10/19/2026
Grad Rebel Highlight: Katie Bricarell
Katie Bricarell is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Program at UNLV. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Southwestern University and her master’s degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Biomechanics, from Iowa State University. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Katie taught Kinesiology and health courses both as a teaching assistant and adjunct professor. Her current research focuses on biomechanics, mobility, and rehabilitation for individuals with lower limb amputation. Specifically, her doctoral work examines floor-to-stand recovery in lower limb prosthesis users.
Katie serves as the Project Coordinator for a federally funded Phase I Clinical Trial investigating uneven terrain training for lower limb prosthesis users in the Human Capability Laboratory within the Department of Physical Therapy at UNLV. As a Graduate Research Assistant, she has contributed to a variety of quantitative and qualitative research projects examining mobility, functional assessment, and the lived experiences of lower limb prosthesis users. By the start of her fourth year, Katie had presented her research at 13 national and UNLV research conferences and symposia, including the UNLV Research Forum, American Society of Biomechanics, UNLV Interdisciplinary Research Forum, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, UNLV Health Sciences Research Symposium, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society Annual Meeting, and the American Physical Therapy Association.
In addition to her research, Katie is actively involved in graduate student leadership and mentorship at UNLV. She has mentored and/or supervised 34 students across academic levels and disciplines through research projects and the Graduate Mentoring Excellence, Nurturing Talents, Opportunities, and Resources for Success (MENTORS) program. She has served as a representative in the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) and currently serves as a Grad Rebel Ambassador, where she helps graduate students connect with the wider UNLV community.
