People

Research Team

Meet our research team! If you are interested in joining our lab or collaborating on a project, please contact Colum MacKinnon to discuss possible opportunities.

Colum MacKinnon, PhD

Principal Investigator, Movement Disorders Laboratory

Professor, Department of Neurology

Colum MacKinnon received his PhD in Physiology from the University of Toronto and did postdoctoral training in neurophysiology and movement disorders at University College London. He was a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern University for 10 years and is now Professor of Neurology, Fellow in the Institute of Translational Neuroscience, and the Director of the Movement Disorders Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. This laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanisms contributing to impaired movement control in people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The laboratory uses motion capture, neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to examine the cortical, subcortical and spinal mechanisms contributing to movement impairment. The Movement Disorders Laboratory is part of the University of Minnesota Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research. In his spare time, Colum is an avid cyclist, nordic skier and aspiring Scottish highland bagpiper.

cmackinn@umn.edu

Sommer Amundsen Huffmaster, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology

Sommer received her B.S in dance and engineering with a mechanical emphasis from Hope College, Holland, MI in 2007 and her PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS in 2013. After a post-doc in the MDL, she stayed on as a research associate. Sommer's research interests include applying engineering principles to analyze human movement (biomechanics), and looking at how treatments can modify the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Sommer needs time outdoors, so in the winter she cross-country skis, and in the summer she hikes and paddles a kayak around a bit.

slamunds@umn.edu

Kristin Garland, MA, OTR/L

Clinical Research Coordinator

Kristin received her B.A. in Communication Studies from Gustavus Adolphus College. After completing her M.A. in Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota in 2011, she spent a year in Norway conducting research with the Norwegian Olympic Committee as part of a Fulbright grant. Kristin’s passion for promoting the health and well-being of others led to her pursuing an M.A. in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University. In her role as an Occupational Therapist, Kristin works one-on-one with patients to promote independence and engagement in meaningful activities using evidence-based practices. Kristin is passionate about promoting research to improve and strengthen best practices across the healthcare spectrum. Kristin is currently coordinating the SPARX3 exercise study for the lab. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, spending time in nature, and being physically active.

garl0038@umn.edu

Yoon Jin Choi, PT, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate

Yoonjin earned her B.S. in physical therapy and M.S. in rehabilitation science from Korea University, Seoul, South Korea. She earned her Ph.D. in Biobehavioral Science from the University of Florida, Gainesville. Yoonjin’s focus was on studying the mechanisms affecting motor control (i.e. gait and balance) in individuals suffering from neurological disorders such as essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. She enjoys watching movies, hiking, and spending time with friends.

yjchoi@umn.edu

Emily Lecy, BA

PhD Student, Graduate Program in Neuroscience

Emily received her B.A. in biology and Spanish from St. Olaf College in 2019. She is currently a PhD student in the Graduate Program in Neuroscience. Emily is interested in motor neuroscience, with a focus on neuromodulation. In her free time, Emily enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors with her dog and running.

elecy@umn.edu

Madison Aasen, MS

Clinical Research Coordinator

Madison received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from South Dakota State University in 2019 before moving to Denver to pursue her Master’s in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Northern Colorado, which she completed in 2021. After graduation, she worked in Neuropsychology at Anschutz Medical Campus, where she provided neuropsychological testing to patients. Recently, Madison relocated to Minnesota, to be closer to family and to get back to her Midwest roots. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her fiancé and dog. Passionate about the connection between psychology, health, and well-being, Madison also loves reading, staying active, and cherishing time with family.

aasen056@umn.edu

Jae Woo Chung, PhD

Research Associate

Jae earned his B.S. in physical education and M.S. in motor control and learning from Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea. He pursued a Ph.D. in biobehavioral science at the University of Florida and underwent postdoctoral training in neurophysiology and neuroimaging at the University of Minnesota and the University of Delaware. His primary focus is on investigating multi-modal non-invasive neuroimaging indicators of movement disorders and their progression. He is also dedicated to examining the feasibility of employing neuroimaging as an evaluative tool in clinical trials for therapies aimed at modifying diseases. Beyond his academic pursuits, Jae Woo enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, wakeboarding, and snowboarding.

jwchung@umn.edu

Callen Maupin, PT, DPT

PhD Student, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Callen is a rehab science PhD student researching neuronal control of postural axial musculature. As a physical therapist, he is interested in understanding how lesions in the cerebrum and basal ganglia lead to postural instability and axial rigidity with the goal of improving rehabilitation therapies and noninvasive brain stimulation technologies. Callen is originally from Nebraska and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney before moving to Minnesota to participate in the dual DPT/PhD program at the University of Minnesota. He enjoys playing all varieties of games from spikeball, tennis, and pickleball to Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Cribbage.

maupi025@umn.edu