoulder injuries
- Integration of health, wellness, and fitness principles into routine physical therapy practice
- Hybrid Educational Models
Hope Padgett PT, DPT
Board Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
Current Project(s):
Dr. Padgett is investigating novel measurements of pelvic floor muscle tone, and its effects on pelvic pain and function. She is working as a Graduate Assistant with Dr. Laurel Proulx and Dr. Shane Koppenhaver on a grant with the Department of Defense looking at different treatment strategies for female active-duty military members with pelvic pain. She is examining the reliability and validity of shear wave elastography and myotonometry for superficial pelvic floor muscles that are key factors in pelvic organ support and female sexual function. She is also using B mode ultrasound to examine the effects of vaginal support devices on pelvic floor anatomy and function during increased intra-abdominal pressure, to better understand the functional changes on pelvic floor anatomy with wearable pelvic organ support devices during exercise.
Education:
- North Carolina State University (2016) - BS, Human Biology and Sports Science
- Baylor University (2019) - DPT, Physical Therapy
Faculty Mentor:
Research Interest(s):
- Functional Pelvic Floor Muscle Anatomy
- Ultrasound imaging of the Pelvic Floor
- Female Sexual Function
- Exercise and the Pelvic Floor
Nick Young, PT, DPT, CSCS
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
Education:
- Texas Tech University (2021) - BS, Kinesiology
- Baylor University (2023) - DPT, Physical Therapy
- University of North Dakota (2025) - Sports Physical Therapy Resident
Faculty Mentor:
Research Interest(s):
- Return to sport testing for athletes with chronic ankle instability
- Optimizing rehabilitation and performance through load monitoring systems
- Psychological readiness assessments for athletes
